Stories by eddie arruza

South Side Nightlife Shines in Book of Photographs, Poetry

'Gotta Go Gotta Flow' Highlights 1970s Club Scene

There was once a club scene in Chicago that was something of a rarefied world. A photographer who was not part of the scene ventured into one of the clubs and captured a fantastic nightlife that is now long gone and preserved almost exclusively in his work. A new book pairs those photos with poems from an acclaimed poet. Eddie Arruza has the rap.

Loop Link rendering (Courtesy Chicago Department of Transportation)

Loop Link Express Bus Service Makes its Debut this Weekend

One of the most significant transit initiatives to launch in Chicago begins service this weekend. We take a preview spin around the city's first bus rapid transit line, called Loop Link.

Medical Marijuana Hits the Shelves at Chicago’s First Dispensary

State-approved medical marijuana has arrived in Chicago’s Andersonville neighborhood. We get a look inside the first—and so far the only—dispensary to open in the city. 

'Bel Canto': Behind the Scenes of Lyric Opera's World Premiere

A world premiere at Lyric Opera of Chicago is based on a true story with terrifying echos of today's troubled world. A behind-the-scenes look at the making of "Bel Canto."

How Illinois’ Budget Stalemate is Impacting Public Universities

Public universities in Illinois have received no state funding since the budget standoff began in July. We hear from four university presidents on the impact the budget crisis is having on their campuses.

Chicago War Veterans Focus of New Book

On this Veterans Day we hear from two men who served their country and are now featured in a new book of remembrances by Chicago-area veterans. The book, “I Remember: Chicago Veterans of War,” features the memories of 50 veterans who served in World War II, Korea, Vietnam, Bosnia, Iraq and Afghanistan. 

Community Unites to Combat Violence on Chicago's West Side

The violence in Chicago continues to spark rage and national headlines. Last week it was the murder of 9-year-old Tyshawn Lee, then 20-year-old Kaylyn Pryor, an aspiring model, was gunned down. This weekend 14-year-old J-Quantae Riles was killed. Eddie Arruza reports on steps being taken on the city’s West Side to combat the violence.

President Barack Obama

In Chicago, President Obama Talks Criminal Justice and Racial Profiling

President Barack Obama talks guns, crime and policing in Chicago at a gathering of police chiefs from around the country. But he acknowledges the growing the violence in his hometown and being a victim of racial profiling. 

Kate Liu at the 17th International Chopin Piano Competition in Warsaw, Poland, 2015.

Chicago-Area Native Wins Bronze Medal at Prestigious Chopin Piano Competition

Winnetka native Kate Liu, 21, has become the bronze medalist and recipient of a nearly $23,000 cash prize at the 17th Chopin International Competition in Warsaw, Poland.

(Vince Smith / Flickr)

Illinois' Public Universities Pressure Lawmakers to End Budget Stalemate

Lawmakers get a visit from protesters demanding an end to budget cuts. We discuss how the standoff is affecting higher education with Governors State University President Elaine Maimon.

Matthew Aucoin (Photo by Todd Rosenberg)

Opera is 'Second Nature' for This 25-Year-Old Composer

He's a composer, conductor, poet and instrumentalist. And he's already being compared to Mozart. We revisit the 25 year old whose children's opera–written for Chicago–is getting another hearing. 

State Comptroller Munger: 'Illinois Is Out of Money Now'

A dire report from Illinois' comptroller today: The state budget stalemate has reached an alarming point in the state's ability to make a significant pension payment and pay bills. 

(WTTW News)

Gov. Rauner Puts Thompson Center Up for Sale

The Thompson Center is for sale. Gov. Rauner says the iconic building has become a costly and inefficient albatross for Illinois. Just how much can the state get for it, and what does the renowned architect who designed it have to say about its future?

Recon by Fire, 1967. A member of the U.S. Army 101st Airborne Brigade in Quảng Ngãi Province uses his M16 rifle to conduct reconnaissance by fire. Photo by Specialist 5 Robert C. Lafoon, U.S. Army.

