Politics

Inside the Obama White House

President Obama may be the most admired man in the country according to a new Gallup poll, but how's his presidency doing? We hear from journalist Richard Wolffe, who received exclusive access inside the Obama White House and has written a new book about the President's time in office.

• Find out more about the book

Politics

New Laws

Eddie Arruza takes a look at some new laws going into effect on January 1, 2011, including one concerning child safety seats

Politics

News Analysis: Daley Dynasty

Mayor Richard M. Daley has passed his father and is now Chicago's longest-serving mayor. Elizabeth Brackett and her panel discuss the Daley Dynasty, its legacy, and what it has meant to the city of Chicago.

Arts & Entertainment

The Pope's Maestro

We revisit our recent conversation with Sir Gilbert Levine about his relationship with Pope John Paul II.

Arts & Entertainment

Vivian Maier

We learn the amazing story of Vivian Maier, a Chicago nanny who took more than 100,000 photos during her lifetime but never showed them to anyone. Now that she's gone and her photos have been discovered, some say she may rank among the top street photographers of the 20th century.

More Vivian Maier photos and information

• The show at the Chicago Cultural Center, January 7-April 3

Arts & Entertainment

News Analysis: Mobile Food Trucks

Gourmet food trucks have taken to Chicago streets in the last year and the public has responded favorably, but some restaurant owners have a beef with them. Eddie Arruza and his panel look at a proposal that's not to everyone's taste.

Arts & Entertainment

Deadly Fire

Two firefighters died and seventeen others were injured after an abandoned South Side building went up in flames this morning. Elizabeth Brackett has the latest.

Arts & Entertainment

Holiday Shopping

What to buy the wife? Stand-up comic Pat McGann hits the streets for holiday shopping advice.

Ask Alpana

Ask Alpana

What does it mean when wine has legs? (No, it doesn't mean it's planning to run away.) Check, Please! host and Master Sommelier Alpana Singh has the real answer in tonight's edition of Ask Alpana.

• Bernardus Chardonnay, Monterey $20
• Joseph Drouhin Meursault, France $30

General Wine and Cheese Pairing Tips:

• High acid cheese with high acid wine
• Hard cheese with firm-bodied reds
• Soft and creamy cheese with more full-bodied butter whites or sparkling
• Sweet wines work best with a wide range of cheeses – especially more pungent ones like gorgonzola or blue

Examples:

• High acid cheese such as goat cheese – Sauvignon Blanc
• Buttery cheese such as Brie – California Chardonnay
• Hard cheese such as Manchego – Rioja
• Gorgonzola – Late Harvest Semillon

Arts & Entertainment

Comedian Paula Poundstone

Comedian Paula Poundstone was recently in Chicago, and she talked with Eddie Arruza about her life, career and her appearances on the Chicago-based radio quiz Wait Wait...Don't Tell Me!