Stories by Matt Masterson
CPS Cancels Thursday Classes, Students Off Until Next Week
| Matt Masterson
“Since temperatures are expected to stay at dangerous levels through Thursday, we are canceling school to ensure families have ample time to plan ahead,” CPS CEO Janice Jackson said in a statement Tuesday.
Speaker Madigan the Latest Snared in Solis Wiretap
| Amanda Vinicky
Bombshell reporting from the Chicago Sun-Times details a federal probe of Ald. Danny Solis, and tells of a secretly recorded conversation involving, arguably, the state’s most powerful politician.
Solis Investigation: Attorneys Explain Potential Impact of Yearslong Federal Probe
| Nick Blumberg
Analysis of the possible legal implications of the investigation surrounding Ald. Danny Solis, and the power brokers he recorded for the government.
Congress Back to Work Despite State of the Union Delay
| Alexandra Silets
Congress looks to avoid another shutdown. “PBS NewsHour” correspondent Lisa Desjardins reports on a very busy day on Capitol Hill – that doesn’t include the State of the Union.
The Implications of Six Flags Biometrics Ruling on Silicon Valley
| Erica Gunderson
What an Illinois Supreme Court ruling about biometrics privacy could mean for Google, Facebook – and everyone else.
‘Arresting’ Exhibition Showcases Fine Art, Sculpture of Medieval Africa
| Marc Vitali
The new Block Museum show “Caravans of Gold, Fragments in Time” showcases the splendor and influence of medieval West and North Africa. We tour the exhibition with a special guest from the Smithsonian.
American Auto History Shines at Chicago Vintage Motor Carriage
| Erica Gunderson
Travel through American automotive history with a glimpse at an extraordinary private collection of vintage cars.
Call Before Bringing Pets to Chicago Warming Centers, City Says
| Alex Ruppenthal
Those seeking refuge from this week’s bitter cold at one of Chicago’s public warming centers should not assume their dog or cat will be allowed in with them.
Laquan McDonald’s Family, Advocacy Groups Demand Action on Van Dyke Sentence
| Matt Masterson
Attorneys from several legal groups penned a letter on behalf of the slain teen’s great uncle, claiming the former cop received an “illegal” sentence based on reasoning that “cannot be reconciled” with Illinois law.
UIC Receives $12M to Study Latino Health
| Kristen Thometz
The University of Illinois at Chicago will continue its role in the largest-ever prospective epidemiological study of Latinos, the largest minority population in the U.S.
BBB Warns of Cold-Weather Scams as Temperatures Plummet
| Alex Ruppenthal
As extreme cold sets in, be on the lookout for scams involving driveway shoveling, furnace inspections and utility bills, the Better Business Bureau says.
CSO’s 2019-20 Season Celebrates Beethoven’s 250th Birthday
| Hedy Weiss
A wide array of concerts designed “to explore (Ludwig van Beethoven’s) individuality, power and genius” highlight the Chicago Symphony Orchestra’s 2019-2020 season.
State Education Superintendent Tony Smith Leaving Office
| Matt Masterson
Tony Smith announced Tuesday that his contract will not be renewed after it ends on Jan. 31, bringing to a close his nearly four-year term as Illinois’ schools chief.
Police: ‘Empire’ Star Attacked in Possible Racist, Homophobic Hate Crime
| Matt Masterson
Chicago police are asking for help in identifying two offenders who allegedly attacked a star of the TV series “Empire” in what investigators believe may have been a “racially-charged assault.”
Cook County Courthouses to Close Wednesday and Thursday Due to Cold
| Matt Masterson
Bail hearings and some pretrial hearings will continue, but all other court operations will be postponed for part of the week in anticipation of a near-record cold snap.
Illinois Braces for Brutal Cold, Schools and Courts Closing
| Associated Press
Chicago Public Schools announced that Wednesday’s classes have been canceled. The University of Chicago, DePaul and Northwestern Universities will close their campuses from Tuesday until Thursday morning.
Chicago Mayor’s Race: Mendoza, Preckwinkle Spar Over Ethics
| Paris Schutz
Susana Mendoza, one of 14 candidates running for Chicago mayor, releases her ethics plan as early voting is set to begin Tuesday.
Gillette’s ‘We Believe’ Ad Sparks Controversy, Dialogue
| Nicole Cardos
What does a new ad campaign say about masculinity in the #MeToo era? We explore reactions both positive and negative to Gillette’s “We Believe” commercial.
Snowstorm Likely a Prelude to More Dangerous Weather
| Eddie Arruza
How Chicagoans handled a snowy start to the week – and how the city is preparing for worsening conditions.
Chicago Zoos to Close in Anticipation of Extreme Cold
| Alex Ruppenthal
Brookfield Zoo and Lincoln Park Zoo plan to close for parts of the week as record-breaking lows are expected to move into the area.
It’s Tax-Filing Season. What You Need to Know About This Year’s Forms
| Nick Blumberg
Monday marks the start of income tax filing season. Learn about what’s different this year in the wake of new tax laws.
Report: In Building Data Centers, Chicago Outpaced by Other Markets
| Evan Garcia
A new report suggests Illinois could do more to attract data centers. What are they – and how are they important to the local economy?
Chicago Adopts Stricter Rules for Manganese, Other Pollutants
| Alex Ruppenthal
Chicago facilities that process potentially harmful industrial materials must now take further steps to ensure they aren’t polluting surrounding neighborhoods.
New Nonprofit Gives Old Furniture – and People – Second Chances
| Erica Gunderson
Meet the founders of the Chicago Furniture Bank, which offers people in need an apartment’s worth of gently used furniture, including beds for each family member, for just $50.
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