Stories by Matt Masterson
Appeals Court Rejects Michael Madigan’s Bid to Stay Out of Prison Pending Appeal
| Matt Masterson
The Seventh Circuit Court of Appeals on Friday denied Madigan’s request to remain out on bond, meaning the longtime speaker must report to federal prison Oct. 13.
Transit Budget Gap Down to $200M, RTA Says; Advocates Aim to Keep Up Pressure for Reform, Funding
| Nick Blumberg
The announcement comes just a week and a half before lawmakers are set to return to Springfield for the fall veto session, during which numerous legislators say transit will be a main priority.
Oct. 2, 2025 - Full Show
| WTTW News
More demand for legal aid amid ramped-up immigration enforcement. And the Chicago Fire stadium project is moving forward — despite some concerns from residents.
Approval of New Chicago Fire Stadium at The 78 Has Some Community Members Concerned
| Joel Ortiz
The stadium is set to hold 22,000 fans and is expected to break ground in early 2026 with hopes of it being ready in time for the 2028 season.
Latino Pharmacist Bridging Cultural, Language Gaps on Chicago’s Northwest Side
| Joanna Hernandez
“I love giving back, and the thing is, us pharmacists, we’re the most accessible health care provider in the community,” pharmacist Freddy Gomez said.
Chicago City Treasurer Melissa Conyears-Ervin Agrees to Pay $30K for Firing Whistleblowers, Misusing City Resources
| Heather Cherone
Conyears-Ervin, who is running to represent Illinois’ 7th Congressional District, had been fined a total of $70,000 by the Chicago Board of Ethics in two separate probes.
New Dashboards Track Immigration Aid Requests Around Chicago as Advocates Say Calls Have ‘Skyrocketed’
| Matt Masterson
Calls from local residents seeking legal aid have “skyrocketed” in recent months, Chicago immigration advocates said Thursday, as families are increasingly seeking out assistance amid ongoing federal enforcement operations.
Trump Administration Cuts Nearly $8B in Clean Energy Projects in Blue States
| Associated Press
These cuts are likely to affect battery plants, hydrogen technology projects, upgrades to the electric grid and carbon-capture efforts, among many others, according to the environmental nonprofit Natural Resources Defense Council.
Chicago Cop Who Falsely Blamed an Ex-Girlfriend for Dozens of Traffic Tickets Pleads Guilty but Avoids Prison
| Jennifer Smith Richards — ProPublica
A former Chicago police officer facing trial for perjury and forgery has admitted he lied under oath dozens of times when he used an audacious alibi to get out of numerous speeding tickets and other traffic violations.
Trump Uses Government Shutdown to Dole Out Firings and Political Punishment
| Associated Press
President Donald Trump has seized on the government shutdown as an opportunity to reshape the federal workforce and punish detractors, meeting with budget director Russ Vought on Thursday to talk through “temporary or permanent” spending cuts.
Trump Asks 9 Colleges to Commit to His Political Agenda in Exchange for Favorable Access to Federal Money
| Associated Press
The pact asks the schools to accept the government’s priorities on admissions, women’s sports, free speech, student discipline and college affordability, among other topics.
September in Chicago Was Warmer Than Normal and One of the Driest in 150 Years
| Patty Wetli
September in Chicago felt like a continuation of summer, with above-normal temperatures. But the real story was the lack of rain.
Chicago Tonight: Black Voices, Oct. 1, 2025 - Full Show
| WTTW News
Chicago City Council prepares to navigate a billion-dollar budget deficit. And local businessman Willie Wilson on his vision to curb crime in the city.
Willie Wilson on Public Safety in Chicago, National Guard Troops: ‘This Is Very Personal to Me’
| Shelby Hawkins
Local businessman and former Chicago mayoral candidate Willie Wilson, 79, welcomes the possibility of soldiers in the city. “This is very personal to me,” Wilson said. “I’ve lost a son to violence.”
