Stories by eddie arruza

NASA’s New Horizons spacecraft captured this high-resolution enhanced color view of Pluto on July 14, 2015.

‘Chasing New Horizons’ the Untold Drama Behind Pluto Mission

Meet the authors of a new tell-all book that reveals the incredible story behind the little spacecraft that was the first to explore Pluto.

Women-Only Coworking Spaces Get Red-Carpet Welcome in Chicago

An organization in New York City that doesn’t allow men is under investigation for discrimination. But in Chicago, women-only coworking spaces are on the rise.

Daniel Schrag (Credit: Stu Rosner / Harvard Magazine)

Harvard Scientist: Climate Change May Be Worse Than We Think

“While climate change may not yet have had its huge impact on biodiversity, just wait,” says Harvard professor Daniel Schrag. “What’s coming is really extraordinary.”

Conservative Author David Frum on the US as a ‘Trumpocracy’

Prominent conservative author and commentator David Frum talks about his new best-selling book “Trumpocracy: The Corruption of The American Republic.”

Newly Rediscovered Historic House in Wilmette Faces Uncertain Future

An historic house from the 1933 Century of Progress is among the buildings on Landmarks Illinois 2018 most endangered list. We revisit our tour of the long-forgotten house.

Adler Planetarium Opens Vault, Reveals Astronomical Treasures

From Chicago’s first major telescope, to the most sophisticated scientific instrument of the 12th century, a look at some seen and unseen treasures at the Adler Planetarium.

Commander Colonel Frank Borman leads the way as he, Command Module Pilot Captain James A Lovell Jr., and Lunar Module Pilot Major William A. Anders head to the launch pad for humanity’s maiden voyage around the moon and its first aboard the Saturn V vehicle, developed by NASA’s Marshall Space Flight Center in Huntsville, Ala. (Image credit: NASA)

Apollo 8 Astronauts Recount Historic Mission at ‘Rocket Men’ Book Launch

The Apollo 8 astronauts reunite in Chicago as a new book by local author Robert Kurson celebrates the historic first human flight to the moon.

Election Officials: Early Voting Sets Record, Andrea Raila on Ballot

A record-setting early voting period did not extend through primary election day. A look at voter turnout in Chicago and the suburbs.

“It used to be there was one day when you’d vote, and nowadays we’ve been voting for a long time,” said Cook County Clerk David Orr on Monday, March 19, 2018.

Early Voting Surges in Chicago and Suburban Cook County

The Chicago Board of Elections says nearly 86,000 city residents cast ballots between Feb. 21 and March 18, surpassing the number of early voters in the 2010 and 2014 midterm primary elections combined. 

Kate Baldwin Celebrates Leonard Bernstein at Lyric Opera

Lyric Opera of Chicago marks the 100th birthday of Leonard Bernstein with a special concert this weekend featuring among others, the Broadway star, Tony Award nominee and Evanston native who joins us.

Thomas Jaconetty speaks Thursday at a hearing.

Assessor’s Office Officials in Hot Seat Over ‘Regressive’ System

After a highly critical independent report finds Cook County property taxes punish the poor, officials from the assessor’s office are put in the hot seat.

(Michael Stern / Flickr)

Flipping Out in Chicago on National Pancake Day

Chicago eateries are ready to sate your sweet tooth on National Pancake Day – and any other day of the year. Learn how some of the city’s artisan cakes are made, and get recipes for your own DIY batch.

Newly Rediscovered Historic House in Wilmette Faces Uncertain Future

On a street where homes sell for well over $1 million, one house has been hiding in plain sight for decades. It has been a welcome surprise to preservationists, but not to the developer who now owns it.

“Chicago Tonight” viewer J. Scott Sykora shared this photo of a harvest supermoon eclipse on Sept. 27, 2015.

Rare Triple Lunar Treat Includes Eclipse, Blood Moon

If the skies over Chicago cooperate over the next 12 hours, the moon will offer a very rare triple feature. 

Courtroom Artist Tom Gianni Has His Day in a Gallery Exhibition

Away from the courtroom, local artist Tom Gianni employs his talents in far different and impressive ways. We explore his solo show, “Art that Works for a Living.”

Janai Brugger

Local Soprano Janai Brugger Makes Lyric Opera Debut

She is taking the opera world by storm, and she’s here to show us why. Janai Brugger of Darien joins us in conversation and performance.

Bannon Slams Trump: Republicans React to Claims of West Wing Chaos

An explosive new book pits President Donald Trump against former adviser Steve Bannon. Local Republicans assess the turmoil in Washington.

In Maria’s Wake, Young Puerto Rican Family Now Calls Chicago Home

It’s been three months since Hurricane Maria dealt a devastating blow to Puerto Rico, and the U.S. territory is still struggling.  How one young mother and her sons are restarting their lives in Chicago.

Stefano La Colla in “Turandot” (Courtesy of Lyric Opera Chicago)

Tenor Stefano La Colla Makes American Debut in Lyric’s ‘Turandot’

The up-and-coming Italian tenor is already being compared to the legendary Luciano Pavarotti. Stefano La Colla joins us in conversation and performance.

Eric Isaacs, EVP for Research, Innovation and National Laboratories at UChicago

The Nuclear Age at 75: Remembering Chicago’s Role

The nuclear age was triggered in Chicago 75 years ago this week. We remember that fateful day, the man behind it and the lingering implications.

Despite Uncertainty Over Obamacare, Illinoisans Rush for Coverage

While the Trump administration has repeatedly tried to repeal Obamacare, Illinois residents are still taking advantage of it in droves.

In Chicago’s Humboldt Park, Relief for Puerto Rican Evacuees

During a tour of a newly established relief center, Mayor Rahm Emanuel reemphasized that Chicago will remain a welcoming city and blasted the federal government for its response to Hurricane Maria.

Chicago Mayor Harold Washington speaks during the commissioning of the nuclear-powered attack submarine USS Chicago in September 1986 in Norfolk, Virginia.

Remembering Harold Washington, Chicago’s 1st African-American Mayor

As we approach the 30th anniversary of his death, a discussion about the legacy of former Chicago Mayor Harold Washington with local filmmaker Joe Winston and former news anchor Robin Robinson.

Chicago History Museum curator Joy Bivins

‘Race’ Exhibition Challenges Visitors to Rethink the Concept

What does race mean to you? A new exhibit at the Chicago History Museum asks visitors to consider how much all of us focus on race every day, whether we realize it or not.

Lin-Manuel Miranda Visits Chicago, Pleads for Help for Puerto Rico

A Broadway superstar returns to Chicago to plea for help for his Puerto Rican homeland, and addresses a controversial tweet about the president.

Springfield Lobbyist Accuses State Senator of Sexual Harassment

Lobbyist Denise Rotheimer, who is also running as a Republican for state representative, testified that she was the victim of “mind games” and untoward comments made by state Sen. Ira Silverstein, D-Chicago.