Stories by Matt Masterson
Defense Attorneys to Review Reported Sightings of Missing U. of I. Student
| Matt Masterson
Yingying Zhang disappeared in June. Now, attorneys for the man accused in her kidnapping and death are requesting a delay in the trial, in part because they want to investigate possible sightings of the victim.
Scientists Target Cancer’s ‘Achilles’ Heel’ to Stop Therapy Resistance
| Kristen Thometz
Northwestern University scientists believe they may have found the “Achilles’ heel” of cancer. In a recent study, researchers were able to almost completely eradicate the disease in laboratory cell cultures.
Source of Bubbly Creek Oil Spill Likely to Remain a Mystery
| Alex Ruppenthal
The EPA likely won’t be able to determine the source of a late October oil spill in the Chicago River because the agency was notified about the spill two days after it occurred, the EPA said Tuesday.
CPS Principal Reinstated After ‘Serious Errors’ Found in Watchdog Report
CPS inspector general standing by initial report, calls board review “unprecedented”
| Matt Masterson
A Chicago Public Schools watchdog report recommended her termination just two months ago, but on Thursday, York Alternative High School Principal Sharnette Sims received an apology from the district and was told she’ll be reinstated to her position, effective immediately.
Sexual Harassment Training Begins in Springfield
| Amanda Vinicky
It’s not mandatory by law yet, but Illinois legislators began formal lessons Wednesday on how to conduct themselves without “unwelcome” behavior and contacts that could be perceived by victims as sexual harassment.
Simulating Military Life Preps CPS Students for Life Beyond High School
| Brandis Friedman
The city’s military academies help some Chicago Public Schools students reach new heights. We visit Air Force Academy High School.
Chance the Rapper Scolds Chicago City Council
| Paris Schutz
Grammy winner and Chicago native Chance the Rapper showed up at Wednesday’s City Council meeting to give aldermen—and Mayor Rahm Emanuel—a piece of his mind.
Andrea Zopp’s Plans to Attract Business and Development to Chicago
| Evan Garcia
The city’s former deputy mayor in charge of neighborhood redevelopment talks about her new role as CEO of World Business Chicago.
Why Does Trump Keep Saying Chicago Has ‘Strongest’ Gun Laws?
| Matt Masterson
President Donald Trump this week again claimed—erroneously—that Chicago has the “strongest gun laws in our nation,” pushing back against the idea the tough legislation will reduce gun violence.
Ask Geoffrey: The History of Houseboats on the Chicago River
| Erica Gunderson
Geoffrey Baer gets ready for a new voyage along the Chicago River with viewer questions about the history of our city’s favorite Y-shaped waterway.
Retired Astronaut Scott Kelly on the Power of ‘Endurance’
| Nick Blumberg
He holds the American record for most consecutive days in space. Retired astronaut Scott Kelly discusses the incredible mission described in his new book, “Endurance: A Year in Space, A Lifetime of Discovery.”
10 Things to Do This Weekend: Nov. 9-12
| Rebecca Palmore
Veterans Day salutes, rock ‘n’ roll movies, “rebellious” artists, indigenous cuisine, top-notch dancers and wild animals usher in the weekend. Here are 10 things to do in Chicago.
ADA Responds to Chicago, County Officials’ Letter on Opioids
| Kristen Thometz
Responding to local officials’ call for restrictions on opioid prescriptions, the American Dental Association outlines the steps it’s taking to address the opioid epidemic.
Lawmakers Pass Measures Cracking Down on Sexual Harassment
| Amanda Vinicky
Sexual harassment has been part of the way of life at the Illinois state capital for decades. Lawmakers on Tuesday spent much of the day decrying that culture and approving measures intended to root it out.
Mayor Weighs in on Alderman’s Association With President Trump
| Paris Schutz
It’s Mayor Rahm Emanuel and the city of Chicago vs. Ald. Ed Burke and President Donald Trump, so to speak.
Dating in the Digital World: How Matchmaking Sites Are Changing Society
| Evan Garcia
While it may have seemed taboo 15 or 20 years ago, online dating is now a courtship commonplace. We explore the growing prominence of dating in the digital world.
Proposed Legislation Targets Illinois Gun Retailers
| Paris Schutz
President Donald Trump again says Chicago has the nation’s toughest gun laws. While that’s not true, local prosecutors and gun control advocates say it’s because of holes in the law that getting a gun here is so easy. Lawmakers are now considering tighter regulations in Illinois.
Lincoln Park Zoo Welcomes Newborn Goeldi’s Monkey
| Alex Ruppenthal
You’ll need to look closely to spot Lincoln Park Zoo’s new baby monkey. The infant, born Oct. 15 to first-time parents, is barely visible as it clings to its mother’s neck.
Tax Overhaul, New Fed Policy Could Chart New Course for U.S. Economy
| Nick Blumberg
Tempers flare in Congress as House Republicans move quickly to overhaul the nation’s tax system. A look at the economic politics and policies at play.
How to Predict Mass Shootings? Look For Domestic Violence, Says Professor
| Matt Masterson
Could the deadly mass shooting inside a Texas church on Sunday have been predicted? Yes, a Northwestern professor argues, if only more attention had been paid to the gunman’s history of domestic violence.
Author: Trump’s Election Won’t Stop ‘End of White Christian America’
| Nick Blumberg
Robert P. Jones on why the election of President Donald Trump was the “death rattle” of white Christian America.
Wheaton Military Museum Expands Historic Mission
| Marc Vitali
Marching through 100 years of military history in the recently expanded First Division Museum at Cantigny Park.
State Lawmakers Scramble to Tackle Charges of Sexual Harassment
| Amanda Vinicky
Legislators return to Springfield on Tuesday for the second half of the annual veto session. Front and center: What’s being done in the capital about sexual harassment.
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