Stories by Matt Masterson

Schools are already out for the summer, but this Friday marks the final business day in Chicago Public Schools’ fiscal year, and with that comes a looming $700 million payment the district owes to its teacher pension fund.

Newly released data from air monitors on Chicago’s Southeast Side shows higher levels of manganese than previously recorded, prompting renewed calls for a ban of the toxic metal, which can cause nervous system damage at high exposures. 

Consumer complaints about cosmetics and hair care products nearly doubled in 2016, prompting some in the medical community to call for greater transparency between the industry and the agency that regulates it.

How can you find work you’ll enjoy—or build a career? A new book by former Chicago Sun-Times columnist Liz Ryan tackles big questions about to today’s transformed job market.

So far this year, the Chicago Council on American Islamic Relations received about 400 complaints of discrimination against Muslim-Americans—the same number it received during all of 2016. 

Illinois lawmakers were in special session Monday—and all weekend—attempting to hash out a budget deal. But what if they don’t get it done before Friday?

The Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco and Firearms is lending the city access to technology that police hope will help close thousands of gun cases opened every year.

Aldermen on the City Council’s Finance Committee on Monday approved a plan to lock the Ohio Street pedestrian tunnel between midnight and 5 a.m.

Watch the June 26, 2017 full episode of "Chicago Tonight."

Chicagoans dump more than 800,000 tons of garbage into their bins every year, but once city garbage trucks leave the alley, most of us have no idea where it all goes. We follow the trail.

The Supreme Court has given President Donald Trump’s revised travel ban a split decision. Analysis of that and other big decisions at the court.

When fine art and advertising joined forces: We check out an exhibition of posters from late 19th century France.

Students ages 18 and under can pick up a free lunch on weekdays at school sites across the city, through Aug. 25. Find a location near you.

Before they break for a July Fourth recess next week, Senate Republicans are trying to rally support and votes for a bill intended to repeal and replace Obamacare.

Chicago data scientists competed against teams from Canada and the Netherlands in an annual event that highlights the innovative use of technology to improve the water quality of the Great Lakes. 

From lost jewelry to criminal evidence, a Pontiac landfill that receives trash from Chicago has plenty of bizarre waste stories. 

About 5,000 tons of trash from the Chicago area is dumped every day at a landfill in Livingston County, but hardly any of it goes to waste. How yesterday’s trash becomes tomorrow’s energy.

As Illinois faces an end-of-month deadline to pass a budget, Illinois House Speaker Michael Madigan has introduced a new set of preconditions to a compromise.

An updated “doomsday” picture offered by Comptroller Susana Mendoza: Without a budget in place soon, she won’t be able to write checks to pay for the most basic of services come August.

Cook County Board President Toni Preckwinkle says embattled Cook County Assessor Joe Berrios, a close political ally, has agreed to an outside evaluation of the property tax assessment process.

Who wins and who loses if a local charter teachers union merges with CTU? Local labor education professor Robert Bruno takes a look at the proposed merger—and the possible impact on CPS.

We salute the sparkling stage presence of a turn-of-the-century star with a cocktail made with Prosecco, limoncello and summer fruit.

The international nonprofit Women Who Code boasts 100,000 members worldwide. This week, it’s relaunching its Chicago chapter and plans to offer meet-ups and other networking opportunities.

Still no budget out of Springfield. Shootings and murders dip in May. The Chicago Bulls ship Jimmy Butler to the Minnesota Timberwolves, and a rare allergy puts Chicago Blackhawks’ Marian Hossa out the for season—and perhaps permanently.

A Chicago businessman pleads not guilty in federal court to charges he stole $7 million from elderly homeowners in a reverse mortgage scheme.

Watch the June 22, 2017 full episode of "Chicago Tonight."