Stories by Matt Masterson
New Bill Bars CPS, Cash-Strapped Districts From Opening New Charters
| Matt Masterson
“If your district is broke, take care of the schools that you have before you open new schools. We think it’s a pretty straightforward idea,” said state Rep. Will Guzzardi, who introduced the legislation.
New Investment Helps Young Chicagoans Find Their Opportunity
| Brandis Friedman
In an effort to curb violence, Mayor Rahm Emanuel has directed resources to expand mentoring programs in Chicago Public Schools. A new effort is targeting young men and women who aren’t in school.
Chicago Lawmaker Proposes Urban Agriculture Zones
| Alex Ruppenthal
“The whole idea is to use our vacant land as a way to adjust the issue of food access by encouraging urban farms and community gardens in certain areas,” said state Rep. Sonya Harper.
Viewer Feedback: ‘Good Luck to David Meyers’
| Erica Gunderson
Viewers reflect on the closing of Meyers Ace Hardware.
Rauner Pushing New Pension Alternative to Restore CPS Funding
| Matt Masterson
Facing an ongoing lawsuit brought by Chicago Public Schools and increasing calls to restore vetoed funding to the cash-strapped school district, Gov. Bruce Rauner is urging “swift action” to enact statewide pension reform in a new Republican-led bill.
Bulls, Cubs Lose Key Architects of Past Success
Jerry Krause, Dallas Green Ushered in New Eras for Chicago Teams
| Jay Smith
There was a time when Chicago sports teams were synonymous with losing. This week, the city lost two men who helped change that perception.
Local Restaurants ‘Go Blue’ to Raise Awareness, Funds for One Hope United
| Kristen Thometz
Throughout the month of April, nearly two dozen Chicago-area restaurants will offer special menu items to raise awareness and funds for child abuse prevention programs.
Report: Candy-Flavored Tobacco Hooks New Generation of Kids
| Alex Ruppenthal
Candy-flavored e-cigarettes and other sweetened tobacco products threaten to create a new generation of addicted users, warns a new report by five prominent public health organizations.
Gary Solomon, Former SUPES CEO, Sentenced to 7 Years in Prison
| Matt Masterson
The former SUPES Academy chief charged in connection with the Barbara Byrd-Bennett fraud scandal was sentenced Friday to seven years in prison after pleading guilty last year.
The Week in Review: Budget Battle Between Rauner, Mendoza Heats Up
| WTTW News
The governor’s race gets crowded. Sears’ future is in doubt. Red-light cameras may become more forgiving. And Bulls fans say goodbye to Jerry Krause. These stories and more with Joel Weisman and guests.
Republican Health Care Reform Bill on Life Support
| Alexandra Silets
Without enough votes to pass, the House of Representatives postpones a vote on the Republican’s bill to repeal Obamacare.
Judge Orders Comptroller Mendoza to Pay Illinois Lawmakers
| Amanda Vinicky
Comptroller Susana Mendoza is processing $8.6 million worth of delayed paychecks, following an order Thursday by Judge Rodolfo Garcia.
‘Extreme Ice’ at MSI Takes Dramatic Look at Climate Change
| Marc Vitali
The changing face of glaciers around the world is the topic of a new exhibition at the Museum of Science and Industry.
Cook County Population Shrinks for 3rd Consecutive Year
| Paul Caine
Cook County is shrinking again – and the 2016 drop in population is the biggest of any county in the entire country. Is this just a statistical blip or the beginning of an alarming trend?
Former US Attorney Zachary Fardon Speaks Out
Fardon sits down for exclusive first interview since leaving office
| Paris Schutz
Recently departed U.S. Attorney Zachary Fardon, who brought down former House Speaker Dennis Hastert and CPS chief Barbara Byrd-Bennett, joins us for an exclusive interview.
Firearm Proposal Advances in Springfield, Triggering Pushback
| Maya Miller
A controversial bill that would allow for the confiscation of firearms under certain circumstances made progress last week in Springfield.
LSC Members Call on Rauner to Restore CPS Pension Funding
| Matt Masterson
Local School Council members from across Chicago hand-delivered a letter to Gov. Bruce Rauner this week, urging “immediate action” from the state.
10 Things to Do This Weekend: March 23-26
| Maya Miller
Dance performances and festivals, Bon Jovi and street markets. Here are 10 things to do in Chicago this weekend.
Bald Eagles Spotted Near O’Hare Signal a Comeback
| Jay Shefsky
In the early 1960s, bald eagles were nearly extinct in the lower 48 states. But government protections and conservation measures have had a huge impact on their numbers. “I think it’s an incredible success story,” said biologist Chris Anchor.
Survey Reveals ‘Alarming’ Health Disparities in Chicago Neighborhoods
| Kristen Thometz
Several South and Southwest Side communities lag behind national health and wellness benchmarks, according to a new community health survey.
Art Institute Expands Display of Arms, Armor and Medieval Art
| Marc Vitali
The Art Institute of Chicago unveils new galleries of medieval and Renaissance art – including the re-installation of the popular arms and armor collection. We get a sneak peek.
How Rising Interest Rates Will Affect Consumers and the Economy
| Nick Blumberg
Last week’s rate hike is a sign of optimism over growth in the U.S. economy. But how will it impact borrowing, like mortgage and credit card rates?
Hardware Store With a Jazzy Past Prepares to End its 95-Year Run
| Erica Gunderson
While the end of Meyers Ace Hardware is certainly a loss to its South Side community, it’s also leaving a piece of Chicago’s jazz history hanging in the balance.
Chicago Scholar Tackles ‘Sex and the Constitution’
| Nick Blumberg
From gay marriage to contraception: how sex, religion and morality shape U.S. law.
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