For three days starting April 30, the NFL Draft will be held in Chicago for the first time since 1964. The National Football League as well as Chicago organizers say the event will be a major extravaganza that will turn parts of downtown Chicago into professional football's second biggest event of the year. But the draft is arriving with some controversies. We hear why organizers believe the draft will be a major showcase for the city while some observers think it will be only be a showcase for the NFL.

Eddie Arruza and his panel of journalists break down the week's top local stories, including the federal investigation of CPS CEO Barbara Byrd-Bennett and the Blackhawks' quest for their sixth Stanley Cup in franchise history.

Eddie Arruza, Craig Dellimore, Dana Kozlov and Danny Ecker discuss the ramifications of director Spike Lee's proposed film project, Chiraq.

Officials say the outbreak of the so-called dog flu throughout the Chicago area is now of greater concern than originally thought. Dr. Donna Alexander, administrator of the Cook County Department of Animal & Rabies Control, tells us what the latest findings mean for pets and what animal control officials are doing to contain the outbreak.

Jack Yonover is one of an increasing number of kids who have to watch what they eat to avoid potentially life-threatening nuts. The Wilmette teenager is also a budding filmmaker and has created an impressive documentary about the dangers of nut allergies from a kid's perspective. Yonover tells us about his documentary that is already drawing attention from health professionals and film festivals.

Hundreds of Chicago area dogs have gotten sick and a number have died from what is believed to be an especially virulent "dog flu." A Chicago veterinarian tells us what the disease is, why it's especially bad, and offers advice about what loving dog owners should and should not do.

The "Down-To-Earth Diva" Tells All

We revisit a conversation with famed soprano Deborah Voigt about her career and autobiography.

Two U.S. Navy Culinary Specialists have spent their military careers cooking for hungry shipmates. But recently, they spent time in the relatively open kitchen space at the Union League Club of Chicago working with its Executive Chef, Michael Garbin. We follow them during a cooking session.

Two years ago, Lyric Opera of Chicago presented what was called the world's first mariachi opera. It was well-received and a big hit with audiences--so much so that it spawned another mariachi opera. This time around it's a Lyric Opera commission that has brought back together the same creative team and many of the same performers from the previous work. Its title is El Pasado Nunca Se Termina or The Past Is Never Finished, and it's receiving its world premiere here in Chicago.

With less than a month until the April 7 runoff election in Chicago, the mayoral contenders ratchet up the attack rhetoric. Both candidates have harsh words for the other over who can right the city's financial ship. We have the details.

Caltech Astrophysicist Mike Brown was one of the scientists who, in 2006, led the successful crusade to get the former planet Pluto downgraded to the status of dwarf planet. He joins us to discuss what he's found far, far away in our solar system.

A new play at Steppenwolf Theatre has sparked a heated conversation -- precisely what the creators wanted. Based on the 2010 graffiti "bombing" of the then-relatively new Modern Wing of The Art Institute of Chicago, This Is Modern Art tells the story of the graffiti crew that carried out the event, but it also poses questions about the creation of art and who qualifies as an artist. 

credit: Payton Chung

The nearly 40-acre site of the former Finkl Steel Company is prime real estate in Chicago's Lincoln Park neighborhood. After the company's move to the south side of Chicago last year, there are  many questions over how to reuse and revitalize the parcel of land Finkl left behind.

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.

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.

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.