Stories by Eddie Arruza

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.

Cook County Board President Toni Preckwinkle’s proposed 2016 budget plan–which includes expanding the amusement tax–could be a tough sell to a county board that narrowly approved a controversial sales tax hike to help the county tackle its $6.5 billion pension fund shortfall. We talk with three Cook County commissioners about the plan.

The Cubs playoff run has been a ratings boon, but what about the economic impact to Chicago? Meanwhile, Chicago-based United Airlines continues its CEO shuffle and McDonald’s franchisees aren't loving all-day breakfast service, as some chains energize Monster sales. Ann Dwyer of Crain’s Chicago Business gives us the story behind these headlines and more.

Some landlords in the Chicago area are illegally discriminating against Section 8 voucher holders, according to WBEZ. Does this highlight problems with the program itself or is it blatant racism?

Jack Bishop from America's Test Kitchen gives us a look at their new book that aims to help you cut through the recipe clutter. Also, learn how to make Perfect Poached Chicken Breasts and other dishes from ATK.

Geoffrey Baer visits a towering turtle on the Near West Side, a retro motel in River North and a vanishing South Side lake in this week's encore edition of Ask Geoffrey.

Smoke filled the streets and skies of Chicago’s Norwood Park neighborhood this morning as an extra-alarm fire engulfed Harry’s Lumber Company in flames for the second time in 25 years.

Illinois’ budget stalemate has created a hairy situation for Peoria Journal Star political reporter Chris Kaergard, who has vowed not to shave his beard until a resolution is reached. “Chicago Tonight” brushes up on the progress of #BudgetBeard with Kaergard. 

The Illinois General Assembly was in session in Springfield on Tuesday for the first time in weeks as the budget impasse drags on. "Chicago Tonight" Springfield reporter Amanda Vinicky joins us to talk about what happened today at the capitol.

A beetle collected by Charles Darwin was recently discovered at the Field, which is in the process of cataloging its 12 million insect specimens – the museum's largest collection. Go behind the scenes as we check out this tiny wonder.

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.

The City Council’s Finance committee voted today to approve a record $543 million property tax increase over the next four years. But was the vote closer than expected? And will aldermen go along with garbage fee hikes and a possible new Uber fee? Paris Schutz has the story.

The Chicago Board of Education will vote next week on whether to approve applications for two new charter schools, but a group of Chicago aldermen have signed a resolution calling for a moratorium on the schools, while some parents say they have the right to choose which schools their children attend. Hear from all sides of the issue.

What can a mutant fruit fly can tell us about sleep? Why might forests in Alaska be contributing to climate change? And is Jupiter's Great Red Spot shrinking? University of Chicago paleontologist Neil Shubin is back to discuss these stories and more.

Playboy magazine has decided that sex no longer sells. This February's issue will be the last  one containing naked pictures of women. Is Playboy's new no-nudity media strategy leaving their business model exposed?

Watching FX’s "American Horror Story" and hitting the golf course could become more expensive under a budget proposal unveiled by Cook County Board President Toni Preckwinkle last week. She joins us to discuss her proposal and how it will help plug a projected $198.9 million budget hole. 

The fiscal cracks may be turning into floodgates as the state government approaches a fifth month without a budget. A major ratings agency on Monday dealt a blow to the state as a result of the inaction in Springfield. Has it emboldened either side to get off the sidelines and work together on a solution? Paris Schutz has the latest.

In a game both thrilling and frustrating the Bears and Lions traded the lead five times, needed overtime to decide the outcome and left fans of each team scratching their heads. The previously winless Lions looked more capable than their record indicated, while the Bears offense seesawed between potent and ineffective. Former Bear James "Big Cat" Williams joins us for his take on the game.

The two biggest stories in sports news lately have been the Chicago Cubs and the controversy over online fantasy sports. What are your chances of getting a ticket to a playoff game at Wrigley Field and what will it cost you? And what exactly is fantasy sports—is it gambling and should it be banned or regulated? Join us for a discussion on these topics and more.

She's been feeding Chicagoans her signature brand of breakfast since opening her first restaurant in 1991. And despite closing up shop two years ago, Ina Pinkney wanted to share some of her favorite recipes in a book, along with stories from her life. Pinkney joins "Chicago Tonight" to talk about "Ina's Kitchen."

A longtime Chicago arts criticism magazine is trying to get back on its feet after folding in 2002, but two separate groups are now attempting to publish it–and the world-renowned Zhou Brothers, after an initial show of support, decided to pull their funding. Learn about the rise and fall of the Examiner–and how it echoes the history of Chicago arts funding. 

This year’s free exhibit–the largest of its kind in the country–features 116 pieces of artwork from more than 90 artists and offers an inside look at some of the traditions of the holiday.

Joel Weisman and his panel of guests discuss the Cubs triumphant march to the National League Championship Series, Barbara Byrd-Bennett’s plea deal and apology and more top stories of the week.

The creative duo talks about “Pop Waits,” the clown rock opera they’re developing that was sparked by a conversation between Iggy Pop and Tom Waits in the 2003 film “Coffee and Cigarettes.”