Stories by Matt Masterson
Northwestern Study Links School Violence to Unemployment Rate
| Matt Masterson
Researchers have discovered a “significant correlation” between decreases in economic opportunities and the number of school shootings reported across the country.
Ta-Nehisi Coates: ‘Chicago is the Capital of Black America’
| Maya Miller
The journalist and author spoke Tuesday night to a crowd of more than 1,000 Northwestern University faculty, staff and students on topics of race, journalism, politics and identity.
Remembering a Forgotten Photographer of Chicago History
| Marc Vitali
One hundred years ago he took unforgettable photos of Chicago in turbulent times. Exploring the life of Jun Fujita, a Japanese immigrant who captured city history.
New City Medical Director to Focus on Mental Health, Addiction
| Kristen Thometz
The Chicago Department of Public Health recently hired a behavioral health medical director to better address substance use disorders and mental health issues in the city. Meet Dr. Elizabeth Salisbury-Afshar and learn more about her role.
Is It Really Possible to Balance the State Budget Without a Tax Hike?
| Amanda Vinicky
The conservative Illinois Policy Institute unveiled a plan Tuesday that promises to fill Illinois’ $7.1 billion budget hole, without any increase in taxes.
President Trump Announces Neil Gorsuch as Supreme Court Nominee
| Nick Blumberg
President Donald Trump announced Neil Gorsuch as his nominee to replace the late U.S. Supreme Court Justice Antonin Scalia on Tuesday night.
Museum Celebrates Black History Month With Annual Art Display
| Maya Miller
Underway at the Museum of Science and Industry is the longest-running exhibition of African-American art in the country. Learn more about the museum’s program and the origins of Black History Month.
How Healthy is Illinois’ Job Market?
| Evan Garcia
We discuss the prognosis for state and local job markets amid changing local and national politics.
DeVos Approved by Senate Committee as Chicago Parents Protest
| Matt Masterson
In a split decision Tuesday morning, the U.S. Senate Committee on Health, Education, Labor and Pensions voted to approve education secretary nominee Betsy DeVos.
Chicago’s 7-Cent Bag Tax to Start Feb. 1
| Maya Miller
Shopping trips may become additionally taxing for Chicagoans starting in February as the checkout bag tax is set to go into effect on the first of the month.
Behind the Court Case That Could Shut Down State Government
| Amanda Vinicky
State employees are in the middle of a political war on two fronts, both of which could leave workers broke. Both could also spur action that could end Illinois’ 19-month budget impasse by forcing a shutdown.
Local Officials Condemn, Question Trump Travel Ban
| Paris Schutz
The latest from local elected officials on President Donald Trump’s travel ban after a weekend of confusion and protest at O’Hare.
Muslim Civil Rights Group Sues Over Constitutionality of Travel Ban
| Alexandra Silets
The Council on American-Islamic Relations filed a federal lawsuit Monday over the constitutionality of President Donald Trump’s executive order, which they say targets Muslims.
Does Trump’s Travel Ban Make Americans Less Safe?
| Paul Caine
The White House pushes back against criticism of President Donald Trump’s travel ban. Is the executive order a big setback for counterterrorism efforts?
Chicago to Give Away 25,000 Reusable ‘ChiBags’ for Start of Bag Tax
| Alex Ruppenthal
Starting Wednesday, customers will pay a 7-cent tax on each paper and plastic bag provided by stores to carry out items in all Chicago retail stores.
Luvvie Ajayi Offers Up Some ‘Act-Right’ in New Book ‘I'm Judging You’
| Nick Blumberg
A Chicago author’s new book lays out the case that we can all do better.
Illinois’ US Senators, Reps. Respond to Trump’s Executive Order on Refugees
| Alex Ruppenthal
A majority of Illinois' congressional members have issued statements about President Donald Trump’s executive order temporarily banning immigrants from seven predominately Muslim countries. Find out what they have to say.
Back to That Same Old Place: Sweet Home Chicago
| Erica Gunderson
For the last couple of years, the news about Chicago has rarely been upbeat. Thus it comes as little surprise that both Chicago and Illinois lost residents faster than any other major U.S. city or state in the last few years. But sometimes, they come back.
Metra Fare Increases Begin Feb. 1
| Maya Miller
Metra fare increases as of Wednesday include 25-cent increases for one-way tickets and $11.75 more for monthly passes.
Refugees, Visa and Green Card Holders Detained, Turned Away at O'Hare
| Paris Schutz
What began as a regular Saturday at O’Hare International Airport grew into a dizzying scene of demonstrators and attorneys working feverishly to release travelers who had been detained by U.S. customs and border patrol officials.
Cook County Laying Blueprint for New Age of Community Solar Projects
| Alex Ruppenthal
Cook County is more than halfway through a multiyear project that aims to make solar energy more affordable for residents.
Supt. Eddie Johnson Gets ‘Light-Headed’ at Press Conference
| WTTW News
Chicago Police Superintendent Eddie Johnson “felt light-headed” at a Friday morning press conference but did not lose consciousness, said police spokesman Anthony Guglielmi.
‘Radical’ Gallery Exhibition Houses 2 Homeless Chicagoans
| Maya Miller
A Chicago gallery’s newest exhibition takes an unusual approach to addressing homelessness. Meet the creative team behind the “House” show.
The Week in Review: Trump, Chicago Off to a Rocky Start
| WTTW News
President Donald Trump and Mayor Rahm Emanuel butt heads over crime and immigration as the new commander in chief tweets about sending the Feds to Chicago. And Springfield’s budget “grand bargain” hits some roadblocks.
Thanks to our sponsors:
Trending
2026 Chicago Summer Festival Guide
Illinois Confirms 194 Probable Cases of Cyclosporiasis as Parasitic Infection Spreads
Logan Prison Is Moving 140 Miles North. Here’s What Employees, Incarcerated Women Have to Say
Key City Panel Gives Green Light to $425M Subsidy for Chicago Fire Stadium Site
Family Targeted in Mass Shooting That Left 5 Dead in Southern Illinois, Police Say
Sign up for the WTTW News newsletter