Stories by Matt Masterson

The site of the Tribune Tower will include nearly 300 condominiums and what would be one of Chicago’s tallest skyscrapers under a new redevelopment proposal developers believe will both revitalize and preserve the international landmark.

A reporter researching his family history tells an intimate story of China’s modernization. Scott Tong discusses his new book “A Village with My Name.”

An innovation hub opens this fall at the Illinois Institute of Technology. We speak with newly named executive director, Howard Tullman.

With billions in unfunded pension liabilities, what options remain for lawmakers to defuse the state’s pension time bomb?

Spring serves as mating season for all sorts of animals found in Illinois, but no creature goes about it quite like the wood frog.

Keeping the river clean is no easy task, particularly during the summer months when the river is bustling. We spend a morning with one of Chicago’s trash-scooping river skimmers. 

When it comes to dealing with disasters, disease outbreaks and other emergencies, Illinois is among the most prepared states in the nation, according to a new report. 

Watch the April 16, 2018 full episode of "Chicago Tonight."

Reaction to our recent conversation with the authors of a controversial Chicago magazine article.

From Chicago’s first major telescope, to the most sophisticated scientific instrument of the 12th century, a look at some seen and unseen treasures at the Adler Planetarium.

The mayor outlines major projects to expand recreation along the Chicago River. Why some aldermen say it’s not enough.

Why so many Chicago homes are testing high for lead in their water – and what you can do about it.

For those still unfamiliar with the magic Hershey Felder can create, an introduction to the man, whose enthralling show about Tchaikovsky is now in a limited engagement at Steppenwolf’s Upstairs Theatre, is essential.

A new book by author and photographer Larry Broutman highlights headstones, monuments and memorials at more than 30 area cemeteries.

Northwestern University hosts an Oxford-style debate on net neutrality this week. What are the pros and cons?

After massive layoffs in Harvey because of its underfunded pensions, a look at which other municipalities could be in similar trouble.

The U.S. Supreme Court on Monday announced it will not be taking up former Illinois Gov. Rod Blagojevich’s appeal of his 14-year prison sentence.

A bill that supporters say would make fracking operations in Illinois more transparent cleared its first legislative hurdle last week.

The beautifully thought-out program serves as a subtle but revealing portrait of the deep but varied influences that have taken root in this country.

The embattled former owner of Tronc, which owns the Chicago Tribune and other newspapers, sold the shares to McCormick Media LLC, according to an SEC filing that came late Friday afternoon. 

A new resource is designed to help adolescents and young adults develop job skills, continue their education and overcome barriers to stable employment.

A Park District landscaper who had previously lost his license after a drunk driving conviction is among those found to have operated vehicles without proper documentation, according to a new report.

Paris Schutz and guests discuss unionization effort by dozens of Chicago Tribune employees and the Chicago Bears’ decision to let Cameron Meredith walk.

Sen. Dick Durbin grills Facebook CEO Mark Zuckerberg. Chicago homicides are in decline. South suburban Harvey goes belly-up. And Cubs bats come to life despite injury to star slugger Anthony Rizzo.

Watch the April 12, 2018 full episode of "Chicago Tonight."

In many ways this show was ahead of its time when it was created. And now, whatever the flaws might be in this 21st century “rotation,” it is worth the price of a ticket for a ride on the “Carousel.”