Stories by brandis friedman

How 2012 Chicago Teachers Strike Changed Fight Over Public Education

A new book argues the teachers strike of 2012 did more than just force a contract. A look inside “A Fight for the Soul of Public Education.”

Brandon Johnson works in the kitchen at Chicago restaurant the Girl and the Goat. (Chicago Tonight)

Judges Help Foster Children Find Independence

From the foster system to one of the hottest restaurants in town: How one young man is “mixing it up.”

Bitter Cold Especially Challenging for Chronically Homeless

Weathering the cold is especially hard on people who live outside. What’s being done to help the homeless.

Adjunct professor Claire Boeck (Chicago Tonight)

Part-Time Professors at City Colleges Want More From Their Employer

Adjunct professors at the state’s biggest community college system say their working conditions make it difficult for them to do their jobs.

CPS Inspector General Nick Schuler addresses the Chicago Board of Education on Wednesday. (Chicago Tonight)

Watchdog Says CPS Board Blocking Ethics Investigation

An investigation into whether or not the Chicago Board of Education’s top attorney violated a Chicago Public Schools ethics policy has been stalled, according to the district’s Inspector General Nick Schuler.

Chicago Board of Education President Frank Clark (Chicago Tonight)

CPS Board Approves Revised Budget With $215M Gap

Charter Applications and Inspector General Investigation on the Table

Chicago Public Schools has a budget, but it could change again before the end of the school year.

(Brandis Friedman / Chicago Tonight)

Mentoring Program at Chicago Schools Expands to Girls

No longer just for the boys, a popular mentoring program is now making sure girls aren’t being left behind.

DACA Recipients Fear the Future Under Trump

As inauguration day grows closer, so does the fear for some young immigrants that their status in the U.S. will be revoked.

Learning Gardens at CPS Schools Plant Seeds for Healthy Food Choices

Students at some Chicago Public Schools are getting their hands dirty while feeding their minds.

New Report Aims to Increase Principal Retention at CPS

A tough job, but hundreds of Chicago educators do it–a new report on making sure the best principals are on the jobs in Chicago Public Schools.

Detainees Work Through Trauma in Jail, Aim for ‘Something Different’

We bring you part two of our story on a program that aims to stop the revolving door of the criminal justice system – from inside the Cook County Jail.

Navigating Community College Takes Support, Time for These Students

Though community college is expected to last only two years, it's a long road for many students. A look at how some students are getting plenty of support along the way.

New Program to Stem Chicago’s Violence Epidemic Starts in Jail

For many young men inside the Cook County Jail, violence on the streets is a daily reality. But a new program based at the jail aims to change that reality.

Strike Deadline Looms for UNO Charter School Network, Teachers Union

The city narrowly missed a massive teachers’ strike last week, but another is brewing for parents at a major charter school operator.

Chicago Teachers Union Vice President Jesse Sharkey (Chicago Tonight)

CTU, CPS Agree to Contract, Full Cost Remains Unclear

Chicago teachers were back in schools Tuesday instead of on the picket line. We take a closer look at the eleventh hour contract agreement between the district and teachers union.

CTU Preps for Second Strike in 2 Contracts

Picket signs are printed and teachers say they're ready to walk out as parents scramble to find care for their children.

Karen Lewis and members of the Chicago Teachers Union announce on Sept. 28 a strike date of Oct. 11 if no contract agreement is reached with Chicago Public Schools. (Brandis Friedman / Chicago Tonight)

CPS Sends Layoff Notices to Almost 250 Teachers, Staff

Some Chicago Public Schools students may be missing their teachers as more than 250 layoff notices go out Monday.

Whole Foods Brings Economic Development, Lower Prices to Englewood

A brand-new grocery store opens its doors in one of the city's food deserts. What does it mean for neighbors in Englewood?

CTU Sets October Strike Date if No Contract Agreement Reached

The CTU plans to serve CPS its 10-day strike notice Thursday for a possible Oct. 11 walkout. We hear more about the plan from CTU Vice President Jesse Sharkey.

Lawmakers Considering How to Pay for an Education Funding Overhaul

Though the state is spending more money on education this year than in the past seven years at least, some advocates argue it's still not enough, and the way we spend that money is inequitable. Thursday, we report on how lawmakers are working to change that.

Education Funding in Illinois: How the Evidence-Based Model Works

One way to achieve the goal of providing an “adequate” education to all Illinois school children? Spending much more money per child. We crunch the numbers.

Charters Closed by CPS Are Back to School Under State Control

Students at three Chicago charter schools won a fight to keep doors open, but the schools are now under state control. A look at how they're starting off the new school year.

(Courtesy of Clemantine Wamariya)

Rwandan Genocide Survivor, Advocate on Holocaust, Modern-Day Genocide

It was one of the most brutal massacres of our generation: hundreds of thousands killed during the Rwandan genocide. Survivor Clemantine Wamariya shares her story and her work to make sure it never happens again.

Chicago Teachers Union House of Delegates Plans for 2nd Strike Vote

The rank-and-file members of the Chicago Teachers Union have already approved a strike, but the union is planning a second vote. Find out why.

CPS School Year Starts Again Without Teachers Contract

For the second year in a row, Chicago Public Schools begins the school year without a teachers contract. Can a deal be struck soon?

Violence-Prevention Program Starts in Hospitals Instead of Streets

Helping patients recover from gunshot wounds is just one part of a new violence-prevention program at Stroger Hospital. A look at how workers are going above and beyond the bedside.