Cover Story

Summer Fun
Edited by Nora O’Donnell and Jennifer Tanaka
After what felt like the longest winter since the dawn of Tom Skilling, we hardly need a reason to peel off the layers and get out there. So, how about 120 reasons? Something for everyone

Chicago Straight
by David Bernstein
The arrest of Rod Blagojevich in December turned the spotlight on the tangled web of connections among the disgraced governor, Barack Obama, Rahm Emanuel, and David Axelrod.

The Queen of Arts
by Marcia Froelke Coburn
Muriel Newman, who died last summer at 94, was a collector of exceptional paintings, fabulous fashions, and terrific tales.

The President’s ’Hood
by Christopher Benson
Chicago’s Hyde Park has hosted a world’s fair, nurtured a great university, pioneered urban renewal, and served as both home and crucible for Barack Obama.

Departments

Arena
PAGE TWO Blago’s Senate-seat derby; Obama just can’t get home. ARTS & CULTURE Architect-of-the-moment Jackie Koo strikes on North State Street; The Blip gets its flirt on; inside EveryBlock: Is the future of journalism what’s happening on your street?; Twista, that lightning fast rapper, starts a record label; Tortoise puts out a new album; a filmmaker who nearly died trying to capture the work of Louis Sullivan. Plus: New books MONEY Recessions mean bargains and consumer tax breaks. STYLE Put some personality into your big day with one of our five atypical weddings for Chicago brides. Plus: The Modern Shop

Events
The Green Awards rocked the Shedd.

Table
Lula Café’s talented chefs head south; five fast-casual standouts; the hottest spots now

Cheers
by Kate Schwartz Seamons
Menu aside, there’s nothing cheesy about The Ward.

Reporter
by Josh Schollmeyer
Meet the creative impresario behind WCIU and Me-TV.

Checkbook
by Robert Krughoff
Broken AC? Chill out. Here are 28 top spots for repair.

Deal Estate®
by Dennis Rodkin
Two North Shore mansions and city and suburban condos

The Closer
by Jeff Ruby
The denizens of the lakefront path and the clashes between their tribes

Chicago Guide®
Is success in the cards for Up? We consult a psychic; plus, critics’ top picks for June

Restaurants
The Publican enters the listings at two and a half stars; Marigold slips.

In Every Issue

Feedback

Contributors

Classifieds