Stories by Matt Masterson

“I want my mama,” the 9-year-old victim pleaded as he was being beaten with a belt inside his school's bathroom, according to a lawsuit filed Thursday. His attacker told him, “I am your mama.”

The harrowing realism of “The Father” finesses a remarkable feat of imagination that makes the audience experience the same disorientation, confusion and anger that accompany the protagonist’s own loss of clarity and memory. 

Chicago aldermen are caught up in some questionable or unscrupulous behavior, as the campaign for mayor gets down and dirty. Carol Marin, Paris Schutz and Amanda Vinicky have details in this week’s roundtable.

There’s been a lot of talk in Chicago about police reform and a police code of silence. Sydney Roberts, the head of the city’s police watchdog agency, weighs in on the newly approved federal consent decree.

Watch the Feb. 6, 2019 full episode of “Chicago Tonight.”

Most Chicago-area expressways are littered with billboards. How did one expressway escape the same fate? Geoffrey Baer drives by with the answer to that and other viewer questions in this encore edition of “Ask Geoffrey.”

The season for political messaging is in swing, but how can politicians – especially those running in highly competitive races for Chicago mayor or alderman – break through? 

There’s a new restaurant trend emerging across the U.S.: a surcharge that’s added to customers’ checks. The owners of one local restaurant say it’s the best way to help their workers. Here’s a taste of how it works.

Brawny babes, discount theater tickets, hot rods and cool jazz usher in the weekend. Here are 10 things to do in Chicago.

Illinois is moving away from the PARCC assessment, but students might not notice much of a difference when the Illinois Board of Education rolls out its new federally mandated exam this spring.

State Rep. Will Davis plans to file legislation this week that he says would expand the state’s share of renewable energy to 40 percent of total energy sources by 2030.

For the first time since taking full control of Illinois government, Democrats in Springfield are poised to flex their political muscles by quickly passing a statewide hike in the minimum wage.

Five of the 14 candidates running for Chicago mayor participated in a forum Tuesday as the Feb. 26 election draws near. But getting simple answers to complex issues was no small task.

Watch the Feb. 5, 2019 full episode of “Chicago Tonight.”

As religious congregations shrink, churches all over the city are being shuttered and converted into luxury residences. But not everyone is happy with the results. 

Russia’s announcement that it plans to build two new land-based missile launch systems follows the U.S. decision to withdraw from a decades-old nuclear treaty. 

President Donald Trump delivers his second State of the Union address Tuesday night following a historic 35-day government shutdown. 

With the election three weeks away, it’s crunch time for Chicago mayoral candidates to get their messages across.

Hedy Weiss reviews a production that imagines what happens when two couples of different ages – plagued by similar problems of communication and neurological degeneration – attempt to interact. Plus, a play-turned-production that shines a light on visionary chemist Dr. Rosalind Franklin. 

For the 49th consecutive year, the Museum of Science of Industry hosts its Black Creativity program, a celebration of achievements by African-American artists and innovators. 

He’s been making hats and gloves for 45 years, but they’re not designed to keep us warm. Meet the man behind some eye-catching creations.

Embattled 14th Ward Ald. Ed Burke, clad in a top hat and overcoat, is seen in a video shared with Chicago Tonight handing out shoulder bags at a polling place during November’s general election.

“Empire” actor Jussie Smollett told Chicago police that his attackers seemed to know who he was before they beat him and tied a rope around his neck.

Educators say Chicago International Charter School leadership refuses to use a $36 million surplus on staff raises or classroom improvements. Around 2,200 students are being impacted by the strike.

The patriarch of the family behind the Chicago Cubs has apologized after an online media outlet published emails in which he took part in racist comments and conspiracy theories.

Watch the Feb. 4, 2019 full episode of “Chicago Tonight.”