Stories by Matt Masterson

CPS Pulls 2 Principals From Schools After Sexual Abuse Investigation

The announcement comes as CPS continues to deal with blowback from a Chicago Tribune series that detailed how the district repeatedly failed to protect students from sexual abuse and misconduct.

US Supreme Court Won’t Hear Dassey Appeal in ‘Making a Murderer’ Case

Attorneys for Brendan Dassey say he was coerced as a teen into a murder confession. But with the high court's decision, he will remain in prison serving a life sentence.

CTU President Karen Lewis to Retire

The powerful head of the Chicago Teachers Union cited her ongoing battle with brain cancer as the reason for stepping down, according to a statement to the Chicago Tribune.

CPS to Continue Free Lunch Program Over Summer Break

Beginning Monday, children and teens across Chicago will have access to free lunches during the summer.

‘How Do We Trust You With Our Children?’ Lawmakers Grill CPS Leaders on Sex Abuse Scandal

Nearly two dozen legislators grilled Chicago Public Schools officials for more than two hours Wednesday over the district’s mishandling of sexual abuse allegations going back at least a decade.

NTA Families Sue CPS, Claim School Transition Plan Violates Civil Rights

Why parents are hoping to reverse a decision that would turn their Level 1-plus elementary school on the city’s Near South Side into high school.

Northwestern Trustees Revoke Bill Cosby’s Honorary Degree

The university’s board unanimously approved a resolution Monday removing the comedian’s honorary degree – the first time it has taken such action in its 167-year history.

CPS Partnering With Children’s Advocacy Center to Better Protect Students

CPS CEO Janice Jackson announced Monday the school district will launch an “extensive” partnership with a local nonprofit to help build safer and more responsive school environments for children.

Family Announces Funeral Services for Elizabeth Brackett

Funeral services for the Emmy Award-winning journalist and world-champion triathlete will be held Wednesday in Kenilworth, Illinois.

CPS Takes ‘Unprecedented Step’ of Redoing Employee Background Checks

Tens of thousands of adult employees who interact with students must undergo background rechecks this summer as Chicago Public Schools works to improve safety and restore community trust after a sexual abuse scandal.

Emanuel, Johnson Depositions Released in LeGrier Wrongful Death Case

Mayor Rahm Emanuel said he hasn’t interfered with the investigation into the 2015 shooting death of a West Side teen and his neighbor by a Chicago police officer, according to newly released transcripts of his March deposition.

UChicago Drops SAT/ACT Requirements, Adds Financial Aid For More Families

High schoolers looking to attend the prestigious Hyde Park university no longer need to worry about submitting ACT or SAT test scores on their undergrad applications.

Erin’s Law Meant to Protect Students from Sexual Abuse. What Happens When It’s Not Enforced?

A state law passed in 2011 requires public schools to educate students about sexual abuse prevention. But the woman behind Erin’s Law says dozens of CPS teachers have told her these lessons aren’t being taught.

More than 50 Charged After West Side Narcotics Raids

In an investigation dubbed “Operation Full Circle,” local and federal authorities say they recovered heroin, fentanyl, marijuana and more than a dozen firearms.

New Chicago Gang Book Highlights Rise in Factions, Social Media Use

The Chicago Crime Commission on Tuesday published its first new Gang Book in six years. In it, they examine the new and changing trends and issues within gang culture.

‘He’s Not Coming Back’: Family Wants Justice for Man in Fatal Police Shooting

Chicago teens joined Parkland shooting survivors and the family of a man shot and killed last week in a confrontation with Chicago police to “demand justice” for victims of gun violence.

CPS Watchdog Says His Office Should Handle Sex Abuse Investigations

CPS Inspector General Nicholas Schuler says the district’s current method lends itself to conflicts of interest between employees and the victims they’re tasked with protecting.

Court Rejects Gary Solomon’s Appeal for Resentencing in SUPES Scandal

Former SUPES co-owner Gary Solomon believes he should have received a shorter sentence than former CPS CEO Barbara Byrd-Bennett. A federal appeals court disagreed.

Losses from Lottery Scams Topped $100 Million Last Year: BBB

Consumer watchdogs are warning residents across Chicago and beyond to be on the lookout for lottery scams that cost residents tens of millions of dollars in the last year alone.

2 Former CPS Students Sue Board of Ed Over Failure to Prevent Sex Abuse

Claiming the Board of Education knew a Hubbard High School security guard posed a “significant threat” to students but did nothing to remove him, two former students are now suing the board.

CPS Failed to Protect Students from Sex Abuse: Tribune Report

Through repeated failures and mistakes, Chicago Public Schools failed to protect hundreds of students from sexual abuse and misconduct by its own employees, according to a bombshell report from the Chicago Tribune.

City Extends Deadline for One Summer Chicago Applications

Chicago teens and young adults now have until Monday to submit applications for any one of 32,000 summer employment opportunities.

Van Dyke Case: State Supreme Court Orders Case Filings Be Made in Public

Illinois’ highest court has struck down a Cook County judge’s order requiring all filings in the murder case of suspended Chicago police Officer Jason Van Dyke to be made in his chambers under seal.

CPS Parents: Monitor Not Enough to Fix Special Education

Parents and advocates want to see Chicago Public Schools take more action to resolve its special education issues beyond the addition of a state monitor who will oversee district reforms.

CPS Watchdog: Wealthy Families Benefitting From Free Admission to Montessori Pre-K

Families living within Chicago Public Schools’ most affluent attendance area have been receiving priority access to highly coveted seats at a Lincoln Park magnet school, according to a new report.

Chicago Police Adding 1,300 Officers for Memorial Day Weekend

Additional patrols will cover the lakefront, downtown and other areas where Chicago police expect there could be increased violence during the holiday weekend.
 

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