Stories by brandis friedman

CPS Works to Address Student Trauma, Mental Health

Chicago Public Schools began certifying schools for their social emotional learning supports two years ago. We visit one school that’s achieved the highest certification – exemplary.

In Homan Square, 102-Year-Old Building Gets a New Life

The 225,000-square-foot Sears and Roebuck printing facility was once described as its own city within the city of Chicago, but it’s been closed for decades—until now.

It’s ‘A Whole New World’ for Disney Composer Alan Menken

What does it take to adapt a classic Disney musical for a live audience? We sit down with the award-winning composer to talk about remaking “Aladdin,” and the “keys” to his success.

(Paul Sableman / Flickr)

Chicago Cabbies Say They Are ‘Run Off the Road’ By Uber, Lyft

Is the cab industry in Chicago collapsing? Cab drivers say their industry is being decimated by ride-sharing services like Uber and Lyft flooding the market.

S&P, Moody’s Downgrade Illinois’ Bond Rating

The two credit agencies have downgraded Illinois' bond rating yet again.

Cook County Judge Charles Burns (Chicago Tonight)

Cook County Drug Court Program Designed to Break Cycle of Addiction

Often when criminal court defendants are placed on probation, they’re sent back to jail if caught using drugs. But in one Cook County courtroom, they’re given a second chance – and sometimes a third or fourth. 

“I still have my nightmares from what Burge did to me,” said Anthony Holmes.

Survivors of Torture Under Jon Burge Find a Place of Respite

This week, the city of Chicago is coming through on a promise made two years ago to survivors of torture.

Durbin Asks Feds for Help with Gun Violence Prevention in Chicago

After almost 40 shootings this weekend, and another potentially violent summer approaching, U.S. Sen. Dick Durbin is calling on the federal government to lend Chicago a hand.

(World Economic Forum / Flickr)

Condoleezza Rice Weighs in on Trump Administration, Foreign Policy

The former secretary of state speaks with Chicago Tonight during a one-on-one interview.

Ogden International School (Chicago Tonight)

CPS to Recommend Merger of Ogden and Jenner Elementary Schools

Chicago Public Schools says it will recommend a merger of two Near North Side elementary schools after an 18-month review process fueled largely by community members.

Portrait of former Illinois Gov. Pat Quinn by artist William T. Chambers.

Former Gov. Quinn Portrait Includes 44 ‘Found’ Items

Former Illinois Gov. Pat Quinn on Monday left his mark on the Illinois State Capitol – with the unveiling of his official portrait.

Chicago Police Say Technology, Data Driving Down Crime

A look at the Chicago Police Department's technological crime-fighting strategy.

Rick Bayless, center, poses with his wife and business partner, Deann, and Dave Hardie, director of San Pellegrino. (Credit: Huge Galdones)

Rick Bayless, Sarah Grueneberg Win Awards at ‘Oscars’ of Food Industry

The who’s who in American cuisine descended on Chicago’s Lyric Opera House for the 2017 James Beard Awards.

“Obviously we’re very disappointed in the judge’s ruling that it is permissible for the state of Illinois to discriminate on the basis of race,” said CPS CEO Forrest Claypool on Friday. (Chicago Tonight)

Court Tosses CPS Discrimination Lawsuit Against State

A Cook County Judge has dealt a financial setback to Chicago Public Schools – stating that the school district’s complaint is “not the vehicle to address [the state’s] inequity” in education funding.

Could House Calls Be the Future of Medical Care?

Bringing the doctor’s office to patients when they’re no longer able to bring themselves.

Teachers Claim CPS ‘Harassing’ Members Over Sick Leave

Some Chicago teachers say CPS is looking into whether they are skipping school.

New Investment Helps Young Chicagoans Find Their Opportunity

In an effort to curb violence, Mayor Rahm Emanuel has directed resources to expand mentoring programs in Chicago Public Schools. A new effort is targeting young men and women who aren’t in school.

CPD Use of Force Policy Getting Revisions Amid Larger Reform Effort

The Chicago Police Department's controversial use of force policy gets a do-over. 

History Comes to Life as CPS Students Meet ‘Hamilton’

The Founding Father who became the subject of one of the most popular Broadway musicals in a generation is also the subject of a history lesson in Chicago Public Schools.

Chance the Rapper Donates $1M to Chicago Public Schools

The Grammy winner announced a $1 million donation to CPS, just as Gov. Bruce Rauner’s office presented new ideas to rescue the cash-strapped district from its funding wreckage.

Chicago Public Schools CEO Forrest Claypool (Chicago Tonight)

Cash-Strapped CPS Files Motion, Threatens Shorter School Year

Chicago Public Schools students could be in for a shorter school year.

Emmett Till’s Family Reacts to Accuser’s Confession, 60 Years Later

A stunning confession in the most notorious civil rights case of the 20th century.

(Brandis Friedman / Chicago Tonight)

CTU, Principals: Special Education in Crisis

Strong charges from the Chicago Teachers Union leveled against Chicago Public Schools about funding the district’s diverse learners.

School Funding Reform Commission Delivers Report, Legislation TBD

Another commission, another report on school funding reform. Will lawmakers’ recommendations create a new formula?

The Chicago Police Department’s Procedural Justice training. (Brandis Friedman / Chicago Tonight)

Chicago Police Department Ramps Up Training for ‘Police Legitimacy’

Chicago Tonight sits in on a training class that aims to teach Chicago police officers how to better engage with the community.

Remembering the 1st Step of Martin Luther King Jr.’s 1,000-Mile March

Once a neighborhood unwelcoming to families of color, Marquette Park is not only a more diverse community today, but one that's now home to a Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. memorial.