Thursday is the 50th anniversary of the launch of the first space satellite. Sputnik blasted off from the Soviet Union on October 4th, 1957. The Calusa Nature Center and Planetarium in Fort Myers is marking the date with speakers and activities…and if the weather’s right a little satellite gazing. Executive Director Sanders Lewallen told WGCU’s Valerie Alker that it’s an anniversary well-worth remembering.

Nine different schools across southwest Florida are getting a significant gift to help them create opportunities for students. WGCU’s Luis Hernandez reports.

Gulf shore Playhouse opens its first play of the season Thursday at the Foulds Theater in Fort Myers. “Life Times Three” shows how the tiniest change in word or action can cause an avalanche of effects. Kathleen Moye has the story.

Florida Attorney General Bill McCollum announced yesterday that the state has reached a 46 million dollar settlement with State Farm insurance company. Under the settlement, State Farm will refund about 23 million dollars to its customers. But as James Call reports, the agreement seemed to only intensify the governor’s criticism of the industry.

Water is a precious commodity in Southwest Florida. Many yards require large amounts of it to irrigate non-native plants and grasses. A group of local woman is counting on cultivating butterflies to serve as a catalyst for water conservation. They recently got together to plant a butterfly garden as a model for Florida Friendly Landscaping. WGCU’s Andrea McCrary reports.

Florida law enforcement officials say there’s a growing epidemic of marijuana grow houses in the sunshine state. And now two state lawmakers have written a bill they hope will nip that trend in the bud. Tom Flanigan reports…

Congress is still investigating the contested 13th District Congressional seat held by Republican Vern Buchanan. As Jodi Breisler reports from Washington, investigators say they’re pretty confident he won the election…but just not confident enough yet.

The group that created southwest Florida’s first local Spanish language Television programming is taking another leap forward. WGCU’s Luis Hernandez reports.

Florida’s new Children and Youth Cabinet held its inaugural meeting – and is quickly getting down to business. Margie Menzel has more.

One of the most successful athletes in Olympic track and field history died Monday in Fort Myers of heart failure. Al Oerter was 71. WGCU’s Amy Tardif has more.