Just over three years ago, Chicago audiences were introduced to the smash hit musical “Hamilton.” We catch up with two original cast members of the Chicago production.
Stories by Brandis Friedman
Dancing Down Memory Lane Before the Curtain Falls on ‘Hamilton’ Chicago
Nov 6, 2019 | Brandis Friedman
Internal Document Provides Insight into CTU Bargaining
Oct 30, 2019 | Brandis Friedman
An internal Chicago Teachers Union document obtained by WTTW News shows the union would agree to a five-year contract if the mayor agrees to stop blocking the passage of an elected school board bill in Springfield and “getting back our bargaining rights.”
Chicago Teachers Strike Day 9: Negotiations at a Standstill
Oct 29, 2019 | Brandis Friedman
Despite a lot of back-and-forth, negotiations between the Chicago Teachers Union and city negotiators appear to be deadlocked. An update on day nine of the strike from CTU headquarters.
CPS Cancels Tuesday Classes as Sticking Points Stall Deal
Oct 28, 2019 | Brandis Friedman
The Chicago Teachers Union strike has surpassed its 2012 work stoppage in terms of missed school days. An update on negotiations from Chicago Public Schools and Chicago Teachers Union leaders.
Striking CPS Teachers, Staff Take Message to City Hall
Oct 23, 2019 | Brandis Friedman
Tens of thousands of protesters rallied and marched on city streets outside City Hall on Wednesday morning as Mayor Lori Lightfoot delivered her first budget address.
How CPS Strike is Impacting High School Seniors Applying for College
Oct 22, 2019 | Brandis Friedman
There is still no deal between the city and the Chicago Teachers Union, and the strike is raising specific concerns for some high school seniors. Meanwhile, a former teacher-turned-presidential hopeful rallied with the CTU on Tuesday morning.
Strike Day 2: City Wants 10-Hour Daily Bargaining Sessions With CTU
Oct 18, 2019 | Brandis Friedman
As teachers hit the picket lines for the second day, the city called on Chicago Teachers Union leaders to spend more time at the negotiating table in order to reach a deal.
Contract Bargaining Wraps Up With No Deal Between CTU, Board of Education
Oct 15, 2019 | Brandis Friedman
Time is running out for Chicago Public Schools to reach a deal with the Chicago Teachers Union on a new contract.
CPS Teachers, Staff Rally and March as Strike Countdown Continues
Oct 14, 2019 | Brandis Friedman
Negotiators took a break from the bargaining table Monday as thousands of teachers and school staff rallied in hopes of securing what they called a “fair contract.”
As Teachers Strike Nears, CPS and CTU No Closer to Contract Deal
Oct 11, 2019 | Brandis Friedman
After another day of bargaining, negotiators for Chicago Public Schools and the Chicago Teachers Union appear no closer to averting a planned Oct. 17 teachers strike.
What’s Next in Lead-Up to a Chicago Teachers Strike?
Oct 9, 2019 | Brandis Friedman
The Chicago Teachers Union has set a strike date of Oct. 17, but the deadline for the city to come to a deal with the 25,000-member union may be sooner.
House Committee Holds Hearing on Gun Violence in Chicago
Oct 3, 2019 | Brandis Friedman
Several members of the Illinois congressional delegation heard testimony Thursday about gun violence, and legislation aimed at addressing it.
Chicago Teachers Union Sets Oct. 17 Date for Strike If No Deal Reached
Oct 2, 2019 | Brandis Friedman
The Chicago Teachers Union says members will walk off the job in two weeks if a deal with the Chicago Board of Education can’t be reached.
Chicago Teachers Union Members Vote to Authorize Strike
Sep 26, 2019 | Brandis Friedman
Ninety-four percent of Chicago Teachers Union members voted to authorize a walkout, according to preliminary results announced Thursday night at the CTU headquarters.
Local Rehab Hospital Turns Gun Violence Victims into Able Survivors
Sep 11, 2019 | Brandis Friedman
Chicago police say shootings and homicides last month were at their lowest point since 2011. But for many survivors of gun violence, physical injuries and trauma can last a lifetime. We visit a local hospital treating many of those victims.
Early Learning Providers Concerned About New City Funding Contract
Sep 4, 2019 | Brandis Friedman
The city is making changes to the way neighborhood early learning centers receive funding, and some providers say the changes are destabilizing to families and communities.
Mars Wrigley Internship a Sweet Gig, but Not All Goodies and Gumdrops
Aug 29, 2019 | Brandis Friedman
Cindy Mancilla spent her summer working at the headquarters of candy magnate Mars Wrigley. And though the company hires hundreds of interns across its various departments, this internship takes the cake – and gives back.
Sister Jean, America’s Favorite Basketball Nun, Turns 100
Aug 21, 2019 | Brandis Friedman
Loyola University is celebrating the centennial of Sister Jean Dolores Schmidt, better known as Sister Jean, all week. Gov. J.B. Pritzker helped kick off celebrations Wednesday.
Amid Contract Negotiations, CPS Teachers Gear Up for New School Year
Aug 20, 2019 | Brandis Friedman
Teachers at Chicago Public Schools still have no contract deal with the Board of Education, and have repeatedly threatened to walk off the job. And another controversy is brewing within their ranks.
‘Hamilton’ Exhibition Brings 18th Century Life into 2019 Reality
Aug 13, 2019 | Brandis Friedman
Peek inside the soon-to-close, 25,000-square-foot “Hamilton” exhibition on Northerly Island and hear from the man who brought Alexander Hamilton back to life: Lin-Manuel Miranda.
Lightfoot’s CPS Budget Proposes Millions for Upgrades, Improvements
Aug 8, 2019 | Brandis Friedman
Mayor Lori Lightfoot unveils her first budget proposal for Chicago Public Schools – and it comes as she negotiates a new contract with the Chicago Teachers Union.
CTU Prepares for Contract Fight with New Mayor
May 22, 2019 | Brandis Friedman
Chicago Teachers Union members call on Mayor Lori Lightfoot to make good on promises for educational equity. Meanwhile, upheaval at a Chicago Public Schools board meeting.
Lightfoot Keeps Police and Schools Chiefs, Makes Additional Appointments
May 21, 2019 | Brandis Friedman
On her first full day in office, Mayor Lori Lightfoot announced a number of leaders who will serve in her administration, as well as several senior staff members.
Like a Boss: Hair Care Entrepreneur Shares Experience as a Black Businesswoman
Apr 22, 2019 | Brandis Friedman
Five years after launching her organic hair-care company with a single product, Monique Rodriguez’s Mielle Organics now has 46 products in more than 100,000 retail stores.
The Report From Court? Too Few Court Reporters
Apr 11, 2019 | Brandis Friedman
They play a key role in court proceedings, but industry experts say there aren’t enough of them. What it takes to become a court reporter – and why some say it’s a good alternative to a four-year degree.
Voter Turnout for Historic Runoff on Pace With February Election
Apr 2, 2019 | Brandis Friedman
As of Tuesday afternoon, more than 370,000 Chicago residents had cast their ballots for the city’s next mayor, treasurer and, in some wards, alderman.