Residents of North Lawndale and the Cook County Board are mourning the loss of one of their own. Second District Commissioner Robert Steele died Monday from complications of diabetes.
Stories by brandis friedman
CPS Works to Address Student Trauma, Mental Health
Jun 15, 2017 | Brandis Friedman
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
Jun 14, 2017 | Brandis Friedman
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
Jun 13, 2017 | Brandis Friedman
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.
Chicago Cabbies Say They Are ‘Run Off the Road’ By Uber, Lyft
Jun 5, 2017 | Brandis Friedman
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
Jun 1, 2017 | Brandis Friedman
The two credit agencies have downgraded Illinois' bond rating yet again.
Cook County Drug Court Program Designed to Break Cycle of Addiction
May 30, 2017 | Brandis Friedman
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.
Survivors of Torture Under Jon Burge Find a Place of Respite
May 25, 2017 | Brandis Friedman
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
May 22, 2017 | Brandis Friedman
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.
Condoleezza Rice Weighs in on Trump Administration, Foreign Policy
May 16, 2017 | Brandis Friedman
The former secretary of state speaks with Chicago Tonight during a one-on-one interview.
CPS to Recommend Merger of Ogden and Jenner Elementary Schools
May 15, 2017 | Brandis Friedman
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.
Former Gov. Quinn Portrait Includes 44 ‘Found’ Items
May 8, 2017 | Brandis Friedman
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
May 4, 2017 | Brandis Friedman
A look at the Chicago Police Department's technological crime-fighting strategy.
Rick Bayless, Sarah Grueneberg Win Awards at ‘Oscars’ of Food Industry
May 1, 2017 | Brandis Friedman
The who’s who in American cuisine descended on Chicago’s Lyric Opera House for the 2017 James Beard Awards.
Court Tosses CPS Discrimination Lawsuit Against State
Apr 28, 2017 | Brandis Friedman
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?
Apr 24, 2017 | Brandis Friedman
Bringing the doctor’s office to patients when they’re no longer able to bring themselves.
Teachers Claim CPS ‘Harassing’ Members Over Sick Leave
Apr 20, 2017 | Brandis Friedman
Some Chicago teachers say CPS is looking into whether they are skipping school.
New Investment Helps Young Chicagoans Find Their Opportunity
Mar 27, 2017 | Brandis Friedman
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
Mar 14, 2017 | Brandis Friedman
The Chicago Police Department's controversial use of force policy gets a do-over.
History Comes to Life as CPS Students Meet ‘Hamilton’
Mar 8, 2017 | Brandis Friedman
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
Mar 6, 2017 | Brandis Friedman
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.
Cash-Strapped CPS Files Motion, Threatens Shorter School Year
Feb 27, 2017 | Brandis Friedman
Chicago Public Schools students could be in for a shorter school year.
Emmett Till’s Family Reacts to Accuser’s Confession, 60 Years Later
Feb 23, 2017 | Brandis Friedman
A stunning confession in the most notorious civil rights case of the 20th century.
CTU, Principals: Special Education in Crisis
Feb 15, 2017 | Brandis Friedman
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
Feb 1, 2017 | Brandis Friedman
Another commission, another report on school funding reform. Will lawmakers’ recommendations create a new formula?
Chicago Police Department Ramps Up Training for ‘Police Legitimacy’
Jan 17, 2017 | Brandis Friedman
Chicago Tonight sits in on a training class that aims to teach Chicago police officers how to better engage with the community.