Stories by eddie arruza

Brain Donations Power Groundbreaking Study of Alzheimer’s Disease

An estimated 5 million Americans are living with Alzheimer’s disease, and that number is expected to rise. We learn about one of the world’s most comprehensive studies of the disease, taking place right here in Chicago.

From left: “Miss Saigon” stars Christine Bunuan, Anthony Festa and Emily Bautista appear on “Chicago Tonight.”

Landmark Musical ‘Miss Saigon’ Returns to Chicago, Turns 30

Decades after it premiered in London, the mega-musical “Miss Saigon” is still captivating audiences around the world. Meet three of the stars from the new touring production.

Remembering Chicago’s Role in World War I

Over the weekend, world leaders gathered in France to mark the 100th anniversary of the armistice that brought World War I to an end. We remember Illinois’ sacrifice during the Great War.

City of Chicago and Cook County See Surge in Voting

Voter interest was strong this Election Day. Both the Chicago Board of Elections and its suburban Cook County counterpart say turnout has been higher than in previous midterm elections. 

Doris Kearns Goodwin appears on “Chicago Tonight” on Nov. 5, 2018.

Doris Kearns Goodwin on What Makes for Great Presidential Leadership

Presidents who have effectively led the nation out of trying times seem to share some key attributes. The Pulitzer Prize-winning historian writes about those qualities in her new book “Leadership in Turbulent Times.”

Michael Beschloss Sheds Light on ‘Presidents of War’ in New Book

Presidential historian Michael Beschloss on how U.S. presidents have increasingly usurped the power to go to war.

The Rev. Saeed Richardson speaks about police reform at the first of two public hearings on the proposed police consent decree Wednesday, Oct. 24, 2018.

At Public Hearing, Nearly 50 Speakers Weigh in on Police Reform

A ceremonial courtroom at the Dirksen Federal Building was filled to capacity Wednesday as the first of two public hearings got underway on the proposed Chicago police reform consent decree.

Made in Chicago Auction Highlights 150 Years of Local History

You want a piece of Chicago? An array of notable works of art and historic Chicago artifacts are up for auction.

Members of the Chicago Lyric Opera Orchestra strike on Oct. 9, 2018. (Chicago Tonight)

Lyric Opera Orchestra Ratifies New Contract

Following a five-day strike that forced the cancellation of three performances at Lyric Opera of Chicago, the company’s orchestra ratified a new contract Sunday.

Lilli Cooper and Santino Fontana

Behind the Scenes with ‘Tootsie’ Stars Santino Fontana, Lilli Cooper

A song-and-dance version of the 1982 movie “Tootsie” has its pre-Broadway engagement in Chicago. We speak with two of the show’s stars.

Chicago’s Historic Newberry Library Unveils New Look, Exhibition

As one of Chicago’s oldest and most prestigious institutions unveils a new look, it also looks back at an event that transformed the city.

Plan for National Museum of Gospel Music in Bronzeville Moves Forward

Organizers say they are making progress on a new museum of gospel music planned for the former Pilgrim Baptist Church site in Bronzeville. 

Jon Burge (Chicago Tonight file photo)

Jon Burge, Disgraced Former Police Commander, Dies at 70

His name will forever be associated with police brutality in Chicago, yet he never faced criminal charges for the torture he allegedly ordered and took part in. Jon Burge died Wednesday at his home in Florida.

Mosaic work on display at the Chicago Mosaic School. (Eddie Arruza / Chicago Tonight)

Country’s Only Mosaic School Pieces Together New Home in Edgewater

One of the oldest forms of art is still practiced throughout the world, but there is only one school in the United States where it’s taught. We go for a visit.

Grant Park, 1968 (Courtesy Al Lieberman)

On 50th Anniversary, New Photos Shed Light on Tumult of Chicago DNC

Remembering the tumultuous 1968 Democratic National Convention in Chicago, as captured by two local photographers.

Rusty, an agriculture detection dog, sits next to contraband found on July 24, 2018 at an Air France cargo warehouse at O’Hare International Airport. (Courtesy U.S. Customs and Border Protection)

Hardworking Canines at O’Hare Sniff Out Drugs, Contraband

The opioid crisis in the United States is being fought on many fronts. And one is at O’Hare airport. Meet some of the best four-legged customs enforcers in the world.

Mosaic work on display at the Chicago Mosaic School. (Eddie Arruza / Chicago Tonight)

Country’s Only Mosaic School Pieces Together New Home in Edgewater

One of the oldest forms of art is still practiced throughout the world, but there is only one school in the United States where it’s taught. We go for a visit.

Jamie Bernstein (Credit: Steve J. Sherman)

Jamie Bernstein Recalls Life with ‘Lenny’ in ‘Famous Father Girl’

Jamie Bernstein on her new book and Ravinia performance remembering her famous father, Leonard Bernstein.

Major Transformation Coming to Chicago’s 75th Street Train Corridor

Chicago is the crossroads of rail traffic in the U.S., but the area’s railroad infrastructure has failed to keep up with increasing traffic. How a new project will address one of the biggest problems in Chicago’s antiquated rail system.

A still image taken from body camera footage released Sunday, July 15, 2018, by the Chicago Police Department shows a fatal police-involved shooting one day earlier.

Fatal Police-Involved Shooting Prompts 3rd Night of Community Protests

Chicago police release body camera video of a fatal shooting by one of their own, but it’s not enough to stop more community protests. A live report from the South Shore neighborhood.

The saddled puffer is one of 100 species that can be seen in “Underwater Beauty.” (Courtesy of Shedd Aquarium)

Shedd Aquarium’s New Exhibit is All About Beauty

If, as they say, beauty is in the eye of the beholder, the beholder is given a lot to admire at the Shedd Aquarium’s newest exhibit, “Underwater Beauty.”

Journalists Express Admiration for Elizabeth Brackett

We celebrate the career of Elizabeth Brackett with journalists who worked alongside her at WTTW: retired “Chicago Tonight” correspondent Rich Samuels, along with Carol Marin, Phil Ponce and Paris Schutz.

Broadway Actor Len Cariou Reminisces About Sondheim, ‘Sweeney Todd’

The legendary Broadway actor brings his one-man show “Broadway and the Bard” to Chicago. Len Cariou joins us in discussion.

Karen Lewis appears on Chicago Tonight on Sept. 5, 2017.

Karen Lewis Undergoes Brain Surgery, Source Says

Chicago Teachers Union President Karen Lewis reportedly told friends “the cancer is back” before undergoing surgery Wednesday.

Chicago History Museum curator Joy Bivins

‘Race’ Exhibition Challenges Visitors to Rethink the Concept

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

The saddled puffer is one of 100 species that can be seen in “Underwater Beauty.” (Courtesy of Shedd Aquarium)

Shedd Aquarium’s New Exhibit is All About Beauty

If, as they say, beauty is in the eye of the beholder, the beholder is given a lot to admire at the Shedd Aquarium’s newest exhibit, “Underwater Beauty.” We get a preview.