Politics

Capital Punishment Decision

The decision on whether or not to abolish the death penalty in Illinois rests in Gov. Pat Quinn's hands. We hear from Sister Helen Prejean, the Catholic nun at the forefront of the crusade to end capital punishment, and author of Dead Man Walking.

• Sister Helen's website

Politics

Poll: Majority Support Emanuel

Will there be a mayoral run-off? A new poll suggests Rahm Emanuel currently holds such a commanding lead that the race could be over on Election Day. We have the survey's pollster here to discuss the results.

• Read the poll results

Arts & Entertainment

Virginia Woolf at the Steppenwolf

Eight times a week, heavyweights at the Steppenwolf Theatre clash over the question: "Who's Afraid of Virginia Woolf?" On the Art Beat, Chicago Tonight looks at the art of war, as engaged by a husband and wife named George and Martha.

• Steppenwolf Theatre online

Ask Alpana

Ask Alpana: Valentine's Day Special

T-minus six days until the most romantic day of the year. Are you ready? If not, don't start stressing just yet. "Check Please" Host and Master Sommelier Alpana Singh is here with Valentine's Day wine and beer picks.

“While in Berlin we dined at a very small Croatian restaurant.  As is customary, they offered an aperitif free of charge. We were delivered a liqueur for which we could not place the smell or taste.  But my son in law correctly pointed out it smelled and tasted like circus peanuts.  It was wonderful.  Unfortunately, I did not manage to get the liqueur’s name.  Any ideas?”

• Castries Peanut Creme Liqueur   “A rum based liqueur that is blended with roasted peanuts.”

 Wines to enjoy with truffles/truffles oil

• Vietti Perbacco Nebbiolo   
• Travaglini Gattinara

Alpana’s pick’s for beers brewed with chocolate

• Young’s Double Chocolate Stout   

“Real chocolate is used during the brewing process along with chocolate malt.  Smells like chocolate milk.”

• Rogue Brewery Double Chocolate Stout  

“Flavored with real Dutch chocolate.”

Alpana’s pick’s for romantic Valentine’s Day Wines

• Marguet Rose Champagne  “A drier style with notes of strawberries and raspberries.”
• Wild Rock Cupid’s Arrow Pinot Noir “Medium bodied with flavors of crushed raspberries, baking spices and violets.”
• Quady Elysium Black Muscat Dessert Wine

“Sweet flavors of black plums and raisins are a good match for chocolate.”

 

Education

Global Soccer Mom

What's it like to be a soccer mom with a global conscience? Author Shayne Moore shares insight from her book: Global Soccer Mom.

• Shayne Moore's website

Scientific Chicago

Scientific Chicago: Thundersnow

Had you even heard the term "thundersnow" before last week's blizzard? University of Chicago Paleontologist, author Neil Shubin joins us to talk about that phenomenon. Jay Shefsky has the story.

• National Geographic explains a thundersnow

Politics

Van Pelt-Watkins Interview

Patricia Van Pelt-Watkins made headlines when she engaged in a war of words with her mayoral opponent, Carol Moseley Braun. Elizabeth Brackett talks to her about the controversy and her race for mayor.

• Van Pelt-Watkins on Chicago Tonight's 'Meet the Candidates' page
• Her mayoral campaign website

Politics

Chicago Police and ACLU Dispute

The ACLU is concerned over the number of surveillance cameras placed around the city. Chicago officials, however, see them as an important safety tool. Eddie Arruza reports on the controversy.

• Huffington Post article about the dispute

Viewer Feedback

Viewer Mail

We share recent comments and feedback from our Chicago Tonight viewers.

Arts & Entertainment

Remembering Joyce Sloane

She helped make Second City an internationally known cultural institution. Long-time Second City producer Joyce Sloane died last week, at the age of 80. We revisit her 2005 appearance on Chicago Tonight.

• Sloane's Second City biography