Stories by brandis friedman

A Mirena intrauterine device (Sarahmirk / Wikimedia Commons)

Don’t Want Kids? New Chicago Startup Helps Provide Free Birth Control

A new Chicago startup called Juno4Me connects women with free birth control from reputable health care providers. 

A still image from the 1898 silent film “Something Good-Negro Kiss.”

1898 Silent Film Represents Earliest Depiction of On-Screen Black Love

How a recently discovered film shot in Chicago more than 120 years ago still makes a powerful statement – without saying a word.

Behind the Curtain of the Joffrey’s Newest Production, ‘Anna Karenina’

For the first time in its history, the Joffrey Ballet cues up an entirely new score for its daring new production. We get a peek at the company’s creative process – and personalities.

CPS Unveils Progress Reports to Advance ‘Learn. Plan. Succeed’ Program

While Chicago Public Schools students make plans for their futures, we speak with schools chief Janice Jackson about the present.

CPS: GPA Error Means Up to 800 Students Mistakenly Applied to Some High Schools

Chicago Public Schools is reopening its high school application process for about 800 eighth-grade students who were mistakenly allowed to apply for programs for which they were not eligible.

(Chicago Tonight file photo)

Mayor Rahm Emanuel Reflects on Lessons in Education

Although his tenure has been marked by several school controversies, Mayor Rahm Emanuel is touting his achievements at both Chicago Public Schools and the City Colleges of Chicago. 

A still image from the 1898 silent film “Something Good-Negro Kiss.”

1898 Silent Film Represents Earliest Depiction of On-Screen Black Love

How a recently discovered film shot in Chicago more than 120 years ago still makes a powerful statement – without saying a word.

CTA Bus Driver Steers Changes for LGBTQ Community

The CTA makes a policy change that allows its health insurance plan to cover the cost of gender-affirming surgery for one of its bus drivers.

Trader Tommy Kalikas works on the floor of the New York Stock Exchange on Thursday, Jan. 3, 2019. Apple’s shock warning that its Chinese sales are weakening ratcheted up concerns about the world’s second-largest economy and weighed heavily on global stock markets as well as the dollar on Thursday. (AP Photo / Richard Drew)

Tech Stocks Take a Dive Amid Fears of Global Economic Slowdown

Tech stocks led the dive Thursday on Wall Street after Apple reported a slowdown on iPhone sales in China. Economist Diane Swonk weighs in.

FAFSA Verification an ‘Unfair Burden’ for Low-Income Students

Though finals are over for most college students, many still have something looming over their heads: financial aid. Why the process is taking longer for thousands of college students seeking federal aid.

Austan D. Goolsbee appears on “Chicago Tonight” in April 2013.

Mayor Appoints New Chicago Board of Education Member

University of Chicago economics professor Austan D. Goolsbee, a former Cabinet member to former President Barack Obama, will serve as the newest member of the Chicago Board of Education.

Educators with Acero charter schools strike outside Veterans Memorial Charter School Campus on Tuesday, Dec. 4, 2018. (Tyler LaRiviere / Chicago Sun-Times via AP)

Charter Strike Over, But Does it Signal Changing Time in Chicago?

About 500 Chicago charter school teachers and 8,000 students were back in the classroom after a historic, nearly weeklong strike came to an end Sunday.

Reflections on Turning 100 with Chicago’s Remarkable Timuel Black

Few Chicagoans can say they’ve lived through 100 years of change. But historian and civil rights activist Timuel Black can when he marks his 100th birthday on Friday.

Why Fewer Families Are Bringing Home Babies Through Adoption

Adoption advocates have spent the past month working to raise awareness about adoption as a way to grow a family. But whether they are done privately or internationally, adoptions are happening less frequently.

City Colleges student Shabaka Verna

A New Approach to Addressing Hunger in Higher Education

Food pantries are popping up in a surprising, new location: colleges and universities. How City Colleges of Chicago and the Greater Chicago Food Depository are providing for local students.

Michelle Obama discusses life in the White House at the United Center on Tuesday, Nov. 13, 2018 as part of her “Becoming” book tour.

Former First Lady Comes Home to Kick Off International Book Tour

Two of Chicago’s most famous women sit down for an intimate chat. What Michelle Obama told Oprah Winfrey – and 18,000 of her closest friends – to kick off her book tour.

New System Designates School Performance on Annual Illinois Report Card

Under a new component of the annual Illinois Report Card, 20 percent of schools are eligible for additional federal funding to make improvements.

Charter School Teachers Vote to Authorize Strike

Several hundred Chicago charter school teachers say they’re willing to walk off the job if they can’t reach a contract agreement with their charter operator, Acero.

Cornel West in discussion with “Chicago Tonight” on Oct. 18, 2018.

Cornel West on Van Dyke Verdict, Kanye and President Trump

He’s considered one of the country’s most visible intellectuals, noted for the way he expresses his views on racism, politics and even pop culture. A conversation with author and professor Cornel West.

Warner Saunders in an interview with John Callaway in 1980. (WTTW photo)

Remembering Longtime Newsman Warner Saunders

As Chicago mourns the loss of the Emmy Award-winning journalist, we revisit his memorable interview with John Callaway in 1980.

Chicago police Officer Jason Van Dyke listens to closing arguments Thursday, Oct. 4, 2018. (Antonio Perez / Chicago Tribune / Pool)

‘Uneventful’ First Weekend in Jail for Jason Van Dyke

Cook County Jail officials say the Chicago cop recently convicted of second-degree murder is being housed in a single cell and closely monitored for his safety and security.

Chicago-Area Universities Commit to Closing College Graduation Gaps

A local education nonprofit unveils an ambitious plan to get first-generation and low-income college students to graduation day.

Olympic Legend Jackie Joyner-Kersee Talks Perseverance, Women’s Sports

She won back-to-back Olympic medals in the seven-event heptathlon and still holds the world record of 7,291 points in the event. We talk sexism in women’s sports and more with Jackie Joyner-Kersee.

Sheriff’s deputies escort Chicago police Officer Jason Van Dyke from the courtroom Thursday, Sept. 6, 2018, after Judge Vincent Gaughan’s ruling that ordered Van Dyke’s bail be raised only slightly for giving an interview to the Chicago Tribune and a local TV station just days before jury selection was set to begin in his murder trial. (Antonio Perez / Chicago Tribune / Pool)

Van Dyke Case: Judge Bumps Up Bail Following Media Interviews

Former Chicago police Officer Jason Van Dyke will not spend more time in jail for giving interviews with local media.

Chicago Public Schools teacher Asia-Ana Williams (Chicago Tonight)

New Teacher Finds Affirmation on First Day of School

As a new school year gets underway at Chicago Public Schools, we visit a first-year teacher who has her own share of first-day jitters – and excitement for what lies ahead.

CPS Touts Increased Graduation Rate, Acknowledges Work Ahead

More Chicago Public Schools students are earning diplomas than ever before, reaching a record-high graduation rate of 78.2 percent, according to new figures from the district.