Stories by Matt Masterson

Chicago high schoolers already take three years of science, but a new policy concentrates that specifically on biology, chemistry and physics, requiring students to achieve one credit in each course in order to graduate.

It’s not often that an Oscar winner for best picture gets translated to the stage. “Shakespeare in Love” is getting its U.S. premiere at Chicago Shakespeare Theater. 

Though best known for his multimedia contemporary art, Chinese dissident Ai Weiwei is also a prolific photographer. We visit an exhibition at the Museum of Contemporary Photography showcasing his work.

How grassroots organizing is increasingly shaping the West Side community, which is looking to develop a shared vision for economic development.

The fight to bring affordable housing to Jefferson Park has residents polarized and leveling accusations of racism.

After almost 40 shootings this weekend, and another potentially violent summer approaching, U.S. Sen. Dick Durbin is calling on the federal government to lend Chicago a hand.

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

New research from climate scientists suggests that the West Antarctic Ice Sheet could melt far more quickly than was previously thought.

More than 3,600 Chicagoans living with HIV received primary care services during the first year of a partnership between the Chicago Department of Public Health, University of Illinois at Chicago and Howard Brown Health. 

Eight billion dollars in new revenue. That’s part of the surprising prescription for Illinois’ fiscal troubles, outlined in a report by some of Illinois’ premier business leaders.

Nearly 40 countries are represented at Sullivan High School in Rogers Park. We meet the head of the school’s English language program – and the reporter who recently wrote about the school.

A new pricing structure at the Shedd Aquarium gets viewers talking.

Coyotes have made a remarkable comeback in Chicago. What are the secrets to their survival in a dense metropolis? Marcus Krahnforst hunts for clues with noted biologist Stan Gehrt in this “Urban Nature” episode.

Gov. Bruce Rauner gets a big gift from billionaire Ken Griffin. A rash of carjackings. Will the mayor find money to keep schools open? And a Cubs sweep reassures worried fans.

Starting July 1, visitors to the Shedd can experience nearly all the aquarium has to offer for one price. And for Chicago residents, this means potential savings of nearly 50 percent.

Chicago Public Schools is once again turning to its lenders, this time to keep doors open until the end of the school year on June 20.

Watch the May 18, 2017 full episode of "Chicago Tonight."

When he was just 6 years old, Dinesh Sabu lost both of his parents. His documentary, “Unbroken Glass,” delves into his family history and how the trauma of loss shaped his own life and that of his siblings. 

A just-released report from Chicago’s premier group of business executives says Illinois needs $8 billion in new and increased taxes to get back on track. 

The two-state solution, relations with the Saudis, and U.S. involvement in NATO are all on the table as the president embarks on his first trip abroad.

In the early days of their existence, Chicago’s street gangs developed some unique conventions that, ironically, helped law enforcement track them down. We took a look at the history of Chicago’s gang sweaters.

Despite ongoing calls for an elected school board, John King, the former U.S. chief of public education, said Thursday there’s “no silver bullet” management style to boost school success.

Bids are expected to exceed tens of millions of dollars for the singular domain, which Chicago entrepreneur Josh Metnick put up for sale earlier this week.

Our story about a chicken-rental company gets viewers clucking.

A Chicago charter school looking to expand its building size and enrollment will have to hold off on those plans after an alderwoman refused to support the project.

Barbara Kingsolver’s book “Animal, Vegetable, Miracle: A Year of Food Life” helped launch a new, healthier food movement a decade ago. We speak with the author about the recent “One Book, One Chicago” selection.