Stories by Eddie Arruza
Anger Over $40M Red Light Camera Settlement
| Eddie Arruza
Ald. Anthony Beale, 9th Ward, says motorists are likely to receive only half of what they might have if they’d been allowed to contest their fines.
Kushner Talks to Senate Investigators as Russia Questions Persist
| Paul Caine
Jared Kushner, son-in-law and special adviser to the president, is questioned by congressional investigators about his Russia contacts.
Center of Attention: Obama Foundation on Presidential Center Progress
| Anne Strother
An update from the Obama Foundation’s Michael Strautmanis on plans for the South Side Presidential Center.
Chicago Pastry Chef Awarded France’s Highest Civilian Honor
| Eddie Arruza
Words of culinary wisdom from master pastry chef Jacquy Pfeiffer, co-founder of The French Pastry School.
Judy Collins On A Life in Music
| Marc Vitali
The award-winning singer-songwriter talks about her late friend Leonard Cohen and an upcoming tour with Stephen Stills launching this week at Ravinia.
Rauner Calls Lawmakers Back to Capitol for Education Funding Battle
| Brandis Friedman
Lawmakers will have much to discuss during yet another special session, this time on education spending. Three Illinois teachers weigh in.
‘To The Bone’ Risks Serving as ‘How-to Manual’ for Anorexia, Says Psychologist
| Kristen Thometz
With 20 million American women and 10 million men expected to suffer from an eating disorder sometime in their lives, some are concerned the film could serve as a blueprint.
Shedd Unveils 1,600-Pound Seahorse Sculpture Made From Ocean Garbage
| Alex Ruppenthal
Stella the Seahorse is the first of 19 marine animal sculptures made from plastic debris on display at Shedd Aquarium.
Behind the Scenes at Lincoln Park Zoo’s New Penguin Encounter
| Alex Ruppenthal
For the first time, Lincoln Park Zoo is offering visitors a chance to get up close and personal with their African penguins. We meet three waddling, webbed-feet bachelors.
Education Funding Fight Could Prompt Special Session
| Amanda Vinicky
Schools are caught in the crossfire between Democrats and Republican Gov. Bruce Rauner, who said Friday he’ll call legislators back to Springfield if they don’t release Senate Bill 1 to him by noon Monday.
Judge to Rule July 28 on Cook County Soda Tax
| Kristen Thometz
A Cook County judge will rule on the controversial penny-per-ounce sugar-sweetened beverage tax next week.
2 California Sea Lion Pups Debut at Brookfield Zoo
| Alex Ruppenthal
After spending their first weeks learning to swim and bonding with their mothers, Lucy and Taylor make their public debut.
Durbin Pushes for Release of Plan to Keep Asian Carp Out of Great Lakes
| Alex Ruppenthal
A plan to fortify a barrier against Asian carp was set to be released in February but has been stalled by the Trump administration.
The Week in Review: Layoffs Hit After Pop Tax Fizzles
| Nick Blumberg
Cook County layoffs spark a war of words. Chicago drivers get red-light ticket relief. Shakeup in the governor’s office. Revived Cubs are winning again, and the Sox go on a trade tirade.
Historical Happy Hour: A Toast to Alice Peurala
| Erica Gunderson
For decades, the steel industry forged Chicago’s industrial spine. Now, we forge a no-nonsense drink for the no-nonsense lady who brought the titans of steel to their knees.
New Book Celebrates Classic Images of Chicago
| WTTW News
Richard Cahan and Michael Williams spend a lot of time digging through old photos of Chicago, and together have created 14 stunning books. Take a look at their latest, “Chicago: Classic Photographs.”
Heavy Rain Drenches Northern Illinois, Raises Concerns of Flooding
| Amanda Vinicky
Heavy rainfall drenched northern Illinois Wednesday night and Thursday morning. And more is on the way. The Des Plaines and Fox Rivers have seen water levels rise and remain areas of concern.
Where Do School Funding and Reforms Stand in Springfield?
| Alexandra Silets
Illinois State Sens. Heather Steans and Karen McConnaughay report on the status of school funding and which reforms were passed this session.
City Settles Red Light Camera Lawsuit for $38.75 Million
| Paris Schutz
The city has settled a massive lawsuit with more than a million drivers and will partially reimburse those tickets. Here’s what you need to know.
Speeding Toward the Future of Driverless Cars
| Evan Garcia
You won’t find driverless cars whizzing through the streets of Chicago today. But behind the scenes, companies are testing and implementing technology for cars to navigate sans human input.
Enrollment Down, Per-Pupil Spending Inches Up in New CPS Budgets
| Brandis Friedman
Despite the fight in Springfield over education funding, Chicago Public Schools leaders say they will open to students in the fall—but with fewer students.
CPS Making ‘Major Changes’ to Special Ed Funding
| Matt Masterson
Teachers and principals spent the past year criticizing the way Chicago Public Schools handles special education funding. The district now says it’s planning major changes in the new fiscal year.
Meet the Athletic Artists Behind Cirque du Soleil’s ‘Luzia’
| Marc Vitali
The French Canadian circus rolled into town this week, and Chicago Tonight got a backstage pass to meet the performers.
Preckwinkle and Dart Spar Over Cook County Layoffs
| Paris Schutz
Why the stalled soda tax has unleashed a war of words between Cook County Sheriff Tom Dart and Board President Toni Preckwinkle.
Thanks to our sponsors:
Trending
2026 Chicago Summer Festival Guide
Bill Awaiting Pritzker’s Signature Would Clear Hurdle for People Challenging Sentences on Crimes Committed When Under 21
June 29, 2026 - Full Show
Buddy, Frankie, Mavis and Tweedy: Chicago’s Newest Plover Chicks Named in Honor of City’s Famous Musicians
Minimum Wage to Increase in Chicago, Suburban Cook County Starting July 1
Sign up for the WTTW News newsletter