Stories by Matt Masterson

The Illinois Department of Children and Family Services had multiple contacts with Freund's family over reports of neglect and abuse in the months and years before the 5-year-old was found dead.

Both striking musicians and management of the Chicago Symphony Orchestra have welcomed an offer by Mayor Rahm Emanuel to help end a nearly two-month work stoppage over pensions and wages.

Police believe the Illinois couple killed 5-year-old Andrew “AJ” Freund by beating him and forcing him to stand in a cold shower for an extended period of time.

A chemical leak that caused a toxic plume to hang for hours over a northern Chicago suburb Thursday sickened dozens of people, including seven who are in critical condition, officials said.

Watch the April 25, 2019 full episode of “Chicago Tonight.”

Viewers weigh in on a report that says Chicago is one of the most polluted cities in America. And you left some thoughtful sentiments about Chicago Tonight's 35th birthday.

Clean out your medicine cabinet and safely dispose of unused prescriptions during a biannual event that’s collected more than 9 million pounds of pills since its 2010 launch.

What began as a proposal by a presidential candidate has since turned into a heated debate over managing the nation's trillion dollar student debt burden. 

At age 92, the jazz guitarist is a living legend from Chicago’s first family of music. We pay him a visit.

There’s a new business incubator in Chicago that's cooking up some innovative food products on the West Side. And it’s the home for a culinary wizard’s passion project.

A new documentary examines the legacy of legendary Notre Dame President Father Ted Hesburgh. We speak with the film’s director and producer.

Former Illinois Legislative Inspector General Julie Porter called the office she used to run “broken” and said without changes the legislative inspector general is “a powerless role.”

What does ageism look like in the workplace, and how much of a problem is it in the U.S.? A new book uncovers that and more.

Hudson, a 1,000-pound male polar bear at Brookfield Zoo, underwent a historic checkup this week when he received a CT scan and had semen collected, which was used to inseminate two female polar bears. 

Federal prosecutors say this extra time is necessary due to the “complex nature” of the ongoing investigation of the 14th Ward alderman.

Watch the April 24, 2019 full episode of “Chicago Tonight.”

On this date, 35 years ago, “Chicago Tonight” was born. Watch the premiere episode, featuring an interview with John Callaway and Mayor Harold Washington.

A novel approach to receiving a property tax break didn’t flush Gov. J.B. Pritzker’s chances at winning the 2018 election down the toilet. But he now faces a federal investigation into his property taxes.

Earlier this month the North Atlantic Treaty Organization turned 70. A recent report says the alliance is in “crisis,” and a former U.S. ambassador to NATO says the biggest threat to the alliance may be the U.S. itself.

The Supreme Court heard arguments Tuesday on whether the 2020 census should ask about citizenship. Observers say the justices appear divided along ideological lines, giving an edge to the proposed change.

With more and more alternatives to cable television, is it time for you to cut the cord?

The venerable Chicago dance company got a creative boost from across the pond for the closing show of its season. Meet the Brit who made his own Britney Spears video and is now working with the Joffrey Ballet.

Crystal Lake police Chief James Black said at a news conference Wednesday that police dug up what they believe is Andrew “AJ” Freund’s body in a field and that it was wrapped in plastic.

Geoffrey Baer deposits some knowledge about buildings left behind by the banking panics of the Great Depression.

The American Lung Association’s annual “State of the Air” report found that Chicago has experienced an increase in days with spikes of ozone-polluted air.

Robert Berrios, 51, was convicted of carrying out nine separate robberies in 2012 that netted a total of more than $115,000 in cash, according to federal prosecutors.