Stories by Michael Lipkin

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.

The Chicago Housing Authority faces questions about its billion-dollar mixed-income experiment.

Robbie Gould's kick seals an ugly come-from-behind win. James "Big Cat" Williams is here to break-down the Bears' fifth straight victory.

Look out below!  Why are some Chicago neighborhood homes below street level? Geoffrey Baer tells us more in this week's edition of Ask Geoffrey.  

We have your thoughts on our interview with Kevin Coval about rapper Chief Keef.

Joel Weisman and his panel of journalists discuss the week's top headlines.

In our web-extra video, Joel Weisman and his Week in Review panel discuss the political climate of election season and the scrutinizing of candidates’ every word. Watch the web-exclusive conversation.

Need some ideas for what to do this weekend? Chicago Tonight knows what is going on!

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

Chicago voters aren't just choosing candidates on their election ballots. Paris Schutz reports on why some ballot questions are causing confusion.

Chicago rapper Chief Keef has earned himself a major record contract. Now the South Side native also faces legal challenges. We talk about the 17-year-old's talent and troubles, and what it says about Chicago.

A Chicago Public Schools program that gets students into better colleges and helps them stay there is expanding. Elizabeth Brackett has the story.

The new president of the Field Museum shares his vision for one of the city's cultural icons.

In tonight's Viewer Mail, we have some of your thoughts about our recent Congressional Forums.

11th District candidates Congresswoman Judy Biggert and challenger Bill Foster spoke with Phil Ponce live in our studios. Watch the forum here and read our live web chat transcript. After the forum, both candidates answered questions from the media in a press conference. Watch the web extra videos.

Congresswoman Judy Biggert and challenger Bill Foster face-off live in our studios in our 11th District Congressional forum.

Whenever one visits a foreign country, you always get a list from family members and friends which tells you about the things you are supposed to be carrying back for them. I, just like everyone, was also handed over that list. I won’t go too much into what I bought and what I avoided, but for the past couple of days, I was looking to buy a cell phone here.

Congresswoman Judy Biggert and challenger Bill Foster are neck and neck in a race for the 11th District. The newly redrawn district includes areas of Aurora and Joliet likely to vote Democrat. We break down some of the key issues at the forefront of tonight's 11th District forum.

Illinois home sales buck the national decline and Chicago-based R.R. Donnelley releases Google's earnings early due to "human error." Kris Kridel of WBBM Newsradio 780 and 105.9FM has those stories, and more top business headlines.

A stunning way to save the old Prentice Women's Hospital from the wrecking ball is proposed by a noted Chicago architect. But the idea is rejected. We find out why.

Teaching sharks to wait their turn for food. We show you some of the pioneering training the Shedd Aquarium is doing to get exotic animals to follow directions.

10th District candidates Congressman Robert Dold and challenger Brad Schneider spoke with Phil Ponce live in our studios. Watch the forum here and read our live web chat transcript. After the forum, both candidates answered questions from the media in a press conference. Watch the web extra videos.

10th District candidates Congressman Robert Dold and challenger Brad Schneider face-off for the last time before the election live in our studios.

It’s my third week in Chicago now, and the homesickness is beginning to creep in. Last night, I watched the final presidential debate and just to sum it up in few words: it disappointed me a lot.

Congressman Robert Dold and challenger Brad Schneider are in a heated race for the newly redrawn 10th District. This toss-up district is one of several key races under national scrutiny, which could determine whether or not Democrats regain control of the House next year. We break down some of the key issues at the forefront of tonight's 10th District forum.

President Obama and Mitt Romney talk foreign policy -- for the most part -- in the final presidential debate. But the two show few differences in their world view. We assess their global perspectives.