Stories by Matt Masterson

Facing the largest equity gap in the country, Illinois state leaders are considering an evidence-based approach designed to ensure every student has the opportunity to succeed in the classroom.

Labor Day traffic could be the deadliest in nearly a decade. The National Safety Council tells us why–and how to reverse the deadly trend.

A nationwide opioid epidemic is fueling the need for safe disposal of prescription and over-the-counter drugs. What you should know before tossing out your unused medications.

Police Superintendent Eddie Johnson wants seven officers fired over their reports on the Laquan McDonald shooting. We discuss how likely that is–and why the police union says Johnson's move is out of bounds.

Watch the August 22, 2016 full episode of "Chicago Tonight."

In this food-crazy town, more and more chefs are looking for locally grown produce for their menus. Now they can get gourmet, specialty mushrooms grown in the heart of Chicago. Jay Shefsky went to check it out.  

This fall, voters will get to decide whether or not to eliminate an entire branch of Cook County government that some say could save $1 million per year. Why other county officials are urging voters to keep it around.

Watching a slow-motion replay of a violent football tackle or surveillance video of a fatal robbery can cause viewers to perceive the action as more intentional, according to a new study.

On top of a $5.4 billion proposed budget and nearly $950 million in long-term borrowing, Chicago Public Schools is also seeking to increase its line of credit for the upcoming school year by nearly $500 million.

Lace up your running shoes and kick off your weekend on the right foot this fall with a morning community run. Get the full 'Go Run schedule.

Nearly two dozen speakers attended a pair of hearings Friday to voice their concerns about the district's proposed 2017 budget, questioning the morality and legality of funding cuts and staff layoffs within the cash-strapped district.

Chicago native Wasalu Jaco is a Renaissance man of sorts. Most people know him as Lupe Fiasco, a sharp-tongued rapper and music producer. But next month, another side of his creativity will be on display at the Ed Paschke Art Center.

Just days before two cyclists were fatally struck by automobiles in Chicago, Gov. Bruce Rauner signed legislation strengthening the rights of cyclists.

A yearlong review of the state's response to reports of sexual assault has resulted in a new law that aims to improve the process of investigation and offer better support for survivors.

Chicago Police Superintendent Eddie Johnson orders firings in the Laquan McDonald shooting cover-up. Donald Trump is trouble for Illinois Republicans. CPS pitches a billion-dollar bond sale, and the Cubs cruise towards the playoffs.

Our latest cocktail, inspired by Chicago boss William Dawson, brings north and south together with the sweet peaches of Dawson’s ancestral Georgia and the Irish whiskey of Chicago’s rough politics.

Humans pose the greatest threat to chimpanzees, renowned British primatologist Dr. Jane Goodall said Thursday during an event at the Lincoln Park Zoo.

Hillary Clinton may be riding high in the polls but tensions between her and the progressive left of her party remain. What do Democrats need to do to maintain party unity?

Police Superintendent Eddie Johnson moves to fire seven police officers who, according to a report, were complicit in covering up the police shooting of Laquan McDonald.

Watch the August 18, 2016 full episode of "Chicago Tonight."

A growing number of health insurance companies are pulling out of Obamacare. Checking out the latest on the Affordable Care Act.  

We hear from actor Kevin Bacon about helping out a group of young Chicago authors known as the Bomb Squad.

Three straight years of overnights, reporting on violence: Crime reporter Peter Nickeas on how that work changed him–and why he doesn't want to stop covering violence.

Meet an entrepreneur who is helping Chicagoans compost while growing his business–all by the seat of his bicycle.

Turn your eyes to the skies for this weekend's annual air show, explore Bronzeville galleries, hear global rhythms in Albany Park, take in a film festival, ogle Frank Lloyd Wright homes in Oak Park and more.

Adventurous eaters concerned about Asian carp entering the Great Lakes will have a chance to devour the invasive fish at a special event held along the Chicago River next week.