News Analysis with Carol Marin
Judy Baar Topinka not only lost her bid for governor, the Republican party also lost its only constitutional officer seat in the state. In the wake of the Democratic sweep, what is the state of the state's Republican party? Carol Marin and her panel look at the future for the Illinois GOP. Guests: State Representative Brent Hassert, Paul Caprio, Greg Baise

Heart Doctor
Researchers can now use stem cells to build brand new heart valves. This and other new studies are being discussed in Chicago this week at an annual American Heart Association conference. We'll talk with Dr. Robert Bonow who's been closely following the important news coming out of the conference.

Soup Kitchen
Imagine a soup kitchen whose goal is to never serve soup again. The Good News Community Kitchen on Chicago's far north side is busier than ever this season. We'll hear about their goal of ending hunger in Chicago. For more information or to volunteer, contact Marilyn Pagan-Banks at (773) 262-2297 or [email protected].

Holiday Book Bash
Christmas is still more than a month away but you may already be thinking of holiday presents. If books are on your list, you may be able to do some early shopping tomorrow night at the Chicago Headline Club's Holiday Book Bash. This event brings together 30 Chicago authors who will be selling their books and mingling with readers over dinner. Three of those authors join us tonight: Josh Karp, author of A Futile and Stupid Gesture: How Doug Kenney and National Lampoon Changed Comedy Forever; Elaine Soloway, author of The Division Street Princess; and Jonathan Black, author of Yes You Can! The Motivation Biz and the Help-Me Generation

Josh Karp recommends:
Spy: the Funny Years by Kurt Andersen, Graydon Carter, George Kalogerakis
Sweet and Low by Rich Cohen
The Way You Wear Your Hat: Frank Sinatra and the Lost Art of Livin' by Bill Zehme

Elaine Soloway recommends:
Tiny Ladies in Shiny Pants by Jill Soloway
Queen of the Oddballs: And Other True Stories from a Life Unaccording to Plan by Hillary Carlip
All This Heavenly Glory by Elizabeth Crane

Jonathan Black recommends:
River of Doubt by Candice Millard
The Lay of the Land by Richard Ford
Special Topics in Calamity Physics by Marisha Pessl

Red Hat Society
We live in an aging society with more people living beyond their 70s. A recent study found that developing close friendships helps to ensure long life. The Red Hat Society, an international organization known for sporting red hats and purple outfits, is bonding women together to thumb their noses at the idea of getting older. Christian Farr has the story.

Live Music Wednesday
Gospel sensation Smokie Norful performs live in our studio. He's known in the gospel world as "the voice of inspiration." His Grammy winning musical career began in Chicago and has brought him to the top of the gospel charts. But it's Norful's real job — as a pastor in suburban Romeoville — that inspires him. It led to his latest album, Life Changing, which was released in October. Click here for Smokie's church .