CTA Brings Out 1920s Vintage Railcars to Celebrate Transit Agency’s 78th Anniversary
| Eunice Alpasan
The 4000-series rail cars that commuters and train enthusiasts rode through the Loop on Wednesday were built in 1923 by the Cincinnati Car Company. As part of the special occasion, some CTA employees and retirees were seen sporting Chicago Rapid Transit Company uniforms, a nod to CTA’s predecessor.
Service Cuts on the Table as Chicago Confronts $1.15B Budget Shortfall, Alderpeople Say
| Blake Thor
A budget forecast for 2026 projects a $1.15 billion deficit for the city, driven by the end of one-time federal pandemic aid and continued uncertainty over pension payments for Chicago Public Schools employees.
Padres Beat the Cubs 3-0 in Game 2 of NL Wild Card Series
| Associated Press
Manny Machado hit a two-run homer, Mason Miller dominated again and the San Diego Padres beat the Chicago Cubs 3-0 on Wednesday, sending their NL Wild Card Series to a decisive third game.
Jane Goodall Speaks on Her Legacy in 2010 ‘Chicago Tonight’ Interview
| WTTW News
Jane Goodall, the groundbreaking scientist and humanitarian famous for studying wild chimpanzees in East Africa has died at age 91. In 2010, Goodall visited “Chicago Tonight.”
Pritzker Expects Trump to ‘Keep the Militarization Going’ Despite Government Shutdown
| Matt Masterson
It’s not yet clear when military troops could be deployed into Illinois, but Gov. JB Pritzker expects President Donald Trump to “keep the militarization going” even after the federal government shut down overnight.
Federal Judge Orders CPD to Ban Gun Union Says is Likely to Misfire
| Heather Cherone
U.S. District Judge Rebecca Pallmeyer said officers who have an alternative service weapon that “meets appropriate standards should be required immediately to use that alternative weapon.”
Chicago’s Landscapes Get Their Own ‘Open House’ This Weekend. Tour Historic, Innovative Outdoor Spaces
| Patty Wetli
Chicago is famous for its skyscrapers, but landscape architects have played an equal role in shaping the city. Experts will lead tours of dozens of open spaces Saturday and Sunday.
Jane Goodall, Conservationist Renowned for Chimpanzee Research and Environmental Advocacy, Has Died at 91
| Associated Press
Jane Goodall, the conservationist renowned for her groundbreaking chimpanzee field research and globe-spanning environmental advocacy, has died. She was 91.
Pope Intervenes in US Abortion Debate as Durbin Declines Chicago Archdiocese Award
| Associated Press
“Someone who says ‘I’m against abortion but says I am in favor of the death penalty’ is not really pro-life,” Pope Leo XIV said. “Someone who says that ‘I’m against abortion, but I’m in agreement with the inhuman treatment of immigrants in the United States,’ I don’t know if that’s pro-life.”
What Happens Now That a Government Shutdown is Underway?
| Associated Press
Washington is bracing for what could be a prolonged federal shutdown after lawmakers deadlocked and missed the deadline for funding the government. Neither side shows any signs of budging.
In Rare Denial of Trump, Supreme Court Lets Lisa Cook Remain as a Federal Reserve Governor for Now
| Associated Press
The Supreme Court on Wednesday allowed Lisa Cook to remain as a Federal Reserve governor for now, declining to act on the Trump administration’s effort to immediately remove her from the central bank.
Chicago-Area Live Music Recommendations for Oct. 1-7
| Josh Terry
Each Wednesday, WTTW News producer Josh Terry presents must-see live music shows from indie rock to jazz, country, hip-hop and more.
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Second Installment of 2025 Cook County Property Tax Bills Will Be 2 Months Late, Officials Say
‘Crock of S--t’: Unsealed Grand Jury Transcripts Detail Alleged Prosecutorial Misconduct in ‘Broadview Six’ Case
City Lawyers: Pay $250K to Wrongfully Convicted Man Arrested by Officers Repeatedly Accused of Misconduct
Chicago Bears Are ‘80% of the Way’ Toward Hammond Stadium: Sports Consultant
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