Stories by Brandis Friedman
Whole Foods Brings Economic Development, Lower Prices to Englewood
| Brandis Friedman
A brand-new grocery store opens its doors in one of the city's food deserts. What does it mean for neighbors in Englewood?
Mayor Emanuel: Teachers Strike Avoidable
| Paris Schutz
Chicago teachers formally give a 10-day strike notice to the Chicago Board of Education. Why the mayor and schools chief think they can avoid a walkout.
Baby with 3 Parents: Genetic Technique Offers Hope, Controversy
| WTTW News
A baby has been born with the DNA of three parents. We hear about the promise the technique offers for avoiding some birth defects, and the ethical concerns it raises.
Cooking with Chef Rick Bayless
| Marc Vitali
Chef Rick Bayless joins us with recipes for pork tacos and a tequila-based cocktail of his own invention.
Talking Politics at Work: What to Avoid at the Water Cooler
| Hunter Clauss
This year's heated election is spilling over into the workplace. Are there any benefits to talking about politics at work?
As Teacher Strike Looms, Parents Make Plans for Kids Missing School
| Matt Masterson
Some parents are skipping family events and stockpiling paid time off to make sure they're able to watch children during a possible teacher's strike next month.
Herschell Gordon Lewis, Chicago’s ‘Godfather of Gore,’ Dead at 90
| WTTW News
The 1960s Chicago filmmaker known as the Godfather of Gore died earlier this week. We look back on the work of this cult figure.
Weekend Best Bets: Glowing Photos, Vegan Food, Cat Videos
Events in and around Chicago the weekend of Sept. 29-Oct. 2
| Rebecca Palmore
From a glowing photo exhibition to vegan chefs and cat videos on the big screen, this weekend’s roundup includes fun fall events both indoors and out.
Endangered African Penguins Flock to Lincoln Park Zoo
| Evan Garcia
The Lincoln Park Zoo gave journalists a sneak peek of the new African penguin exhibit, which aims to replicate the birds' natural habitat in southern Africa.
CTU Sets October Strike Date if No Contract Agreement Reached
| Brandis Friedman
The CTU plans to serve CPS its 10-day strike notice Thursday for a possible Oct. 11 walkout. We hear more about the plan from CTU Vice President Jesse Sharkey.
Donald Trump Hits Campaign Trail in Chicago
| Paris Schutz
He may not have had flattering words for Chicago during Monday's presidential debate, but Donald Trump on Wednesday hit Chicago and the suburbs for rallies and fundraisers.
Debating the Ruling on Election Day Registration
| Paul Caine
A federal judge blocks Election Day voter registration in Illinois, but Attorney General Lisa Madigan says she will appeal the ruling. We hear arguments on both sides of the case.
September 28, 2016 - Full Show
| WTTW News
Watch the Sept. 28, 2016 full episode of "Chicago Tonight."
Plan to Merge Kellogg, Sutherland Schools Met With Parent Scorn
| Matt Masterson
A proposal designed to eliminate overcrowding at Mount Greenwood Elementary by shuffling around neighboring schools has been met with disdain by local parents.
Federal Lawsuit Prompts End of ‘Mind Boggling’ Cook County Practice
| WTTW News
Four parents sued Cook County because their sons were held in juvenile detention for days without a hearing. Now that common practice is changing. Assessing the impact of that move.
See the McDonald’s of the Future in Present-Day Chicago
| Alexandra Silets
Crain’s Chicago Business managing editor Ann Dwyer reports on the McDonald's of the future, Rick Bayless's new business recipe and why online retailing giant Amazon is partnering with Merz Apothecary.
Gourmet Mushrooms Grow in Old Meatpacking Plant
| Jay Shefsky
In this food-crazy town, more and more chefs are looking for locally grown produce for their menus. Now they can get gourmet, specialty mushrooms grown in the heart of Chicago. Jay Shefsky went to check it out.
Oak Park Church to Sell Iconic Billiards Tables
| Reuben Unrau
When Oak Park Billiards closed 10 years ago, the vintage Brunswick pool tables remained. But with a new tenant moving in, those iconic tables, along with hundreds of other items, are up for sale to the general public this weekend.
Story of Curtis Mayfield Told by Son in ‘Traveling Soul’
| Nick Blumberg
The son of Chicago native Curtis Mayfield tells the musical great's story in the new book “Traveling Soul.” Todd Mayfield tells us about his talented father's turbulent life.
Northwestern Scientists Create Synthetic Bone Using 3-D Printer
| Kristen Thometz
New technology developed in Chicago could lead to major advances in healing broken bones and other sports medicine injuries.
Chicago Conservation Group: Help Save 12 Vulnerable Species
| Evan Garcia
A Chicago conservation alliance is asking for the public’s help to save a dozen native species, including the endangered Blanding's turtle.
September 27, 2016 - Full Show
| WTTW News
Watch the Sept. 27, 2016 full episode of "Chicago Tonight."
Tim Schneider on Future of GOP, Trump’s Debate Performance
| Marc Vitali
The head of the Illinois Republican Party looks ahead to the future of his party and evaluates Donald Trump's performance in Monday’s presidential debate.
Supreme Court Preview: Former Supreme Court Clerks on New Term
| Alexandra Silets
The U.S. Supreme Court is about to begin its new term–with only eight justices on the bench. Three former Supreme Court clerks preview some of the upcoming hot-button cases.
Looking at the Intersection of Comedy and Politics
| Hunter Clauss
Monday's presidential debate sparked some laughs. We look at how comedians have tackled this election, what's resonated and what has fallen flat.
Report: Chicago Companies Struggle with Diversity in Top Positions
| Reuben Unrau
A recent survey of the top 50 Chicago public companies reveals a lack of minority representation among senior leadership positions, with 19 showing no ethnic diversity within their executive ranks.
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