Politics

A Daley in D.C.

Chicagoan Bill Daley, the former U.S. commerce secretary and brother of Mayor Daley, is taking over as White House chief of staff. We have details of this key presidential appointment.

Politics

Income Taxes

Today Illinois legislative leaders struck a deal for a 2.25 percent income tax increase. Will it be passed by the general assembly? We get the latest scoop from the Chicago Sun-Times Springfield Bureau Chief Dave McKinney on a busy day in Springfield.

Arts & Entertainment

The Foolkiller Submarine

95 years ago, a primitive submarine was raised from the bottom of the Chicago River. We look at this little-known Chicago mystery.

• Watch the Foolkiller slideshow

Politics

The Mind of George W. Bush

Did George W. Bush's distinct personality help lead to the war in Iraq? We talk with the author of a new book that offers a psychological analysis of America's 43rd President and argues that early events in his life would later shape one of his most controversial decisions.

• Find out more about the book: George W. Bush and the Redemptive Dream: A Psychological Portrait

Arts & Entertainment

Religion Update

Chicago Tribune religion reporter Manya Brachear discusses the ousting of controversial Bishop Carlton Pearson, who replaced Christ Universal Temple's iconic Reverend Dr. Johnnie Coleman. She also talks about the Archdiocese of Milwaukee filing for Chapter 11.

Politics

News Analysis: Toni Preckwinkle

How will Cook County close a $487 million budget gap? Newly sworn-in Cook County Board President Toni Preckwinkle joins Carol Marin for a one-on-one interview.

Politics

Race for Mayor

On the campaign trail today, Miguel del Valle said he is sure he will be the "poorest" candidate in the race, but that he will have the most to offer. Carol Moseley Braun refused to elaborate on the tax returns that she released yesterday. Elizabeth Brackett has the latest on the mayoral race.

Ask Alpana

Ask Alpana

Tired of feeling foolish when trying to describe your favorite wine? No more! Master sommelier and Check, Please! host Alpana Singh joins us with some simple tips for articulating what you're tasting.

• Get Alpana's recipe for Hot Toddys, her tips for describing wine and more

Inexpensive Wine Recommendation:

• Three Wishes

Hot Toddy Recipe:

• 1 oz (2 tablespoons) bourbon
• 1 tablespoon mild honey
• 2 teaspoons fresh lemon juice
• 1/4 cup boiling-hot water

Put bourbon, honey, and lemon juice in a 6-ounce mug. Top off with hot water and stir until honey is dissolved.

Alpana's Tips for Describing Wine: The Four S's:

Sight – What is the color?

• For whites the spectrum runs straw to deep gold and amber.
• For reds the spectrum runs pale rose to dark and opaque indigo or purple.

Swirl & Sniff

• Swirl the glass to release aromatics and then sniff.
• Try to identify FEW: Components of Fruit, Earth and Wood.

Sip

• Taste the wine and feel how it sits and feels in your mouth.
• You are looking for weight, texture, acid, alcohol and the finish.

Savor

• Did you like it or not?

Science & Nature

World Bicycle Relief

Saving the world - one bike at a time. We talk with F.K. Day, the Chicago bicycle entrepreneur who was recently named "one of the top givers" of the year.

• Find out more about World Bicycle Relief

Arts & Entertainment

Lost Panoramas

What did Chicago look like more than a century ago? We view some recently discovered lost panoramas showcasing the city's rural and industrial past.

• See the lost panoramas at the Peggy Notebaert Nature Museum