The Silver Standard
Let’s talk about Matt’s hair the silver fox mane that has literally stopped traffic, started conversations, and sparked questionable decisions in strangers. People don’t just notice it they admire it. Some whisper. Some swoon. Some ask if it’s real (it is, and yes, you can touch it… maybe). For over 20 years, his trusted hair guru John Flemal has sculpted that majestic crown like Michelangelo with a blow dryer. It’s not just hair it’s a lifestyle. Honestly, if Samson had Matt’s hair, Delilah wouldn’t have stood a chance. And let’s face it: Matt’s hair has seen more action than Matt and Cody.
The Collins Report
From funny to philosophical and always sooo loving- that what I love about Matesito
Interesting fact: can find studs in the wall just by looking at it - while others spend money on tools that don’t work, Matt just looks at it and says “here” and he places the nail into the wall effortlessly while maintaining his perfect haircut
Wednesday, August 27, 2025
Local Man Becomes Son, Brother, Husband, and Uncle to Entire Family That Already HadAll of Those Things
By Ralph Chicago,
IL
In what neighbors and social scientists are calling “equal parts heartwarming
and deeply unsettling,” 55-year-old Matt Cunningham has, over the past 25 years, fully embedded himself into the Foster family assuming the roles of son, brother, uncle, and, in at least one confirmed case, husband. Most members of the Foster family agree that many of those positions were already occupied. “We have sons, sisters-in-law, nieces, nephews, and I’m fairly certain several people in this family are married,” saidAnn Foster, the 87-year-old matriarch, as she sipped a vodka tonic minus the tonic. “And yet Matt just fit. Like a puzzle piece we didn’t know we needed. Or wanted. Actually, I hate puzzles. But here we are.”
The infiltration began innocently enough at a Fourth of July picnic 25 years ago, when Matt showed up with a batch of fried chicken so life-alteringly delicious that family members began inventing reasons to gather something they admit they rarely did before.
“I mean, what would’ve been the point before Matt got here?” said Peter Foster, the youngest of the family’s three sons. “Nobody even owned a folding chair until he came around.”
At Least One Family Member Reacts Poorly
“This is complete bull****,” fumed Bill Foster, 64, the family’s second-oldest son. “My father literally named me after himself and yet, in his final years, he only answered to ‘Matt Senior.’”
Bill’s wife, Lil, allegedly whispered during a Labor Day picnic, “If I weren’t already married, I’d marry Matt.” To which Bill reportedly replied, “Same.”
Bill has since been demoted in the family group chat from “Son #2” to “Just Bill.” Matt, meanwhile, now has admin privileges and uses them to post inspirational quotes every Monday and organize monthly themed potlucks.
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WhenAsked for Comment...
Matt remains bafflingly humble. “I just love these people,” he said, while reorganizingAnn’s photo albums and cleaning out the A/C ducts in her apartment. “I don’t need a title or a trophy. Unless they have a jacket or something. I like jackets.”
UPDATE:
Bill and Peter Foster are reportedly in mediation with Matt to establish formal family boundaries. Talks are currently stalled because, according to sources, Matt “keeps making too good of a point” and brought homemade chocolate chip brownies that made several people cry.
Ann has since updated her will again and has been overheard muttering, “Peter who?”
When asked why he chose the Foster family, Matt replied, “They just looked like they needed me. Plus, they had a literal full-size cannon in the backyard so cool and an unspoken emotional void I could drive my Jeep through.”
Local authorities confirm no laws have been broken, though they say they are “keeping an eye on Matt,” adding, “If anyone’s going to jail, it’s probably Matt’s husband Jim. I mean, look at him.”
Getting Your Irish On
We have had many fun memories of our times with Matt and Jim. Two that stand out are your awesome wedding in the park in Bellevue, Iowa. The other was our good time at the Irish Hooley in Dubuque. We love spending time with you when we are able and those are such fond memories! Have an awesome birthday!
