Arts & Entertainment

Howard Reich

Jazz is a quintessential and sometimes hidden part of Chicago history. We talk to Chicago Tribune critic Howard Reich, who chronicles the genre in his new book, Let Freedom Swing: Collected Writings on Jazz, Blues and Gospel.

• Hyde Park Jazz Festival

Politics

Gloria Steinem

Carol Marin sits down with famed feminist and political activist Gloria Steinem.

• Women's Media Center

Business

State Budget Crisis

Should the state's budget problems be solved with tax hikes, or budget cuts and pension reforms? It depends on which civic organizations you ask. Elizabeth Brackett sorts out the debate.

Arts & Entertainment

I'm Spiritual, Dammit!

TV and radio personality Jenniffer Weigel discusses her latest book, I'm Spiritual Dammit!, which is part memoir and part spiritual guide.

Ask Alpana

Ask Alpana

This year marks the 200th anniversary of Oktoberfest! What makes a good Oktoberfest beer, and which ones should we choose for this celebration? Check, Please! host and master sommelier Alpana Singh shares some of her favorites.

Alternatives to Kozel Dark Beer:

• Plank Dunkler Weizenbock – "This is a higher alcohol dark weizenbock from a small Bavarian producer, and drinks more like a wine, with a malt-forward mouthfeel and higher gravity."
• Kulmbacher Monchshoff Schwarzbier – "This is THE classic 'Black Lager' or 'Black Pils' from Kulmbacher. It’s beautifully hopped, with a roasted malt character and dry finish. It’s a 'beer lover’s beer,' with bold flavor but low alcohol, and pairs well with a wide variety of foods."

Diet Wine:

• Invivo Bella –"This so called "diet" wine is a New Zealand Sauvignon Blanc at 9% alcohol without being sweet which is where the 30% savings come from in calories from a typical glass of wine."
• Twin Vines Vinho Verde –"Feather light in weight with a light spritz and flavors of green apples, lime and lemon peel."

Alpana’s Oktoberfest Beer Recommendations

• Left Hand Oktoberfest, Colorado
• Ayinger Oktoberfest Marzen, Germany
• Paulaner Oktoberfest, Germany

Scientific Chicago

Scientific Chicago: Emerald Ash Borer

A hungry insect is devastating Illinois' ash trees. Jay Shefsky introduces us to some researchers who are trying to understand the emerald ash borer--and find an ash tree that can co-exist with the pervasive pest.

• Comprehensive website about the Emerald Ash Borer
• Emerald Ash Borer in Illinois
• Morton Arboretum

Health

Physicians' Records

For two years a state website provided physicians' records, but earlier this year the law mandating this database was struck down. Should the state resurrect the database? We hear from both sides of this healthcare issue.

• Illinois Department of Financial and Professional Regulation
• House Bill 6409

Politics

News Analysis: Mayoral Race

With more than a dozen African-Americans reportedly considering a run for mayor, we look at how that community--and others--may try to whittle down the field.

Big Cat and the Bears

Bears Alumni Club

The Bears pull off an unexpected win over the Dallas Cowboys. Ed O'Bradovich joins us on the Bears Alumni Club to break down the game.

Business

Urban Farming

How a local organization is turning an abandoned truck depot into an urban farm just minutes away from U.S. Cellular Field.

• Iron Street Farm
• Growing Power