Stories by Matt Masterson

CPS Seeking to Issue up to $945M in Bonds for Capital Improvements

The schools district and Chicago Board of Education have scheduled a public hearing downtown next week just before the board will vote on the bond proposal.

Pressure Mounts on CPD to Release Scathing Laquan McDonald Report

Did the Chicago Police Department knowingly cover up the shooting of Laquan McDonald, and if so, how many officers, lieutenants and detectives will be fired?

Talk of September Rate Hike by Fed Knocks Stocks off Record High

Stocks retreat from Monday's record high. Is a correction coming? And is it time to move some of your money out of stocks and into something safer?

New Life for Once-Neglected Stretch of Michigan Avenue

Despite the high-profile status you might think comes with a Michigan Avenue address, a stretch of the historic street has long been in need of some love. Chicago Tribune architecture critic Blair Kamin joins us with details.

CPS Announces Record-High Attendance Rate

The attendance rate at Chicago Public Schools has risen consistently since 2008 and now stands at its highest rate since at least 2003.

Innovation, Sustainability Key to Future of Farming in Illinois

Tomatoes and salad greens that are served in upscale Chicago restaurants are grown in Ogle County, Illinois. We visit the source.

Police Union President on O’Neal Shooting, Persistent Violence

The death toll after another weekend includes the son of a Chicago police officer. Dean Angelo joins us to discuss combating violence and ongoing efforts at police reform.

Delta Outage Raises Questions About Airline Computing Systems

The Delta computer outage that resulted in thousands of cancelled flights raises questions about the systems used by the airline. Just how vulnerable to the same problem are all the airlines?

State Sen. Matt Murphy Explains Resignation

A high-profile Republican state lawmaker and top ally of Gov. Bruce Rauner speaks out on why he abruptly decided to resign.

Copyright Cases Involving Illegal Porn Downloads Surge in Northern Illinois

Northern Illinois sees a huge surge in the number of people being sued for downloading pornography. A look at why so many local people are being targeted.

August 15, 2016 - Full Show

Watch the August 15, 2016 full episode of "Chicago Tonight."

Good and Bad Bugs Found in Your Garden

Not all bugs found in vegetable and ornamental gardens are harmful to plants. In fact, some of them help get rid of common pests. Find out which make the "good" and "bad" lists.

Chris Thile on Hosting ‘A Prairie Home Companion,’ Punch Brothers

Mandolin great Chris Thile is set to take over for Garrison Keillor on “A Prairie Home Companion.” We revisit our recent conversation about what the new host has planned, and listen to him perform a song.

Officials Remind Families to Get Vaccines in Order Before New School Year

With less than a month before school is back in session across Illinois, parents and guardians are encouraged to get their children up to date on their immunizations soon or face a possible school suspension.

Viewer Feedback: ‘Much Ado About Nothing’

Hear what viewers had to say about Donald Trump's comments on “second amendment people” when we read feedback from the "Chicago Tonight" website, and our Facebook and Twitter pages.

New Traffic Pattern Coming to Elston, Fullerton and Damen Intersection

Starting Wednesday, a new section of Elston Avenue will open as work on the Damen, Elston and Fullerton reconstruction project continues. Find out what that means for drivers.

Duckworth to Participate in WTTW ‘Chicago Tonight’ Forum

U.S. Rep. Bob Dold, challenger Brad Schneider appear in separate forum

Democratic U.S. Rep. Tammy Duckworth, who is challenging U.S. Sen. Mark Kirk in the November election, will participate in the WTTW “Chicago Tonight” forum scheduled for Oct. 26.

New Study Finds Teacher Pay Gap Larger Than Ever

With a growing need for educators and a dwindling pool of qualified workers, teachers have seen their wages diverge significantly from their fellow college-educated professionals, according to a new report.

Chicago’s Talking Statues Project Extended for Another Year

Thanks to an extension of Statue Stories Chicago, you still have plenty of time to chat with the Tin Man and Dorothy in Oz Park.

Chicago Urban League Releases Plan to Combat ‘Structural Racism’

The Chicago Urban League unveiled this week its 10-year plan to fight structural racism in the city, highlighting education, employment and economic development as key areas of focus.

Original Chicago Cocktail: Bridgeport’s Revenge

Levi Boone was arguably one of the most disliked mayors in Chicago history for his crackdown on immigrants and alcohol. He inspires a frosty, boozy melting pot of Americana.

The Week in Review: No Break for Blagojevich

Former Gov. Rod Blagojevich will serve out his full sentence. Chicago Public Schools wants to end teacher pension pickups, and the Chicago Cubs continue to win. These stories and more with Joel Weisman and guests.

Budget Cuts Force Educator Layoffs in UNO Charter School Network

The UNO Charter School Network laid off 29 union educators – including teachers, support staff and social workers – late last week as it worked to balance its 2016-17 budget and negotiate a new contract with its teachers union.

August 11, 2016 - Full Show

Watch the August 11, 2016 full episode of "Chicago Tonight."

Lipizzan Horses Trained in Dressage a Noble Mix of Athlete, Artist

On a horse farm north of Chicago, a European tradition combines artistry and athletic prowess. We meet some of the star athletes–and the ponies that will someday take their place.

Chef Rick Bayless Talks Mexican Wine, New Restaurant and Recipes

Chef Rick Bayless joins us to talk about the wines of Mexico, his latest restaurant, and new dishes and drinks.
 

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