To Boo with Love
Telling my favorite Matt story is impossible, there are way too many. Whether we’re hangin in the hot tub in Palm Springs or with the dogs in Big Bear chillin at the Bev Hilton for the MartyParty or the Texas Chainsaw Massacre house for my fiftieth.
Colorado, Hawaii, Puerto Vallarta swimming pools, ebikes, light sabers whether we’re falling asleep to Rachel Maddow at my apartment on Sanborn or during Act 1 of the First Wives’ Club theatrical production, he’s always the life of the party. He listens, engages, approaches everything with caring and generosity.
He’s my favorite person. Happy birthday, Love you boo. :)
xoxoxo,
Grant
Matt Turns 55 —
Watch
Out, World
In numerology, 5 is the number of freedom, transformation, and shaking things up Double fives bring double the energy, so don’t be surprised if things get a little more adventurous (or at least louder). Which basically means Matt now has a cosmic excuse to ignore the rules, take spontaneous road trips, and reinvent himself as a salsa dancer if he wants to. Here’s to Matt 55 years of wisdom, wit, and still not reading the instructions. Happy birthday to a man clearly in his prime and just getting started.
R&R Reflections
Rachelle:
Here are 2 things I love about Matt.
First, when I'm with Matt, he always makes me feel as if I have interesting things to say and that I'm saying them in a delightful way or in a deep way. Perhaps this comes from all of his journalistic training and experience, or maybe being this way led him to journalism. Probably a little of both, but it's not fake. He remembers things and asks about them again, and it just makes me feel special. I've seen him do it with others around a table or in the yard, and I just love what a generous human being he is.
Second, he's given such a lot to the building and us his neighbors. He's taken many a turn on the board and comes to meetings when he can even when he's not on the board. He's helped with the garden, with the lawn, with Christmas decorations and even the thank-
I see that Matt is someone who invests in friends (such as Sarah and friends of both of yours in California), and he treats his
Obviously, Matt's sartorial flair is amazing, his pot pumpkin bread is memorable, and his humor makes him so fun to hang with. Maybe that's more than 2 things.
Ryan:
I love Matt's passion and support of public radio and TV.
I appreciate Matt's work at Estes Park every year and the effort he puts into making our building look beautiful every summer.
I admire Matt's fashion and style!
Mattie Dearest
Wishing you joy, love and laughter on your birthday!
The first time Dad and I met you we were living in
and some other people.
Behind a great woman...is Matt?
Foster family photo, notice Mama Foster and Matt, oh
Disco Dames and adoring Matt
Matt, The Working Stiff
Radio Man, Educator, Caster of Pods; all titles held by Matt Cunningham in pursuit of excellence in education and molding fertile minds. (Molding in this case could be the green penicillin-like stuff on bread left out too long, we are not sure). So we at the Trib asked his coworkers at Columbia College for some “Matt at Work Action Shots”
Physical prowess keeps an educator’s mind razor sharp. Here Matt is seen working on his “manly” athletic endurance,. Proving, once again, Matt’s total dedication to his work. Shout out to Dave and Steve for their undying support during “work” activities.
Above:
Matt, David and Steve seen here supporting the new radio tower from the “windy” city. This takes focus and stamina. To date the tower has not fallen under their watch!
Below:
For 10 years straight the Dynamic Trio have cherished a mug of spiced wine together at Christkindlmarket. Belying the notion that one shouldn’t drink during work.
My Dad
“Hair Today, Love Forever
One of my earliest and fondest memories with Matt was when he and my dad had just started dating. Matt had long hair at the time, and he spent hours letting me and a friend play with it. We filled his hair with scrunchies and bows, and he patiently sat there, laughing with us. It was such a simple moment, but it showed how kind and fun he was right from the start.
