Stories by Michael Lipkin

A Barack Obama presidential library at the University of Chicago? Find out why one U of C professor gives that idea a failing grade.

There's more bad news on the state of the city's pension funds. What's being done in Springfield to solve the problem? Carol Marin talks with two legislators, and the author of a new report.

Chicago's Museum of Broadcast Communications has a new home. We speak with founder Bruce DuMont.

A supercomputer at Argonne National Laboratory, code-named Mira, is the third fastest in the world, according to new rankings. We speak with the scientist in charge. 

Lovers of used and rare books are mourning the impending loss of a celebrated and unusual neighborhood bookstore. Jay Shefsky has the story.

How can a water park change lives? We take a look at a new community center on the far south side that hopes to do just that.

A new book has the scoop on why Groupon leaders turned down $6 billion from Google. We speak with the author.

The Federal Reserve says American wealth fell nearly 40 percent between 2007 and 2010.

Wisconsin's Scott Walker is the only governor is U.S. history to fight off a recall vote. Will his victory rattle the Obama campaign? Carol Marin and her panel have more.

Chicago teachers begin voting Wednesday to authorize a strike. Why have relations between the CPS and the union deteriorated so badly? We hear from schools chief Jean-Claude Brizard.

Chicago Public Schools reaches a deal with its service employees union. Could a teachers contract be close behind? We speak with Chicago Teachers Union President Karen Lewis.

The Illinois Senate passes a major gambling expansion bill, but not with enough votes to override a potential veto. 

The pared down list of Taste of Chicago restaurants features mostly returning booths.

Carol Marin joins us live from Springfield to tell us just how close the Illinois General Assembly is to a deal on pension reform.

Chicago home prices fall for the seventh straight month. Elizabeth Brackett and her panel discuss what needs to happen for the market to stabilize.

The author of a new book tells us how to keep kids safe in the digital age.

It was a passionate debate, but in the end, the Illinois House passed Medicaid reform. We have the latest from Springfield on that, and the gambling expansion debate.

The Illinois House approved an expansion to gambling in the state, including casinos in Chicago and four other cities, despite objections from Gov. Pat Quinn. 

Protesters take to social media for the NATO summit. We take a look at some of the latest tools and analysis.

What are black bloc protesters, and how is Chicago preparing for their violent tactics? Paris Schutz reports. 

Clowns -- that's right, clowns -- are coming to Chicago this week to protest the "absurdity" of NATO.

Occupy Chicago protesters are kicking off their "10 Days of Action" this week, including plans to march without permits and "shut down" Boeing's North Riverside Plaza headquarters.

One day after President Obama's public support of gay marriage, we assess the political landscape and look at how the issue may affect the November elections.

The superhero movie, The Avengers, is breaking box office records. We get a behind-the-scenes look at Chicago's own superhero of the comic book industry: artist Alex Ross.

A rock from the fireball that caused a sonic boom as it fell in Nevada last month will join the Field Museum's meteorite collection on Tuesday. 

Iraq's ambassador to the United Nations joins us to discuss his country's efforts to curb political infighting.