Stories by eddie arruza

City Improvements: Transportation Head Talks Infrastructure Upgrades

The city of Chicago wants your feedback on new streetlights. That and other infrastructure projects with Rebekah Scheinfeld, the head of the city’s transportation department.

(Chicago Tonight)

Chicago Airports Get Air Traffic Communications Upgrade

Chicago’s air traffic controllers and the pilots they guide have a new way of communicating that officials say will improve speed and safety. We explain how it works.

A Final Toast to Iconic Chicago Restaurant the Cape Cod Room

For 83 years, the famous and not-so famous fell in love with the Cape Cod Room. But the iconic Chicago restaurant will soon serve its last meals. We tell you why.

(Chicago Tonight)

As Recycling Rates Drop in Chicago, Officials Look to Reeducate Public

Why aren't Chicagoans getting on the recycling bandwagon? What city officials are doing to reverse dropping participation rates.

Fidel Castro. (Marcelo Montecino / Flickr)

What’s Next for US-Cuba Relations?

The death of Cuban revolutionary leader Fidel Castro sparks a wide range of emotions and uncertainty over the future of U.S.-Cuba relations. We have some local reactions.

Adam Levin (Tatiana Daubek)

North Shore Native, Virtuoso Guitarist Turns His Talent Into a Crusade

Adam Levin has become an international guitar virtuoso and an ambassador for the instrument. He joins us in conversation and performance. 

City Council Unanimously Approves Chicago’s 2017 Budget

The $8.2 billion spending plan doesn’t contain nearly as much pain for city taxpayers as last year’s budget, but grocery shopping could get a bit more expensive.

Shakespearean Artifacts on Display at Newberry Library

Learn about a major Shakespeare exhibit at the Newberry Library and get an exclusive look at some rare artifacts that didn’t make the cut.

Mayor: Chicago to Remain a Sanctuary City for Immigrants

In the wake of Donald Trump’s election, mental health officials say a growing “public health crisis” has emerged. Meanwhile, Mayor Rahm Emanuel assures immigrants that Chicago will remain a sanctuary city.

Chicago Composer, Trumpeter Orbert Davis on Cuba, World-Premiere Work

On Friday in Chicago, Orbert Davis presents the world premiere of a composition by one of his young Cuban protégés.

Library’s Artifacts Offer Behind-the-Scenes Look at Alexander Hamilton

How real is the man portrayed in Lin-Manuel Miranda's Tony and Pulitzer prize-winning show? We show you some original artifacts pertaining to Alexander Hamilton.

Early Voting Strong in Chicago, Suburban Cook County

Early voting in Chicago and suburban Cook County entered its final day on Monday with more than 285,000 votes already cast in the city and nearly 400,000 additional ballots cast or mailed in from 30 surrounding townships.

Preservation Group Launches Ambitious Plan to Save House of Tomorrow

It was once the vision of the future. Now a major campaign is underway to save the House of Tomorrow from becoming a memory of yesteryear.

Alderman’s Plan to Extend 606 Trail Faces Numerous Challenges

Chicago’s 606 trail is only a little over a year old and already there is an ambitious proposal to extend it. 

Okka von der Damerau in "Das Rheingold." (Courtesy of Lyric Opera of Chicago)

Lyric Opera’s Season Off to a Full-Throated Start

Lyric Opera’s principal conductor and one of the stars currently on stage join us in conversation and song.

Chicago Latino Music Festival Showcases Latin American, Spanish Music

The 11th annual festival is underway. Get a preview of this year's artists and hear a performance by guitarist Iliana Matos.

Library’s Artifacts Offer Behind-the-Scenes Look at Alexander Hamilton

The runaway hit musical "Hamilton" premieres Tuesday in Chicago, but the Founding Father has been well represented here for a long time. We show you some original artifacts pertaining to Alexander Hamilton.

Conservation Group Launches Project to Restore North Side Sanctuary

It's one of the most beautiful locations in one of the busiest areas of Chicago, but Lincoln Park's North Pond is not in good health. We revisit a proposal for a major makeover.

Superstar Designer of Lurie Garden Revisits his Masterpiece

Renowned Dutch garden designer Piet Oudolf pays a visit to his Chicago masterpiece and talks about its evolution over the last 12 years.

Port of Chicago Privatization Plan Draws Critics

The Port of Chicago is looking to privatize its operations. But while the site needs a massive infusion of cash and upgrades, is privatization risking another city asset?

On its website, Graduate Students United says it’s been “working since 2007 to improve the lives of graduate students and gain recognition for the work we do.” (Graduate Students United / Facebook)

Grad Students Get Green Light to Unionize at Private Universities

Last week, the National Labor Relations Board gave graduate students at private universities the go-ahead to form collective bargaining units. What local students and schools impacted by the ruling have to say.

Kenny Loggins on Being a ‘Moving Target’ Throughout His Career

The Grammy award-winning rock icon joins Eddie Arruza to reflect on his 40-year career in music. 

Patti Blagojevich speaks to the media on Tuesday.

No Leniency for Rod Blagojevich, Judge Rules at Resentencing Hearing

Rod Blagojevich must serve his full prison sentence. A stunning ruling at the ex-governor's resentencing Tuesday. Find out what Blagojevich said in his own defense.

Conservation Group Launches Project to Restore North Side Sanctuary

It's one of the most beautiful locations in one of the busiest areas of Chicago, but Lincoln Park's North Pond is not in good health. Learn about a proposal for a major makeover.

Jon Secada performs on "Chicago Tonight."

The Rise of Jon Secada: From Refugee to Top of the Charts

The singer-songwriter and two-time Grammy award-winner joins us in performance and conversation.

The new Arts and Recreation Center at Ellis Park. (Eddie Arruza / Chicago Tonight)

New Bronzeville Community Center Offers Much-Needed Gathering Place

After years of waiting, Chicago's Bronzeville neighborhood gets a spectacular and much needed arts and recreation center.