Politics

President of Egypt Stays

Egyptian President Hosni Mubarak announced today that he will not step down. M. Cherif Bassiouni, president of the Egyptian American Society, joins us for analysis.

• Al-Jazeera's coverage

Arts & Entertainment

Finding a new Buddy

More than 50 years after his tragic death, Buddy Holly continues to thrill many fans. Eddie Arruza talks with author Gary W. Moore about his new book: Hey Buddy: In Pursuit of Buddy Holly, My New Buddy John and My Lost Decade of Music, a story of the author's personal discovery of why the rock-and-roll pioneer continues to amaze.

• Moore's website

Science & Nature

A Century of Bird Watching

Traveling the state of Illinois has resulted in the most comprehensive survey yet on the birds of Illinois. We talk to a leading ornithologist about 100 years of change among the state's feathered residents.

• More information about the book

Politics

Interview with Dock Walls

The race for mayor has gotten testy in the last few weeks. We hear what mayoral candidate William "Dock" Walls has to say about it in the final days before the election.

• Walls on Chicago Tonight's 'Meet the Candidates' page
• Walls' mayoral campaign

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