Science & Nature

NASA Arrives at Mercury

In yet another first in man's exploration of space, NASA's "Messenger" spacecraft arrived at the planet Mercury. It's the first craft ever to go into orbit around the closest planet to the sun. We talk to an Astrophysicist from the Adler Planetarium about what humans are learning from our planetary neighbors.

• Messenger's Mission to Mercury
• Messenger News Center
• Adler Planetarium Citizen Science Initiative

Politics

Vying for the 41st Ward

We sit down with the two aldermanic candidates in the 41st ward runoff. Meet Mary O'Connor and Maurita Gavin.

• Visit our 41st ward page for web-exclusive video

Education

School Breakfasts

The Chicago Board of Education passed a mandate requiring free breakfast to be served in all elementary school classrooms. Hundreds of parents have signed petitions objecting, citing food allergies and a waste of classroom time. Our panel discusses this hot topic.

• For local parent reaction, visit More on the Story
• Do you approve of school breakfasts in the classroom? Join the discussion.

Cultural Connections

Cultural Connections: 'Working' in Chicago

Grammy-winning composer Stephen Schwartz -- best known for his musical "Wicked" -- revitalizes Studs Terkel's "Working" in a newly adapted musical exploration here in Chicago.

• Visit our More on the Story blog for web-exclusive video
• More on Stephen Schwartz

Health

Operation Walk

A local group of physicians, who volunteer their time to do free joint replacement surgeries in poor countries around the world, have now brought the program home to Chicago. Elizabeth Brackett reports.

• Operation Walk Chicago

Politics

Vying for the 25th Ward

Smokestacks on the Southwest Side are the source of a burning issue. We discuss why some residents are upset, and find out what the aldermanic candidates are doing about it in our forum for the 25th ward runoff election.

• Visit our 25th ward page for web-exclusive video

Business

ComEd Competition

When it comes to your electric supply, ComEd may no longer be the only game in town. But does competition equal a lower power bill? Carol Marin and her panel discuss the issue.

Health

Anniversary of Health Care Reform

On the first anniversary of the Health Care Reform Act, Elizabeth Brackett talks to the Director of the Illinois Department of Insurance. He explains what parts of the act have gone into effect in Illinois and what's to come.

• Has health care improved since reforms became law? Join the discussion.
• Illinois Dept. of Insurance

Ask Alpana

Ask Alpana

Do you know what "Circus Peanuts" are? Apparently Alpana Singh and Phil Ponce didn't the last time Alpana was here. We attempt to correct a past misunderstanding in tonight's edition of Ask Alpana.

"Circus Peanut" tasting Liquors

• Maraska Pelinkovac
• Pisang Ambon
• Maraska Kruskovac

Alpana's recommendations for what to drink with chocolate cake

Wine:

• St Francis Zinfandel - Santa Rosa, California $16: "The raspberry fruit notes compliment the chocolate."

Beer:

• Lindemans Raspberry Lambic - Vlezenbeek, Belgium $11 (750 ml bottle)

Alpana’s Pick for Pinot Noir under $10

• Silver Ridge Pinot Noir 2009 - California $8.99

Politics

Vying for the 24th Ward

We sit down with the two aldermanic candidates in the 24th ward runoff. Meet Sharon Dixon and Michael Chandler.

• Visit our 24th ward page for web-exclusive video