Stories by Michael Lipkin

What's the secret to Superman's success while other caped crusaders have faded away? Author Larry Tye joins us with the answers, and a web-exclusive video.

For trauma victims, surviving an attack or disease can seem like the whole battle. But author Laurence Gonzales says “ongoing survival requires relentless attention.”

Former Chicago Sun-Times restaurant critic Pat Bruno died Tuesday from a rare brain cancer.  

Flood waters are receding in the northeast as former Hurricane Sandy moves inland. WGN's Tom Skilling joins us with why this storm has been unique and how it's affecting Chicago.

Lance Tyson wants to take over ousted former State Rep. Derrick Smith's seat, but trails Smith in the polls by nearly 40 points. He joins us to discuss his campaign and his odds of victory on Chicago Tonight at 7:00 pm.

We have reaction from Chicago aldermen to Mayor Rahm Emanuel's proposed city budget.

After Chicago Tonight's candidate forum, Rep. Joe Walsh's comments on abortions to save the life of the mother prompt press conferences from both candidates.

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. 

We continue our conversation with Sir Gilbert Levine, and the miracle he says Pope John Paul II performed on his mother-in-law.

Welcome to Chicago Tonight’s online coverage of the 2012 congressional elections. We are providing information for all candidates in our viewing area, paying special attention to 8th, 10th, and 11th congressional districts.

A tainted steroid pain injection leads to a fungal meningitis outbreak, with eight deaths nationwide. We learn more about the fatal disease.

Chicago Tonight has an exclusive behind-the-scenes look at the biggest international movie to film in Chicago, and a sit-down interview with Indian megastar, Aamir Khan.

It's the start of a new U.S. Supreme Court term. We look at what some of this year's biggest cases could be. 

Pulitzer Prize-winner Hedrick Smith examines the roots of American income inequality. 

For trauma victims, surviving an attack or disease can seem like the whole battle. But author Laurence Gonzales says “ongoing survival requires relentless attention.”

She was the iconic TV chef who remade America's palate. We hear from the author of a new biography of Julia Child.

It’s the start of a new season of “Sesame Street,” so we take a look back at our 2007 interview with everyone’s favorite red, furry monster.

As the teachers' strike comes to an end, Bruce Rauner, a board member from the Chicago Public Education Fund, says teachers unions protect bad teachers. Rauner and Chicago Teachers Union Vice President Jesse Sharkey join us.

How did Rod Blagojevich become so obsessed with campaign cash? Two Chicago Tribune reporters dig deep into the former governor's roots.

"This American Life" host Ira Glass discusses his popular radio show and his new movie, Sleepwalk With Me.

An excerpt of Dearie: The Remarkable Life of Julia Child.

We take a look at a new biography of the famous chef on her 100th birthday.

Julia Childs appears in a 1978 episode of John Callaway Interviews and a 2001 episode of Chicago Tonight.

Former Gov. Rod Blagojevich is in prison, but a new book by the Chicago Sun-Times reporter who covered his trials recounts the high-profile case, and provides some intriguing new revelations.

What if you dreamt you were running for your life, chased by an animal or monster---and while having that nightmare, you were also running in real life, no longer in conscious control of your body? That's what happened to comedian Mike Birbiglia, who had a number of sleepwalking episodes. He's shared some of those experiences in a one-man show, on the "This American Life" radio program, and now, in the upcoming movie, Sleepwalk with Me.

Teachers vote to give their leader the power to notify Chicago Public Schools of a strike, and the two sides meet for a marathon negotiation session. We have the latest.