“Aisle Be Forever Grateful”
One of the best days of my life was my wedding. I got to marry the love of my life with both of my dads walking me down the aisle. I felt like the luckiest woman alive to have Matt holding my hand as I took those steps. It’s a memory I’ll cherish forever.
“Words of Wisdom, A Lifetime of Love”
Matt has always been one of the most supportive people in my life. He encouraged me to push myself and believe in what I could accomplish. He gave me cards filled with wisdom and love, and his words always seemed to come at just the right time. His support has meant the world to me.
“Housing Market Hero”
When Mike and I thought we had bought a house and sold our condo, everything fell through and we suddenly had nowhere to live. Matt saved us. He welcomed us into his home without hesitation, giving us a safe place to land. We stayed with him for five weeks while we scrambled to find another house, and in the end, we closed on our dream home. I’ll never forget the way he stepped in and supported us during such a stressful time.
Pretty in Pink
I deeply admire Matt's willingness to be playful and jump in and have fun when the opportunity presents itself! Apparently in all our adventures together I've not managed to take a single picture of us - we're both too busy having fun in those moments I guessbut thankfully we have other friends with cameras!
Marty’s Musings
· We love Matt because he has nipples that have doubled as O’Hare landing lights on Hollywood beach
· We love Matt because he stopped us from running over Tom Hanks and Rita Wilson on Santa Monica Blvd
· We love Matt because he has purified himself in the waters of Palmer Lake
· We love Matt because he a true and loyal friend, a brother, for almost 30 years.
When the World Gives You Ask Emily
Matt was and is always the most fun adult in the pool
I admire how he can have a great conversation with almost everyone he meets; he has a natural ability to make others feel seen and heard and gives really wonderful advice
One of my favorite memories with him is when we got to listen to an impromptu musical jamboree in the pub in Ireland. Matt makes everything feel more fun and special– he is really good at increasing everyone’s enjoyment of the things happening around them.
Aaron’s Thoughts
One of my favorite things about Matt is how pure, joyful, and appreciative of kids he is. At your wedding at the Oar Pub, I remember the kids following him around like a pack of goslings.
His outfits are snazadelic!
Kristina Knows!
Matt is all any one could want in a friend, fun, supportive, kind and loving. He is always up for helping out and will make sure you laugh along the way. The world needs more Matt’s so that everyone can have such a friend
Lorie Speaks!
1 reason I admire Matt: Matt's loyalty to his friends and family. We share 36 years of friendship and I look forward to many, many more.
Oh and an Inside joke: "It's brown."
Tom Talks!
My kids all love Matt. Their favorite uncle. I've always admired how Matt has gone his own way. He never did the straight and narrow or what was expected. He has certainly created his own path and made it work. He was nicknamed Mattucci because of our Aunt's doctor. A name that seemed to fit him well.
What do you say about the most loving, caring, beautiful man. Hope!
Ryan toAuntie Matt
You’ve always been such an important part of our family the kind of steady, goodhearted presence that brings us all closer together. One of my favorite memories with you is when you pick me up from football practice; that ride home meant more than you probably realized, full of advice, jokes, and just feeling like someone always had my back. I also remember that birthday we ended up spending together by chance it turned out to be one of the best, because your easygoing
Mattish” about the way you can turn an ordinary moment into a story worth retelling, and how you make everyone feel like they belong. I really admire your loyalty and the way you show up for the people you love without hesitation.
Hope this year brings you as much joy and laughter as you’ve always given to us. You are such an important part of this family. Having a bonus uncle brother and son has truly been a treasured gift to us all.
Regarding Matt…From Sylvia
Matt’s the best dj the Red Door Club has ever had! If Matt’s home the music is fabulous.
Matt keeps us up to date on the latest slang Matt slays and leaves no crumbs!
Matt is such a good doggy daddy, we should all start calling him Daddy; or as the kids say Zdaddy…he has so much rizz.
Matt has mad respect for young people; a rare trait in anyone over 25.
