Stories by Brandis Friedman

The Pulitzer Prize-winning poet also served as the state's poet laureate from 1968 until her death in 2000. Today's poets are finding creative ways to remember her.

Illinois Gov. Bruce Rauner hasn’t used authority to borrow $6 billion to begin making a dent in the backlog of overdue bills that tripled during the budget impasse under the Republican’s watch.

Wyndham Lathem, 42, who is accused in the murder of a 26-year-old Chicago man, made his first court appearance on Monday.

Watch the Aug. 7, 2017 full episode of "Chicago Tonight."

With tensions still high in Springfield, we talk with two lawmakers who are resigning from the legislature.

For the first time in the United States, scientists edit a human embryo and successfully remove a genetic mutation that causes disease.

“Chicago will not be blackmailed into changing our values, and we are and will remain a welcoming city,” Mayor Rahm Emanuel said Sunday at a press conference announcing the suit.

The bulk storage operator on Chicago’s Southeast Side has exceeded a federal threshold for emissions of toxic manganese dust, according to new air monitoring data published by the EPA.

One of Frank Lloyd Wright’s finest public buildings is ready for the public again. We take a look inside the restoration of Unity Temple.

As districts across the state await an answer on school funding, Chicago Public Schools announced Monday it’s laying off more than 950 teachers and support staff.

The city will monitor soil and air pollution near residents’ homes and begin increased inspections of industrial sites. 

“The impact it had on people will likely last for far more than two years, and not just from the past two years but also going into the future,” said Mitch Lifson, one of the report’s co-authors.

From the start, young Miss Potter was a virtual word machine, publishing a book of verse at age 12. This week, we mix up a deceptively delicate cocktail inspired by the original pink drink. Cheers!

A new soda tax angers many Cook County consumers. The governor vetoes part of the school funding reform bill. And a nasty outfield collision injuries White Sox rookies.

A Chicago neighborhood once permeated with black dust from uncovered piles of petroleum coke now faces another toxic pollutant, but one that is not as visible or widespread.

A countermove by Cook County in the fight over the controversial beverage tax. 

Watch the Aug. 3, 2017 full episode of "Chicago Tonight."

All you need to know to get ready for the coming total eclipse of the sun.

The massive former site of U.S. Steel South Works has a new buyer—and new possibilities.  

The singer-songwriter talks about writing songs for Barbra Streisand—and the influence of her father, John Callaway.

Another record-setting day on Wall Street. What’s propelling the stock surge—and can it last?

Each summer, thousands hired through One Summer Chicago earn work experience and a paycheck. But the city may be earning something, too.

Students within the City Colleges of Chicago won’t see any tuition hike this fall as the state’s largest community college district works through its first full budget in more than two years.

Sample more than 80 beers while taking in the zoo’s wildlife and nature at the sixth annual event.

Environmental Protection Agency chief Scott Pruitt said he does not believe in “regulation through litigation,” but his stance appears to be subject to change.

Viewers weigh in on the new Cook County sweetened beverage tax.