Black women discuss whether or not the white community has any influence on how they view themselves. The women also discuss Michelle Obama's emergence on the national stage and how the country's first African-American First Lady will impact the American standard of beauty. (recorded October 2008)

Caucasian women speak about the constant barrage of images depicted on television, movies, and in advertisements and the effects of those images. The ladies also share their thoughts on women altering their physical appearance to compete in the corporate world (recorded August 2008).

Muslim women talk about the importance of modesty in Muslim culture, the decision to wear or not wear head coverings, and the influence of American culture on young Muslim girls. They also discuss how their faith affects their self-esteem (recorded August 2008).

Asian women share personal stories about the effects of not seeing many Asian role models in popular culture and why they believe the stereotypical images still persist and are partly accepted in society. They also discuss the increasing popularity of cosmetic surgery among Asians (recorded August 2008).

Hispanic women discuss the importance of curves in the Hispanic community and the increasing popularity of cosmetic surgery. The women also talk about how Hispanic and American standards of beauty are merging for younger generations (recorded August 2008).

A new autism resource center from Chicago's Rush University Medical Center pulls together hundreds of resources for parents looking for help in raising children with autism. We meet the director of the center. Rush University's Autism Resource Center

Tonight's panel discusses the week's top headlines: Lawmakers still bickering over the stalled state budget; Mayor Daley promises a controversial financial guarantee to Olympic officials; Cook County Commissioner Forrest Claypool decides not to run for County Board president; President Obama pushes for healthcare reforms at the American Medical Association meeting here in Chicago; a sports radio website backer charged in a Ponzi scheme; the Cubs and Sox clash at the Crosstown Classic; and former Cubs slugger Sammy Sosa allegedly used steroids. Guests:

A new study says colon cancer is increasing among people under the age of 50, especially among young adults in their 20's. Eddie Arruza and his panel have more on the potential causes and who is most at risk.

A new approach to cancer treatment has emerged that emphasizes treating the patient, not the disease. We hear from the President of the American Society of Clinical Oncology on how this approach may change the course of cancer therapy for patients everywhere.

Five Illinois residents, including two in Chicago, have died from the H1N1 flu virus. City public health officials are here to tell us what has changed about the virus in the last few months, and whether or not a vaccine is close.

There are 25 so-called "therapeutic riding" stables in Illinois, offering classes for people with disabilities. What are the benefits? We visit one Chicago area stable to find out. Strides Therapeutic Riding Program List of accredited Therapeutic Riding programs

University of Chicago professor and author Richard Thaler tells us how policy makers can give people a "nudge" in the right direction. We talk to Thaler as part of our Chicago Matters: Beyond Burnham series.

Where exactly does our food come from? The answer to that may not be very appetizing. Michael Pollan, the author of the bestselling book "The Omnivore's Dilemma," is here to talk about his philosophy on food, and what he calls "our national eating disorder."

8,500 Chicagoans lost their lives to the so-called "Spanish Flu" in 1918. Rich Samuels tells us how the city tried to prevent the spread of the disease as he concludes our look at the deadliest pandemic of the 20th century.

The Spanish flu of 1918 killed 8,500 Chicagoans. Rich Samuels tells us about the worst pandemic of the 20th century.

Tonight's panel discusses the week's top headlines: The swine flu strikes Illinois; President Obama marks 100 days in office; Chris Kennedy reportedly ponders a Senate race; the local real estate market shows some signs of life; the Bulls force Game 7 against the Celtics after a thrilling triple-overtime victory; and the Blackhawks go deep into the playoffs against the Vancouver Canucks. Guests: