Stories by Eddie Arruza
Hardworking Canines at O’Hare Sniff Out Drugs, Contraband
| Eddie Arruza
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.
After Italian Tragedy, Concern for Illinois’ ‘Structurally Deficient’ Bridges
| Evan Garcia
In Illinois last year, more than 2,300 bridges were classified as “structurally deficient” – including three spanning Lake Shore Drive. We talk aging infrastructure in Chicago and beyond.
‘Midnight Years’ Memoir a Story of Surviving Jon Burge
| WTTW News
Ronald Kitchen met former Chicago Police Commander Jon Burge in 1988. He would go on to spend two decades in prison – including a dozen years on death row – before his exoneration in 2009.
News Anxiety: How to Stay Plugged In Without Getting Stressed Out
| Paul Caine
Stressed out by the news? You’re not alone. We speak with a clinical psychologist about ways to manage anxiety amid the 24-hour news cycle.
10 Things to Do This Weekend: Aug. 16-19
| Kristen Thometz
High-flying aerial acrobatics, culinary creations, an eco-friendly beer fest and all things vintage usher in the weekend. Here are 10 things to do in and around Chicago.
New Illinois Law Bans Sale of Ivory, Rhinoceros Horn
| Alex Ruppenthal
As part of a growing movement to undermine the bloody practice of elephant and rhino poaching, Illinois has become the ninth state to ban the sale of ivory and rhino horn.
Van Dyke Case: Prosecutors Cannot Refer to McDonald as ‘Victim’ at Trial
| Matt Masterson
Because Jason Van Dyke’s attorneys claim he was justified in shooting teen Laquan McDonald, prosecutors may not refer to McDonald as a “victim.” However, they may refer to his death as a homicide.
Ask Geoffrey: What Happened to ‘Chicago’s Most Famous Restaurant’?
| Erica Gunderson
What became of the Loop restaurant where Mayor Richard J. Daley had his power breakfasts? Geoffrey Baer has the story in this encore edition of “Ask Geoffrey.”
Precious Meddling: The Impact of Trump’s Tariffs on Steel
| Amanda Vinicky
Gone are the days of leaving it to the World Trade Organization to deal with allegations of “dumping” and other disputes – President Trump is using tariffs instead. A local steel company weighs in.
What Would a US Space Force Look Like? Don’t Expect ‘Starship Troopers’
| Evan Garcia
The president proposes a new branch of the military for space defense. Local experts weigh in on Space Force.
Chicago’s Connection to the Paul Manafort Trial
| Alexandra Silets
Defense lawyers for Paul Manafort, President Donald Trump’s former campaign chairman, rested their case Tuesday without calling a single witness.
Celebrating Tom Skilling’s 40th Anniversary on WGN
| Nick Blumberg
From the top of the Sears Tower to the top of Alaskan mountains, Tom Skilling looks back on some of the highs from his 40-year career.
New Book Shares Stories of ‘Rad Girls’ to Inspire Youth
| Nicole Cardos
Meet the author and illustrator behind the new “Rad Girls Can” book about young women who are “bold, brave and brilliant.”
Towering Trolls Keep a Watchful Eye on Morton Arboretum
| Nick Blumberg
We take you on a visit to the west suburban forest under the watchful eye of six suspicious – and sizable – trolls.
Revised Law Frees Police in Illinois to Rescue Suffering Cats and Dogs
| Alex Ruppenthal
A recently passed revision to Illinois’ Humane Care for Animals Act clarifies the right of police to take custody of dogs or cats suffering from extreme heat, cold or other life-threatening conditions.
Van Dyke Case: McDonald’s Mother Must Appear in Court or Face Trial Ban
| Matt Masterson
If the mother of Laquan McDonald wants to attend the murder trial of the police officer who shot and killed her son, a judge said Tuesday, she will need to respond to a defense subpoena and show up to court this week.
Northwestern Memorial Named No. 1 Hospital in City, State
| Kristen Thometz
For the seventh consecutive year, Northwestern Memorial Hospital has been named by U.S. News & World Report as the best hospital in both the Chicago metro area and the state.
Gov. Rauner Ratchets Up Anti-Madigan Rhetoric
| Amanda Vinicky
Illinois House Speaker Michael Madigan has long been a political target of Gov. Bruce Rauner, but the governor ratcheted it up a notch Monday.
Local Priest Talks of ‘Life-Altering’ Plane Crash
| Paul Caine
We speak with two Chicagoans who survived the crash of Aeromexico Flight 2431 in Durango. “Life has taken on kind of a different color – I hope it lasts awhile,” said the Rev. Esequiel Sanchez.
More Resignations at Willow Creek Church In #MeToo Scandal
| Alexandra Silets
Willow Creek Community Church, based in South Barrington, is undergoing a seismic shift. Chicago Tribune religion reporter Manya Brachear Pashman joins us with the latest.
Chicago Sailing Camp Sets Sights on Diversifying Sport
| Jay Shefsky
This summer, a local sailing camp has tried to break down economic barriers with a scholarship program for a majority of its campers.
Shootings, Protests and ‘Bait Trucks’ Inflame Police-Community Tensions
| Evan Garcia
There is a strong sense of distrust between Chicago police and some of the communities they serve. How does the city repair this relationship?
Changes to Oscars Draws Criticism, Raises Questions
| Nicole Cardos
The Motion Picture Academy announces a new award category for the Oscars. Why some critics say that’s cause for concern.
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