Stories by Michael Lipkin

The Chicago Public Schools board approves a budget and a strike contingency plan. How will the new budget affect contract negotiations? Paris Schutz reports.

The day of reckoning that wasn't. State Rep. Tom Cross and State Sen. Christine Radogno join us with insight into what went wrong with the governor's special session.

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.

Read an excerpt from Larry Tye's Superman.

WIRED's Mat Honan got hacked and had his digital life wiped. We look at what steps you should take to keep your information secure. 

Sex therapist Dr. Laura Berman tells us why she feels empowered after going bald for cancer treatment.

A new study shows Chicago has more police officers per resident than other major U.S. cities.  So why is the city making national headlines with its crime rate?  We take a closer look.

A dozen drownings this year from rip currents in the Great Lakes. We learn more about the deadly currents.

Will there be any pension reform this year? We hear from all four members of the governor's pension working group.

Rep. Jesse Jackson Jr.'s past weight-loss surgery may be behind his latest "gastrointestinal issues."

An astronomer and artist puts pictures to an orchestral masterpiece. 

Illinois is the only state in the country to not allow concealed carry. Carol Marin and her panel discuss efforts to have that changed.

Chicago food trucks soon may be able to cook on board, but would still have to keep away from restaurants. We hear from both sides.

A new Zillow report says the housing market has hit bottom, but is it the bottom? We discuss with Deal Estate's Dennis Rodkin.

Jury selection begins today in the murder trial of Chicago suburb police officer Drew Peterson, charged with murdering his third wife in 2004. Elizabeth Brackett reports. 

We speak with former top White House economist Austan Goolsbee about Chicago's job performance.

Federal Reserve Chairman Ben Bernanke predicts job growth will be frustratingly slow, and calls on Congress to change course. Elizabeth Brackett and her panel have more.

Can playing sports like archery and handball cut down violent crimes among students? A new study shows some dramatic -- and positive -- results.

A new plan to reform Cook County's bond court system could mean fewer inmates at County Jail. We hear from Board President Toni Preckwinkle and Chief Judge Tim Evans.

A Rolling Stone columnist lambasted Rahm Emanuel's style of governance, saying the mayor "hates" democracy. He joins us to discuss his scathing article.

A new biography explores President Obama's past. We talk with the author of Barack Obama: The Story.

After yet another weekend of shootings, the city is pushing back, calling out 37 businesses that officials say foster crime. But aldermen are calling for more aggressive tactics, including an amped use of stop-and-frisk.

We hear from the director of Chicago's new Office of New Americans, Adolfo Hernandez, about the plan to make Chicago the most immigrant friendly city in the world.  

Physicists at the largest particle accelerator in the world are set to announce their findings on the Higgs particle on Wednesday. Fermilab's Rob Roser joins us to discuss Fermilab's own results and what to expect tomorrow.

Chicago Magazine editor Emmet Sullivan joins us with his picks for summer's best festivals.

We discuss the political impact of the health care ruling, and how it will all play out in November.