Stories by Matt Masterson

Cook County Settles Suit With Injured Detainee for $4.5M

Michael Borys was in jail for less than a day when he had a seizure and fell from his bunk, resulting in vision loss and multiple brain surgeries. Three years later, Cook County has agreed to settle a federal lawsuit 

Ilyasah Shabazz on the Legacy of Her Father, Malcolm X

To many, the legacy of activist Malcolm X is that of a fiery counterpart to the pacifist Martin Luther King, Jr. But to one of his daughters, that analysis overlooks his complexities and contributions to the fight for human rights.

Large-as-Life Dinosaurs Frighten and Fascinate at ‘Jurassic World’

An exhibition at the Field Museum aims to be an immersive experience that brings the 2015 movie and its gigantic reptilian stars to life. 

10 Things to Do This Weekend: Nov. 15-19

Dorky personas, holiday lights, fine art, gliding acrobats and seasonal brews usher in the weekend. Here are 10 things to do in and around Chicago.

Ask Geoffrey: What Happened to the Hamilton Statue?

What happened to the Alexander Hamilton statue in Lincoln Park? Geoffrey Baer tells his story in this encore edition of “Ask Geoffrey.” 

CTA Fare Hike Could Be on the Way

The Chicago Transit Authority hasn’t raised fares since 2009. Now, the head of the Regional Transit Authority says “the time has come” to change that. 

Cook County Proposes Nearly 600 Layoffs in Lieu of Soda Tax

With the penny-per-ounce pop tax fizzled out, new plans to come up with the $200 million Cook County says it needs.

New Blood Pressure Guidelines a ‘Signal to Take Action’

Many doctors have long believed the threshold for high blood pressure needed to be lower. On Monday, that change was made.

Nov. 14, 2017 - Full Show

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

Paradise Papers Offer Insight into Strategies to Minimize Tax Burden

Bermuda is more than a lovely vacation destination. Apparently, it’s also one of the places very wealthy people—and companies—stash their cash to lower their taxes.

Voice of America Still Mission-Driven at 75

It began as an effort to combat Nazi propaganda, but in these highly partisan times can the taxpayer-funded Voice of America remain free from bias?

Hiplet Is Not Your Grandmother’s Ballet

They’ve strutted across high-end runways and for fast-fashion TV commercials. Now, the Hiplet dancers are showing Chicago Tonight how they’ve worked for their success.

Exploring the Mysteries of Anesthesia in ‘Counting Backwards’

A new book from a Northwestern medical school professor delves into the history of the common—yet still mysterious—world of anesthesia.

61 EPA Staff Have Left Chicago Office in 2017, And They’re Missed

Since the inauguration of President Donald Trump, dozens of employees have left the EPA’s Region 5 office in Chicago. Current and former employees say the loss of staff is already putting a strain on operations. 

Imperfect to Deliver ‘Ugly’ Fruits, Vegetables to Chicagoans

Fruits and vegetables come in all shapes and sizes, but only those that meet strict cosmetic requirements end up in grocery stores, while “ugly” produce goes to waste. Imperfect, a new produce delivery service, hopes to change that.

Ride-Sharing Fees, Amusement Tax Advance in City Council

The City Council on Monday advanced the mayor’s 2018 budget proposal, but not without some trepidation from aldermen.

Nov. 13, 2017 - Full Show

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

Democrats Hoping for ‘Blue Wave’ In 2018

A year after what for many Democrats was unthinkable—losing the presidential election to Donald Trump—there are signs they may be getting their mojo back.

Former Alderman Bob Fioretti Challenging Toni Preckwinkle

In the wake of the much-maligned sweetened beverage tax, Cook County Board President Toni Preckwinkle’s re-election no longer appears certain. Why Bob Fioretti believes Cook County needs new leadership.

‘Race’ Exhibition Challenges Visitors to Rethink the Concept

What does race mean to you? A new exhibit at the Chicago History Museum asks visitors to consider how much all of us focus on race every day, whether we realize it or not.

‘All The Queen’s Horses’ Tells the Story of Rita Crundwell

A city treasurer with a love of horses managed to embezzle nearly $54 million from a small town of just 16,000 people. The new documentary “All The Queen’s Horses” looks at the case of Rita Crundwell.

New Book Profiles Chicagoans Who Changed History

From the obvious game changers to the surprising—and controversial—a new book by the publisher of N’DIGO profiles the biggest Chicago icons.

FBI: Hate Crimes on Rise for Second Straight Year

The number of hate crimes recorded across the country rose nearly 5 percent last year, according to new data from the FBI. In Chicago, the number of recorded incidents rose 34 percent over 2015.

Chicago Teen Birth Rate Drops to New Low

Teen birth rates in Chicago have reached a new low, according to city officials. In 2015, there were 27.5 births per 1,000 girls ages 15-19, a 67-percent drop from 1999.

UChicago’s Chuan He Awarded 2017 Paul Marks Prize in Cancer Research

The biennial award is bestowed upon three promising researchers under the age of 45 making significant contributions to understanding the disease or improving treatments. 

COPA Releases Footage of Pinned Officer Shooting Teen Driver

Oversight officials released several clips showing the shooting death of teen Juan Flores after he pinned an officer between his SUV and a squad car in September.
 

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