Stories by Brandis Friedman

Recovering from what she describes as a “slight stroke,” Chicago Teacher’s Union President Karen Lewis on Tuesday revealed that she’s been in the hospital for the past week.

The soda tax repeal was met with cheers from some Chicago Tonight viewers.

Chicago’s 47th Ward alderman has ended his bid for Illinois governor after failing to raise enough money. “I’m a regular person,” he said. “If people like me get essentially priced out of the Democratic process, I believe we’re headed to a really scary place.”

His artwork is in the collections of George Lucas, Jay-Z and Mayor Rahm Emanuel. We get a preview of the show “Hebru Brantley: Forced Field” at the Elmhurst Art Museum.

Watch the Oct. 16, 2017 full episode of "Chicago Tonight."

Chicago’s sewer and deep tunnel system couldn’t handle this weekend’s rain, allowing untreated sewage and stormwater into Lake Michigan.

Some fee hikes and tax relief in the upcoming city budget. Mayor Rahm Emanuel is promising tax relief for homeowners as part of his 2018 city budget proposal.

Cook County Board President Toni Preckwinkle on why the soda tax failed—and what’s next.

A training program and manufacturing plant are not only providing high-demand plastic products, but giving community residents hands-on experience in specialized jobs that are the future of manufacturing.

A new poll on climate and energy reveals surprising attitudes from Americans. We talk with the leader of the University of Chicago study group.

Many Illinois residents are unaware of a 1990 state law making it illegal to mix lawn waste with household garbage. WBEZ reporter Monica Eng has the dirt on Chicago’s yard waste disposal program.

Romanucci & Blandin, a civil practice based in the River North neighborhood, announced Monday it is among a trio of law firms that will represent victims of the shooting at the Route 91 Harvest country music festival in Las Vegas.

President Barack Obama’s science and technology adviser will deliver a lecture on climate change this week in Chicago. John P. Holdren was the longest-serving science adviser in the history of the position. 

Researchers from the University of Illinois at Chicago will investigate how social determinants like poverty and living in a food desert contribute to the health of marginalized groups. 

A Latino attorney with connections to high-powered politicians, including Chicago Mayor Rahm Emanuel, is expected join the field of Democrats running for Illinois attorney general.

By the end of this year, the Chicago Police Department believes it will have the nation’s largest collection of officer-worn body cameras in use.

One woman’s “chemo shoes” inspired two friends to create a Chicago-based shoe and apparel company designed to empower women battling cancer.

The despised soda tax is repealed after just two months. Another property tax hike passes. Mike Ditka denies racial oppression. And the Cubs gear up for another dramatic postseason.

Cubs fans are gathering outside Wrigley Field for Game 5. It’s not the packed scene we’ve seen for the last three nights, but a sizable crowd has congregated on the Wrigley Plaza to watch the game on the big screen.

Watch the Oct. 12, 2017 full episode of "Chicago Tonight."

ProPublica Illinois, the first regional newsroom for the nonprofit website ProPublica, officially launched this week. We speak with Editor-in-Chief Louise Kiernan.

Two of the 24 professionals named 2017 MacArthur Foundation fellows are from Chicago. We speak with Dawoud Bey and Rami Nashashibi.

Meet author Sonja Williams, who tells the story of a pioneering Chicago writer—and the lives he chronicled—in the book “Word Warrior: Richard Durham, Radio, and Freedom.”

As one of the most celebrated jazz vocalists of today, she has worked with David Bowie, Steely Dan and Wynton Marsalis. Catherine Russell joins us in conversation and performance.

With the national spotlight on issues surrounding women’s health, a newly opened exhibit explores how a woman’s body is connected with health and wellness.  

The Department of Justice issued a “last chance” warning to Chicago, Cook County and others to get in compliance with federal laws or risk losing grant dollars.