Stories by Matt Masterson

The Invisible Institute, a locally-based nonprofit production company, this week published a new report after spending five years talking with black Chicago high school students about their interactions with police.

What does it mean when a food label says it “may contain” peanuts or was “processed in a facility” that also uses peanuts? A local pediatrician explains what these labels mean and why consumers should be wary of them.

For the second year in a row, protesters marched on Chicago’s high-profile downtown shopping destination to call for police reform and disrupt Black Friday shopping.

In Illinois, immigrants living in the country illegally are ineligible to receive federal or state financial aid to four-year public universities. But student advocates across the state have been pushing lawmakers for change.

President-elect Donald Trump on Wednesday tabbed billionaire donor and school choice activist Betsy DeVos as the next federal Secretary of Education, a move the head of the Illinois Federation of Teachers immediately called “hugely troubling.”

Helicopter tours, helium balloons, Amy Schumer and Julie Andrews usher in the Thanksgiving weekend. Here are 10 things to do in and around Chicago.

Tempted to buy yourself a gift this week? Consider buying tickets to a show rather than a new pair of shoes. Not only will you be more grateful for the experience, but that gratitude can lead to more generosity, according to a recent study.

Will there be a radical change in how consumers pay electricity bills in Illinois? 

Watch the Nov. 22, 2016 full episode of "Chicago Tonight."

No longer just for the boys, a popular mentoring program is now making sure girls aren’t being left behind.

The last surviving member of the Kennedy administration and former chairman of WTTW received the nation’s highest civilian honor from President Barack Obama on Tuesday.

Telling the stories behind Chicago violence statistics: Meet two New York Times reporters tracking a group of summer shooting victims.

He played a pivotal role in “Downton Abbey.” Now he takes the throne as King Charles. English actor Robert Bathurst is here to talk about royalty, “Downton” and the stage.

Adam Levin has become an international guitar virtuoso and an ambassador for the instrument. He joins us in conversation and performance. 

‘Tis the season for holiday shopping. As consumers make their holiday gift lists, they’re being urged to check them twice for toys that have been recalled over the past year. Find out which items should be left on the shelf.

Watch the Nov. 21, 2016 full episode of Chicago Tonight.

Here’s what some of you had to say about Chicago immigrants worried about their status since the election when we read feedback from the Chicago Tonight website, and our Facebook and Twitter pages.

Pope Francis elevated Blase Cupich, along with 16 other archbishops, to the College of Cardinals on Saturday. But that’s not the only news the pope made. 

The pope endorses Donald Trump. Michelle Obama unfollows Hillary Clinton on Twitter. These days fake news is making real news. Could you be spreading lies on your Facebook feed?

The head of the Illinois State Board of Education will soon have a say in policy issues at the national level.

The culture wars are heating up again, one duel at a time.

What's being done to quell friction in one South Side community following the fatal police-involved shooting of a 25-year-old African-American man.

What happens when a lion gets a toothache? Meet the large and dedicated team that cares for more than 3,000 animals at Brookfield Zoo. 

Several 90-year-olds with superior memory were found to have the hallmarks of Alzheimer’s disease yet never developed dementia in their lifetimes. Scientists are now researching what protected these individuals from acquiring the disease.

Heading to O’Hare International Airport this week? You can breathe a sigh of relief: Airport workers announced Monday they won't walk off the job until Nov. 29.

Admission into Chicago’s selective enrollment high schools does not help close the achievement gap between students from high- and low-poverty neighborhoods, according to a new study.