Stories by Matt Masterson

The Illinois State Board of Education will hold a public inquiry into Chicago Public Schools after advocate outrage stemming from a WBEZ report on the district’s special education practices.

Starting next month, some restaurant managers must be formally trained in food allergy safety. But an informal survey by the Illinois Food Allergy Education Association indicates not all restaurants are aware of the new rules. 

Mayor Rahm Emanuel blasts President Donald Trump on “The Late Show with Stephen Colbert.” Cook County Assessor Joe Berrios faces a lawsuit charging racial discrimination in the property tax assessment system. And Cubs announcer Pat Hughes reveals a health scare.

A music teacher at Fulton Elementary has raised thousands of dollars and collected donations from around Chicago to replace dozens of instruments that were stolen from his school.

From siblings with snowballs to wrestling chimpanzees, playful behavior is usually easy to spot. But the question of why we play – and whether we all play for the same reasons – is less apparent.

Watch the Dec. 14, 2017 full episode of "Chicago Tonight."

Historic clocks from around the world and brilliant stained glass windows fill a new museum in Evanston. We go for a look.

On Sunday, the Chicago Board Options Exchange became the first major U.S. exchange to start trading bitcoin futures, allowing traders to place bet on the commodity’s future value.

While Fed Chair Janet Yellen ends her tenure on an upbeat note, are there storm clouds ahead for the economy?

The longtime Chicago journalist talks about his new book “Murder in the News: An Inside Look at How Television Covers Crime.”

The Goodman Theatre marks its 40th year of presenting the holiday classic with some new actors, some new interpretations and new ways to bring in audiences.  

Federal funding for the Children’s Health Insurance Program expired in September. On Thursday, dozens of protesters called on Congress to reauthorize funding for the program. “Babies can’t wait,” said Ireta Gasner of the Ounce of Prevention Fund.

The Federal Communications Commission votes to repeal Obama-era protections for internet neutrality, citing the elimination of unnecessary regulations. But critics fear internet service providers may start using fees and censorship to limit access to some sites.

For 70 years, hunters have been shooting waterfowl at Wolf Lake on the city’s Far South Side. It is the only state park within city limits, and one of the only places to hunt in Chicago. We go for a visit.

From ostrich eggs to walnut shells: We explore a collection of unusual and traditional Nativity sets from around the world.

Watch the Dec. 13, 2017 full episode of "Chicago Tonight."

Does Doug Jones’ upset signal a building blue tsunami that could help Democrats retake the House – and maybe even the Senate – in 2018?

The up-and-coming Italian tenor is already being compared to the legendary Luciano Pavarotti. Stefano La Colla joins us in conversation and performance.

A gene found in an Amish family in Indiana may hold the secret to living longer and healthier. We speak with the lead author of a new study.

Babies born within 2 miles of a fracking site are more likely to suffer negative health effects, according to a new study co-authored by a professor at the University of Chicago. 

Jamie Kalven, the Chicago journalist who broke the story of Laquan McDonald’s shooting death, will not be compelled to turn over his sources or testify in open court, a judge has ruled. “To have it resolved, and definitive resolved, was a big relief,” Kalven said.

For many years, sports fans in Chicago were welcomed to games by clean-cut and friendly Andy Frain ushers. Geoffrey Baer has the story of the man behind the house of ushers.

Vintage gifts, irreverent reindeer, hot mulled wine, Japanese drummers and Mavis Staples usher in the weekend. Here are 10 things to do in and around Chicago.

A former educator and principal, the Chicago native will attempt to bring stability to Chicago Public Schools’ tumultuous CEO position.

Watch the Dec. 12, 2017 full episode of "Chicago Tonight."

A taxpayer watchdog group releases a list of the top 200 pension earners in Chicago, and all of them make more than six figures annually. But are high benefits the only reason Chicago taxpayers are drowning in red ink?