Matt and Sylvia should be a Doo Wop group. Let’s call them “The Q-Tips.”
Carrie Gets Matt
One of my favorite memories of Matty (as I call him) is when I was pretty new to WBEZ and not entirely comfortable in the newsroom yet as I didn't know that many people. Matty and I had just started to talk and one morning I walked past his desk and kind of quietly called his name. Without missing a beat, he responded: "Hey boo!," making me feel welcome and less intimidated.
Matty is committed to our friendship. We've been friends after many job switches, a move to California and back, and we always find a way to come back to each other like no time has passed! He's a fantastic journalist and radio maker and I always think of him as someone with deep knowledge whose advice I seek.
And, I love his laugh. Happy B-day Matty!
Reporters From Costa Rica—Bill and Lily
Long before you became my brother in- law I thought of you as one of my brothers. The happiness that you bring to Jim is like watching love in motion. Your Thelma and Louise travels you and Mom took were epic and I hear a sequel is being planned. Maybe you won't have to drive off a cliff for the finale.
You no doubt bring us together closer, your communication skills are the best amongst the brothers and mom ties us all together.
We are grateful for your influence in our lives and look forward to some adventures with you.
Happy 55th birthday to you!!!!!
WE LOVE YOU
Sarah Speaks
So many memories with Matt it’s hard to pick just one. Tennis, Lottery dream homes, fireside fun, nordstrom racking, co-hosting parties in LA at someone else’s home.
There’s no one like Matt.
He’s always there to share a laugh and help. Recently, he proved what real friendship is about when he transported everything in my fridge from my old house to my new house on moving day.
Matt helped me get through the loss of both parents and my soul dog, Millie, who loved Matt almost as much as she loved me.
and genuine enthusiasm has cemented the tour as one of the highlights of the trip, and as qualities that always shine through him.
Hong Kong Reports In
Hey, Happy Birthday Matt =)
s your day! I hope everyone treats you with a little extra
thank you” to you. Looking back over the last couple of years since we met, so many of my best memories
From the very first hotpot to the recent steamed egg and steamed fish, you and James never said no to my Chinese cooking. You and I really appreciate every compliment you gave me the confidence to cook for you both again and again.
t just food. You were open-minded enough to join me at those Taiwanese band concerts last year. That was such a good time too. You also always make sure I have a comfy bed waiting in the living room whenever I visit Chicago, and you welcome me into your home so naturally. I see all of that, every time, even if m not always the best at saying thank you in person.
See you next time!!
Ray
California is in the House—Bryan Says:
What adventures!
Chicago, Palm Springs, Galina, Arizona, Colorado and Dubuque to mention a few.
Dinners, drinks, exploring and even circuit parties. Every minute I have enjoyed Matt’s company and friendship.
Some things I love and admire about Matt are his sense of style in all forms, from the way he dresses in a fitted cap, T-shirt and jeans from overalls and a flannel. His amazingly stylish haircuts, choice in music and sense of adventure!
I love his intelligence and care for the good in humanity and always looking at ways that’s he can try to make things better.
I can’t wait for more adventures in the future.
Happy Birthday!
Reporting from Chicago or Dubuque
Honestly not sure
Happy Birthday my love,,, 24 birthdays, it doesn’t seem possible, I guess it helps when 15 of them were your 29th birthday. You have stood by me through job changes, life changes, and uncertainty, you were always there and I knew I could always count on you.
You have taken care of our family and I see you in Caitlin and how she has grown into a beautiful woman. You have taken care of Mom and was an amazing friend and confident to Dad. I am forever grateful for you being in my life and part of our family.
We have seen Paris and London, traveled to Rio and Ireland, visited places across the United States. But, I think I am happiest an most relaxed at home with the pups and you. Thank you!
It came as no surprise, but was nice to read anyway, that your friends & family, co-workers & colleagues all feel the same way that I do about you. You have touched and changed all of us for the better.
Jim
