Cultural Connections

Cultural Connections: 'Working' in Chicago

Grammy-winning composer Stephen Schwartz -- best known for his musical "Wicked" -- revitalizes Studs Terkel's "Working" in a newly adapted musical exploration here in Chicago.

• Visit our More on the Story blog for web-exclusive video
• More on Stephen Schwartz

Health

Operation Walk

A local group of physicians, who volunteer their time to do free joint replacement surgeries in poor countries around the world, have now brought the program home to Chicago. Elizabeth Brackett reports.

• Operation Walk Chicago

Politics

Vying for the 25th Ward

Smokestacks on the Southwest Side are the source of a burning issue. We discuss why some residents are upset, and find out what the aldermanic candidates are doing about it in our forum for the 25th ward runoff election.

• Visit our 25th ward page for web-exclusive video

Business

ComEd Competition

When it comes to your electric supply, ComEd may no longer be the only game in town. But does competition equal a lower power bill? Carol Marin and her panel discuss the issue.

Health

Anniversary of Health Care Reform

On the first anniversary of the Health Care Reform Act, Elizabeth Brackett talks to the Director of the Illinois Department of Insurance. He explains what parts of the act have gone into effect in Illinois and what's to come.

• Has health care improved since reforms became law? Join the discussion.
• Illinois Dept. of Insurance

Ask Alpana

Ask Alpana

Do you know what "Circus Peanuts" are? Apparently Alpana Singh and Phil Ponce didn't the last time Alpana was here. We attempt to correct a past misunderstanding in tonight's edition of Ask Alpana.

"Circus Peanut" tasting Liquors

• Maraska Pelinkovac
• Pisang Ambon
• Maraska Kruskovac

Alpana's recommendations for what to drink with chocolate cake

Wine:

• St Francis Zinfandel - Santa Rosa, California $16: "The raspberry fruit notes compliment the chocolate."

Beer:

• Lindemans Raspberry Lambic - Vlezenbeek, Belgium $11 (750 ml bottle)

Alpana’s Pick for Pinot Noir under $10

• Silver Ridge Pinot Noir 2009 - California $8.99

Politics

Vying for the 24th Ward

We sit down with the two aldermanic candidates in the 24th ward runoff. Meet Sharon Dixon and Michael Chandler.

• Visit our 24th ward page for web-exclusive video

Arts & Entertainment

Chicago Mercantile Exchange

The origins of the Chicago Mercantile Exchange and the Chicago Board of Trade are explored in a new book. We speak with author Emily Lambert about the history of the Futures market.

• More on the book: The Futures

Education

Blind Judo

We visit a Chicago school where visually impaired students are encouraged to throw their teachers to the floor. Jay Shefsky has the story.

• Otis Elementary School
• Tohkon Judo Academy
• World Sport Chicago

Politics

Vying for the 50th Ward

We sit down with the two aldermanic candidates in the 50th ward runoff. Meet Bernard Stone and Debra Silverstein.

• Visit our 50th ward page for web-exclusive video