Recent U.S. Census Bureau information reveals that there are more Americans in poverty than ever before. University of Chicago professor Scott Allard and Tony Escobar from Breakthrough Urban Ministries join Eight-Forty Eight to help provide insight on local poverty levels and trends. Then, Robert Loerzel delves into Chicago’s forgotten past as a country-music hub with Stephen Parry, director of the new film The Hayloft Gang: The Story of the National Barn Dance. And the Hoyle Brothers play country music the old-fashioned way—more honkey for your tonk; Eight Forty-Eight samples one of their tunes. Then host Alison Cuddy talks with acclaimed screenwriter and playwright, John Logan, about his latest play, Red, based on the life of artist Mark Rothko, opening at the Goodman Theatre on Saturday. And comedian Jimmy Carrane brings 25 years of experience in comedy to his new stage show, Improv Nerd with Jimmy Carrane. He joins Eight Forty-Eight to talk more about the new production, which is part talk show and part improv comedy.