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.
Stories by Brandis Friedman
Voter Turnout for Historic Runoff on Pace With February Election
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.
Illinois Senate Approves Bill to Raise Smoking Age to 21
A year after lawmakers approved an identical bill that was vetoed by then-Gov. Bruce Rauner, senators vote 39 to 16 to raise the age from 18 to 21 for the legal purchase and use of tobacco products and e-cigarettes.
Don’t Want Kids? New Chicago Startup Helps Provide Free Birth Control
A new Chicago startup called Juno4Me connects women with free birth control from reputable health care providers.
1898 Silent Film Represents Earliest Depiction of On-Screen Black Love
How a recently discovered film shot in Chicago more than 120 years ago still makes a powerful statement – without saying a word.
Behind the Curtain of the Joffrey’s Newest Production, ‘Anna Karenina’
For the first time in its history, the Joffrey Ballet cues up an entirely new score for its daring new production. We get a peek at the company’s creative process – and personalities.
CPS Unveils Progress Reports to Advance ‘Learn. Plan. Succeed’ Program
While Chicago Public Schools students make plans for their futures, we speak with schools chief Janice Jackson about the present.
CPS: GPA Error Means Up to 800 Students Mistakenly Applied to Some High Schools
Chicago Public Schools is reopening its high school application process for about 800 eighth-grade students who were mistakenly allowed to apply for programs for which they were not eligible.
Mayor Rahm Emanuel Reflects on Lessons in Education
Although his tenure has been marked by several school controversies, Mayor Rahm Emanuel is touting his achievements at both Chicago Public Schools and the City Colleges of Chicago.
1898 Silent Film Represents Earliest Depiction of On-Screen Black Love
How a recently discovered film shot in Chicago more than 120 years ago still makes a powerful statement – without saying a word.
CTA Bus Driver Steers Changes for LGBTQ Community
The CTA makes a policy change that allows its health insurance plan to cover the cost of gender-affirming surgery for one of its bus drivers.
Tech Stocks Take a Dive Amid Fears of Global Economic Slowdown
Tech stocks led the dive Thursday on Wall Street after Apple reported a slowdown on iPhone sales in China. Economist Diane Swonk weighs in.
FAFSA Verification an ‘Unfair Burden’ for Low-Income Students
Though finals are over for most college students, many still have something looming over their heads: financial aid. Why the process is taking longer for thousands of college students seeking federal aid.
Mayor Appoints New Chicago Board of Education Member
University of Chicago economics professor Austan D. Goolsbee, a former Cabinet member to former President Barack Obama, will serve as the newest member of the Chicago Board of Education.
Charter Strike Over, But Does it Signal Changing Time in Chicago?
About 500 Chicago charter school teachers and 8,000 students were back in the classroom after a historic, nearly weeklong strike came to an end Sunday.
Reflections on Turning 100 with Chicago’s Remarkable Timuel Black
Few Chicagoans can say they’ve lived through 100 years of change. But historian and civil rights activist Timuel Black can when he marks his 100th birthday on Friday.
Why Fewer Families Are Bringing Home Babies Through Adoption
Adoption advocates have spent the past month working to raise awareness about adoption as a way to grow a family. But whether they are done privately or internationally, adoptions are happening less frequently.
A New Approach to Addressing Hunger in Higher Education
Food pantries are popping up in a surprising, new location: colleges and universities. How City Colleges of Chicago and the Greater Chicago Food Depository are providing for local students.
Former First Lady Comes Home to Kick Off International Book Tour
Two of Chicago’s most famous women sit down for an intimate chat. What Michelle Obama told Oprah Winfrey – and 18,000 of her closest friends – to kick off her book tour.
New System Designates School Performance on Annual Illinois Report Card
Under a new component of the annual Illinois Report Card, 20 percent of schools are eligible for additional federal funding to make improvements.
Charter School Teachers Vote to Authorize Strike
Several hundred Chicago charter school teachers say they’re willing to walk off the job if they can’t reach a contract agreement with their charter operator, Acero.
Cornel West on Van Dyke Verdict, Kanye and President Trump
He’s considered one of the country’s most visible intellectuals, noted for the way he expresses his views on racism, politics and even pop culture. A conversation with author and professor Cornel West.
Remembering Longtime Newsman Warner Saunders
As Chicago mourns the loss of the Emmy Award-winning journalist, we revisit his memorable interview with John Callaway in 1980.
‘Uneventful’ First Weekend in Jail for Jason Van Dyke
Cook County Jail officials say the Chicago cop recently convicted of second-degree murder is being housed in a single cell and closely monitored for his safety and security.
Chicago-Area Universities Commit to Closing College Graduation Gaps
A local education nonprofit unveils an ambitious plan to get first-generation and low-income college students to graduation day.
