Cultural Connections

Cultural Connections: Jim Henson's Fantastic World

We go inside the mind of the man who created the Muppets. Tonight, a sneak preview of the new exhibit at the Museum of Science and Industry on the life and work of Jim Henson.

• Jim Henson's Fantastic World

Politics

Nixon/Kennedy Debate 50th Anniversary

50 years ago this week, candidates Richard Nixon and John F. Kennedy met in Chicago for the first televised presidential debate. Many believe that it changed the outcome of the election. We talk with Newton Minow, who was a key player in setting up the debate, and broadcasting historian Bruce DuMont.

• The Museum of Broadcast Communications in-depth website about televised presidential debates
• Find out more about the museum's 50th Anniversary of the Kennedy/Nixon Debate event on Sunday, September 26
• Inside the Presidential Debates by Newton Minow and Craig LaMay

Education

News Analysis: Education in Illinois

A bipartisan reform group says education in Illinois just isn't making the grade. We talk with the group's co-chair Bill Daley and the group's executive director to discuss this and more.

• Advance Illinois

Politics

Race for Governor

Senator Bill Brady continues to pound Governor Quinn on the deal forged with AFSCME to cut health care costs and defer pay raises in exchange for freezing layoffs until 2012. Elizabeth Brackett has more on the debate.

Education

From the Vault: Edwin Newman

Proper use of the English language matters--that was the contention of longtime NBC news correspondent and anchor Edwin Newman, who died last month. We revisit John Callaway's 1976 conversation with Newman about the importance of grammar.

Arts & Entertainment

Punch Brothers

When mandolin superstar Chris Thile needed a banjo player for his latest band, Punch Brothers, he chose Skokie native Noam Pikelny. We go behind the scenes at a Punch Brothers rehearsal.

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.