Special Ops Photographers Offer Unfiltered Look at 'Faces of War'

A new exhibition in Chicago showcases a collection of rare images and films from Vietnam, and the cameramen–many of whom were enlisted soldiers– who captured them. Three such veterans join us to discuss their experiences documenting that war.

Ridley Scott's film 'The Martian'

Mission Impossible? 'The Martian' Aims for Realism in Outer Space

The new Matt Damon movie "The Martian" rocketed to the top of the box-office this past weekend, but how accurate is its rocket science? Our panelists give us their review of the physics and psychology of the cinematic trip to Mars.

NASA Says Liquid Water on Mars Could be Evidence of Life Beyond Earth

Last week NASA said it would be making a major announcement today about a discovery on Mars. While some space fans might have been hoping it was about finding life, the announcement was about something almost as significant. Adler Planetarium astronomer Lucianne Walkowicz joins us to discuss the latest on the Red Planet.

Mayor Emanuel Defends 'Last Resort' Budget Proposal

Emanuel: ‘I’m here to fix these challenges’

Mayor Rahm Emanuel joins us for his first extended interview since proposing his so-called "last resort" budget.

Chicago Aldermen React to Mayor's Budget Proposal

Mayor Emanuel unveils his much anticipated doomsday budget proposal. How much pushback will it get from residents and aldermen? We ask four of them.

Ruth Bader Ginsburg

Justice Ruth Bader Ginsburg Visits WFMT

A U.S. Supreme Court Justice becomes a classical music radio announcer for a day – and it happened at our sister station WFMT. We hear what Ruth Bader Ginsburg, the justice who's become "notorious," had to say.

Erasmus Corwin Gilbreath, circa 1870s.

Rediscovered Journals of a Civil War Soldier Offer Eyewitness Accounts

The rediscovery of a Civil War soldier's journals and his ties to Chicago: A look at a fascinating new exhibition at the Pritzker Military Museum. Eddie Arruza has the story.

South Side Trauma Center a Victory, But Activists Continue Fight for Equity

Activists in Chicago have scored a major victory in the form of a new adult trauma center for the city's South Side. While the new facility is being hailed as a big step toward health care equity in an underserved area, activists say much more needs to be done. Eddie Arruza joins us with details.

Dr. Alberto Roque Guerra

Cuban Activist Speaks Out on US-Cuba Relations

Cuba and the United States have reestablished diplomatic ties but is the Caribbean nation ready for more changes? On Chicago Tonight, we hear from Cuban activist Dr. Alberto Roque Guerra on one way the communist government seems to be shifting.

Shoreline Facelift Unfolds to Ease Fullerton Beach Traffic

One of the most sizable redesigns of the Chicago lakefront is underway at Fullerton Avenue beach, and the change is predicted to be eye-popping. By next summer, everyone passing through the area will have a lot more breathing, sunning, and picnicking room. Chicago Tonight's Eddie Arruza has the story.

Dealing With a Disgruntled Employee

A horrifying incident unfolded on live television this morning when a reporter and her cameraman were shot and killed by a man reported to be a former colleague. On Chicago Tonight, we'll look at what businesses can and should do to look for and address the potential dangers of a disgruntled employee.

Addyi, the pink pill for women.

Controversy Over the Little Pink Pill

The FDA has approved the first drug designed to boost libido in pre-menopausal women. Is it really effective and safe? We look at the so-called female Viagra and the massive marketing campaign behind Addyi.

(Photo courtesy pdpics.com)

Mayor Emanuel Announces Plan to Improve 2 CTA Bus Routes

Plan Raising Questions About the Future of BRT for Chicago

Mayor Rahm Emanuel announced on Tuesday a plan to improve the service of two of the city's busiest bus routes. The three-part plan calls for improved speed and overall performance of Chicago Transit Authority buses along Western Avenue (No. 49) and Ashland Avenue (No. 9). Get details of the plan and read the mayor's announcement.