Stories by eddie arruza

Soprano Deborah Voigt

The "Down-To-Earth Diva" Tells All

Famed soprano Deborah Voigt stops by to discuss her career and new autobiography.

Valentine's Duo: John Pizzarelli and Jane Monheit

They are two of the best contemporary interpreters of Jazz Standards and the Great American Songbook. John Pizzarelli and Jane Monheit tell us about their influences and careers, and then give us an intimate, pre-Valentine's Day performance in our studio.

Love on Paper

In time for Valentine's Day, The Newberry Library in Chicago has searched through its extensive archives for artifacts of love. Taking suggestions from its staff across many areas of expertise, the library has created an exhibition of works on paper that express love in all its forms over the last eight centuries. We revisit the story.

Who Runs The Classroom? Beyoncé

Pop diva Beyoncé is arguably the most popular performer in the world. But there's much more to her than her success as a provocative pop icon. That's the idea behind a new college course at UIC that delves into Beyoncé's role in shaping "feminist perspectives and [the image] of U.S. black womanhood."

Website Launched on Chicago Area Transportation

The Chicago region's transportation network and infrastructure need substantial upgrades and funding. We take a look at a new website that details the condition of roads and bridges, and what public transportation agencies need to do to meet the area's growing needs.

Love on Paper

In time for Valentine's Day, The Newberry Library in Chicago has searched through its extensive archives for artifacts of love. Taking suggestions from its staff across many areas of expertise, the library has created an exhibition of works on paper that express love in all its forms over the last eight centuries. We get a preview.

NASA Astronaut Col. Mike Hopkins

NASA astronaut Col. Mike Hopkins belongs to the very exclusive group of just 215 people who have visited the International Space Station (ISS). But Col. Hopkins distinguished himself during his time on the ISS in a couple of memorable ways. We revisit a conversation with Hopkins.

Chicago Area Spirits on the Rise

Evanston was once the center of the temperance movement and a dry community until 1972. But now it has its very first distillery called FEW. The name just happens to be the initials of the one-time president of the Women’s Christian Temperance Union, Frances Elizabeth Willard. Whatever Ms. Willard might think of that, the distillery is one of a growing number of spirits producers popping up all around Chicago. We get a taste of what’s being bottled.

Orbert Davis Discusses Recent Cuba Trip

Renowned Chicago jazz trumpeter Orbert Davis and Chicago Jazz Philharmonic Producing Director Mark Ingram join us to talk about what they experienced on their latest visit to Cuba.

Food Help for Veterans

Despite a gradually improving economy, the Greater Chicago Food Depository has seen an increase in low-income individuals needing food assistance. Among those in need are military veterans. We hear from veterans and the executive director of the Food Depository about why servicemen and women are among those seeking help with their food needs.

Chicago Gas Prices Fall

What's behind the plunging price of gas and how low can it go? An oil industry analyst gives us some insights.

A New Spotlight on Tennessee Williams

Tony Award-winning writer and longtime theater critic John Lahr has written an authoritative biography on the life and work of playwright Tennessee Williams. Lahr also shares memories of his father, the actor Bert Lahr.

The Futuristic Art of Chesley Bonestell

American illustrator Chesley Bonestell was a visionary of universal proportions. The Adler Planetarium is currently presenting an exhibition of Bonestell’s artwork. We take a look at the art and science behind his out-of-this-world paintings and how they influenced the modern fascination with what lies in the final frontier.

‘Porgy and Bess’ Back at Lyric Opera of Chicago

Lyric Opera of Chicago is currently presenting a production of Porgy and Bess with two highly acclaimed singers in the lead roles.

NASA Astronaut Col. Mike Hopkins

NASA astronaut Col. Mike Hopkins belongs to the very exclusive group of just 215 people who have visited the International Space Station (ISS). But Col. Hopkins distinguished himself during his time on the ISS in a couple of memorable ways. 

Landing on a Comet

The Rosetta spacecraft's Philae lander has successfully landed on a comet.

University's Expansion Plan Concerns Neighbors

Northeastern Illinois University has lofty expansion plans that have some of its neighbors up in arms. That's because a business area may be taken over through eminent domain. We have the story.

Web Extra: On The Table with Eddie Arruza

As part of the Chicago Community Trust’s #OnThetable2014, Chicago Tonight's Eddie Arruza hosted a dinner with area residents where they shared their thoughts, concerns, opinions and hopes for the region's future. Read his blog of the event and watch videos of what participants had to say.

 

The Future of Maggie Daley Park

Maggie Daley Park is taking shape with the addition of white building blocks called GeoFoam. We tell you how that will form the rolling hills of the park and how soon it may be open to the public. Read an article and view a slideshow.

Tax Return Preparation Tips

An organization that helps low-income Chicago area residents with free tax return preparation offers some important tips. View a map of tax prep centers.

Fermilab’s NOvA Experiment

Scientists at west suburban Fermilab have installed the final piece on a massive particle detector called NOvA that may answer some very big questions. We go deep underground to uncover how the contraption might do that. Read an article.
 

Joffrey Ballet’s “The Nutcracker”

The holidays would not be the same without it. We go behind the scenes to see how the Joffrey Ballet manages to keep its annual presentation of The Nutcracker fresh and new every year. Read an article.

Bitcoins

Bitcoin: What Is It?

What is a Bitcoin? Where do they come from and how are they used? And why are more and more governments taking a careful look at this first-ever cyber currency?

The Singing Astronaut

Chris Hadfield’s journey from Canadian test pilot to commander of the International Space Station is a story of determination and hard work. He joins us to talk about his new autobiography,  An Astronaut's Guide to Life on Earth. Read excerpts from the book, and watch web extra videos.

Health Exchange Navigators

While the federal Health Care Exchange website may be plagued with problems, it hasn’t stopped so-called “navigators” from helping thousands of people enroll for health insurance in Illinois. We pay a visit to a navigator at work. Read an article.