Stories by Matt Masterson

Chicago Teachers Union delegates are taking this month to discuss the possible May 1 strike with the union’s rank-and-file members before a vote on the action, scheduled for April 5.

For the third consecutive year, Jesseca Rhymes is asking for feminine hygiene products for her birthday. Not for herself but for women experiencing homelessness.

Watch the March 21, 2017 full episode of "Chicago Tonight."

Former U.S. Supreme Court clerks weigh in on the confirmation hearings for Judge Neil Gorsuch. 

In his book “The Death and Life of the Great Lakes,” author Dan Egan chronicles the history of the world’s largest group of freshwater lakes as well as the natural and man-made dangers threatening it.

Chicago made significant strides as a technology innovation hub in the eyes of industry leaders over the last year, according to a new report. Why the jump?

We explore two neighborhoods that are at the epicenter of the gentrification battle, and how elected officials, community groups and developers are waging it.

The tale of the Western pond turtle was one of several success stories shared with donors Monday evening at a Shedd Aquarium event focused on conservation efforts nationwide. 

Ten years ago, Chicago real estate bottomed out – and it still hasn’t fully recovered. But depending on what buyers are looking for, there are promising neighborhoods and suburbs all around.

Nearly 150 years after a small barn fire ballooned into a two-day blaze that engulfed the city, the story of the Great Chicago Fire is being retold. On social media.

A new exhibition at the Newberry Library features a rarely seen collection of work by a Chicago-area photographer who documented the history of small communities founded by former slaves after the Civil War.

Lake Calumet has changed shape and purpose many times over the years. Geoffrey Baer takes a look at its past and future in this encore edition of Ask Geoffrey.

A collection of photographs by Maria Varela at the National Museum of Mexican Art portrays the evolution of social movements in the U.S.  

Watch the March 20, 2017 full episode of "Chicago Tonight."

City Council is expected to vote March 29 on an amendment to the city’s noise ordinance that would restrict some street performers from major stretches of two downtown streets.

Looking at the impact of a proposed funding cut to the program that aims to keep invasive species out of the Great Lakes.

Wildlife agencies and fishermen in Illinois are using a Chinese technique to catch Asian carp, an invasive fish species threatening the Great Lakes ecosystem.

Cuts to the EPA’s budget would affect a disproportionate number of minority and low-income residents in Chicago, experts say. 

A new WTTW web series peeks into pockets of nature in cities across the country.

A new program aims to get all arrestees a defense attorney while in police custody.

One of Steven Avery’s defense attorneys from Netflix’s “Making a Murderer” discusses his new book “Illusion of Justice.”

Casting himself as a progressive alternative to affluent candidates, state Sen. Daniel Biss has entered the race for Illinois governor.

Chicago Public Schools is seeking to prevent a proposed teacher strike later this spring, claiming the move would be illegal under state law.

Chicago’s top cop Eddie Johnson makes his case to Attorney General Jeff Sessions for federal help with gangs and guns. That story and more with Joel Weisman and guests.

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

President Trump is out with what he's calling a "budget blueprint to make America great again." What would it mean for Illinois?