Though the Affordable Care Act, also known as ObamaCare, has only gone into effect this year, some parts of the new law have already gone into effect in Cook County. We take a look at the early Medicaid expansion called CountyCare. Read an article and watch a web extra video.

Local director Joe Swanberg talks about his career, his movie “Drinking Buddies” and his latest film to hit Sundance Film Festival called “Happy Christmas.”

We meet local scientist and entrepreneur Adam Khan to talk about his latest invention that he hopes will usher in a new diamond age of electronics that will make the silicon chip obsolete. Watch web extra videos.

Israeli singer-songwriter David Broza joins us with a conversation and performance. Watch web extra performances.

With only $40 and forged paperwork, crooks are stealing houses from unsuspecting homeowners. It’s real -- and a felony. Last week, the Cook County Board of Commissioners unanimously passed an ordinance cracking down on the "Clouding A Title" scammers, adding steep fines to jail sentences. City Treasurer Stephanie Neely and Cook County Recorder of Deeds Karen Yarbrough join us with tips on how to protect yourself from strangers changing your locks and moving in.

Cook County Sheriff Tom Dart plans to eradicate abandoned and blighted homes throughout the county, using county boot camp labor. What community is he starting with? Brandis Friedman has the story. Read an article and view a slideshow.

Chicago’s shared, professional spaces are popping up all over town, and now there is one for attorneys. The Chicago Bar Foundation-sponsored program supplies new lawyers with the skills and knowledge to start their own businesses while reaching a growing number of those in need. Read an article about the incubator.

A new book details the life of one of the most enduring artists in popular music: Mavis Staples.

A remarkable, free music program in a Chicago Public School is changing lives. We revisit Jay Shefsky's story.

We share what you had to say about our recent forum featuring high school students from the Mikva Challenge questioning the GOP candidates for Illinois governor in tonight's viewer feedback.

The Chicago School Board voted Wednesday to approve seven new charter schools in the city. Many parents, as well as the Chicago Teachers Union, have said they will protest any expansion following the closing last year of 50 neighborhood schools. We have the latest on the vote and reaction to it. View a graphic and a map on the new proposed charter schools.

Senate President John Cullerton joins us to talk pensions, the upcoming session and midterm elections.