Stories by Matt Masterson

Members of Chicago’s Board of Education are calling on state lawmakers to step up funding for Chicago Public Schools as the cash-strapped district faces impending staff cuts to fill a $732 million budget gap.

About 70,000 Americans died of drug overdoses last year — about 14% fewer than the previous year, according to preliminary government data.

Each Wednesday, WTTW News producer Josh Terry presents must-see live music shows from indie rock to jazz, country, hip-hop and more.

A move to ban so-called sweepstakes machines in Chicago. And a new biography about the first American pope.

It’s been just over a year since white smoke billowed out of the Sistine Chapel, announcing the election of a new pope. Now, a new biography looks at Pope Leo XIV’s life, his influences and his first months leading the Roman Catholic Church.

A new investigation by Injustice Watch, a nonprofit newsroom focused on the Cook County court system, revealed that Cook County prosecutors are challenging efforts by wrongfully convicted individuals to clear their names and secure compensation.

President Donald Trump directed the Commerce Department to explore whether the broadband funding could be withheld from states with artificial intelligence regulations that did not align with national policy.

Chicago Public Schools is planning to cut staff positions at schools across the city this summer as it seeks to close a budget deficit that tops $730 million.

The Illinois Department of Public Health is investigating a potential hantavirus case in an Illinois resident that is not linked to the deadly cruise ship outbreak, the health department announced Tuesday.

Two firefighters from Chicago and Addison also received the Medal of Honor, the highest award given to a firefighter in the state.

A spokesperson for Mayor Brandon Johnson said he supported the compromise measure even though it would undermine one of his major legislative accomplishments as he prepares to run for a second term as mayor.

The road that helped stitch the nation together with automobile travel turns 100 this year. As the starting point for Route 66, Illinois plays a central role in launching centennial celebrations.

The Chicago Park District has erected barriers at the Southeast Side park where a pair of eaglets and their parents are nesting.

Renewed debate around a state law dealing with pretrial release. And making the case that Chicago’s violence prevention efforts could serve as a model to end all global violence.

Gary Slutkin founded Cure Violence Global, formerly known as CeaseFire, an organization dedicated to training trusted community members to be violence interrupters. Interrupters work with those at risk of committing violence while providing alternative options and resources.

Illinois Republicans are pushing for changes to the law that they say would make it easier for judges to detain defendants awaiting trial. Lawmakers have until May 31 to adjust the SAFE-T Act, after which they would need to wait for the fall legislative session.

New evidence shows that kids need pauses between concentrated bouts of learning so the brain can hold and store the information. Researchers also say recess gives kids a chance to navigate relationships and build confidence, which is just as important for older kids as younger ones.

It is now up to Circuit Court Judge Adrienne Davis to decide whether there is enough evidence to uphold the conviction of Anthony Garrett in connection with the murder of 7-year-old Dantrell Davis, who was shot and killed by a sniper at Cabrini-Green in 1992.

Chicago’s Native and Pollinator Garden Registry is now open for applications. But before a single submission has even been accepted, an amendment to the ordinance governing the registry is already in the works.

Data center projects around Illinois are expected to generate millions in taxes, which contribute to schools and city services. There are leaders who question whether the benefits make up for increased energy prices and water use.

When households lose their benefits, they spend less at the grocery store, and the already-thin profit margins of independent grocers become even slimmer.

Republicans returning to Washington on Monday are facing questions about a $1 billion Senate security proposal that could help pay for President Donald Trump’s ballroom as Democrats say they will try to defeat it.

The stalled diplomacy and recent exchanges of fire could tip the Middle East back into open warfare and prolong the worldwide energy crisis sparked by the conflict, with Iran’s chokehold on the Strait of Hormuz and America’s blockade of Iranian ports still in place.

The cost of defending and resolving police misconduct lawsuits has become a frequent source of political heartburn for members of the Chicago City Council.

Mourners gather for the funeral of a Chicago police officer killed in a hospital shooting. And Mayor Brandon Johnson lobbies state lawmakers for more funding.

The bill filed by Sen. Steve McClure, R-Springfield, was in response to an incident in Taylorville where a girl was sexually assaulted by an older, male student on the bus.