Stories by Michael Lipkin
New Gambling, Bullet Taxes in Cook County Budget
Expect cigarettes, gambling, and bullets to cost more in Cook County, according to Board President Toni Preckwinkle's 2013 budget. She joins us to discuss plugging a $268 million deficit.
Viewer Mail: 10/18
Chicago Public Schools Shake-Up
We have some of your thoughts about the Chicago Public Schools shake-up and the new schools CEO in tonight's Viewer Mail.
The Road to Victory
What Comes Next in the Presidential Race?
Will President Obama's strong performance at Tuesday's debate stall Mitt Romney's momentum in key swing states? With just 19 days to go until the election, we discuss the candidates' possible paths to victory.
Mansoor Ali Khan
A Foreign Perspective
Our international exchange journalist from Pakistan, Mansoor Ali Khan, joins us with an update on Malala Yousafzai, a teenager who was shot by the Taliban, and the impact she is having on reform in Pakistan.
Meet the Dream Team
Undocumented Students Set Sights on College
A group of undocumented students form a support group at a local high school. The goal? Getting into college, with or without legal status. We have the story.
Concert of Unity from the Pope's Maestro
The man known as the Pope's Maestro, Sir Gilbert Levine, joins us to talk about a concert celebrating Pope John Paul II.
Web Extra: Sir Gilbert Levine
We continue our conversation with Sir Gilbert Levine, and the miracle he says Pope John Paul II performed on his mother-in-law.
Touch Technology
Could the touchscreen on your smartphone or tablet actually touch you back? Ash-har Quraishi takes a look at the technology that could add more dimension to how that flat plate of glass feels.
Brad Schneider
Brad Schneider is the Democratic nominee in the race for Congress in the 10th District.
More Potential Burge Victims Want Justice
More potential victims of torture under convicted former police commander Jon Burge come forward and say they want justice. Paris Schutz has the story.
Presidential Town Hall Debate Preview
President Obama is looking to avoid another lackluster performance at Tuesday's town hall debate. Jason DeSanto has more on what each candidate needs to succeed.
Common Core
It's an unprecedented nationwide effort to raise the achievement bar for all students. Illinois has joined 45 other states in adopting rigorous, new academic standards for students in grades K-12. Elizabeth Brackett reports on what that means for Chicago schools.
Scientific Chicago with Neil Shubin
World's Most Powerful Camera, Giant Viruses, Vanishing Electronics, Faithful Coyotes and Nobel Prize Winners
Our science guy, Neil Shubin, explores Chicago’s connection to the winners of this year's Nobel Prize for chemistry, giant viruses, and more in this edition of Scientific Chicago.
The Onion Takes on History of the World in New Book
Clear your coffee table -- a new encyclopedia by the staff of The Onion takes on all human knowledge and turns it upside-down. We talk with one of its editors.
Ask Geoffrey: 10/16
Chicago's skyline was once booming with billboards and neon signs. But where are they now? Geoffrey Baer answers this and more in Ask Geoffrey.
A Foreign Perspective
Joy Rides and Halloween
It’s been a week now in the WTTW station and I’m feeling lucky to have met some wonderful people here. I had my first chance to go on-air, on the program Chicago Tonight, on Thursday.
A Foreign Perspective
Red-Light Cameras, Dogs & Handshakes
So far, there are some interesting observations that I would like to share about the American way of living.
Jesse Jackson Jr. Under Investigation?
Several reports surface of a new investigation into the campaign finances of Congressman Jesse Jackson Jr. Paris Schutz has the latest.
Chicago Public Schools Shake-Up
After 17 months, Jean-Claude Brizard has stepped down as CEO of Chicago Public Schools. On Friday, the mayor announced Barbara Byrd-Bennett as his replacement. Who is the new head of CPS, and what obstacles does she face? Carol Marin and her guests have the latest.
"Kinky Boots" Playwright Harvey Fierstein
Harvey Fierstein joins us to talk about the new musical, Kinky Boots, which is currently getting a pre-Broadway run in Chicago.
Northwestern Athletics
Northwestern University Athletics Vice President Jim Phillips joins us to talk about the state-of-the-art athletics facility coming to campus -- and a Wildcat football team on the rise.
SuperAgers
Getting to be in your 80s and 90s and still having the mind of someone much younger is everyone's dream. But now researchers are looking into how so-called "SuperAgers" manage to do it. We take a look.
Viewer Mail: 10/15
Absentee Aldermen
We have your thoughts on the high rate of absenteeism by some members of Chicago's City Council in tonight's Viewer Mail.
Chicago Cultural Plan Unveiled
After months of meetings and planning, the Chicago Cultural Plan 2012 was unveiled Monday. The new plan will serve as an initiative to develop an arts education plan for Chicago Public Schools and enhance Chicago's culture sector.
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2026 Chicago Summer Festival Guide
Deep Tunnel Reservoirs Nearly Full as Chicago Region Pounded With Rain Over Holiday Weekend
Shedd Aquarium Joins Global Effort to Rescue Beluga Whales From Defunct Canadian Marine Park
Earthquake Reported on Chicago’s North Shore, USGS Says Magnitude 2.9
Bipartisan Housing Bill Still Awaits Trump’s Signature. Here’s What the Bill Would Do
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