Stories by Michael Lipkin

WBEZ reporter Rob Wildeboer has been trying to interview Gov. Pat Quinn for months on conditions in Illinois prisons -- unsuccessfully.

A new documentary takes you deep inside India's clean water crisis through the eyes of Northwestern University students struggling to figure out how they can help – or whether they can at all. It premieres on WTTW11 at 9:00 pm. We get a preview.

It's a race against time. Can a historic Bronzeville Catholic church be spared from the wrecking ball? We hear from preservationists and parishioners who hope to save the 133-year-old St. James Church.

We talk with the two Chicago brothers who are putting a new spin on a Shakespeare classic.

Jay Shefsky introduces us to a suburban woman who has turned her house into a glass mosaic masterpiece.

We read some of your thoughts about the school closings protest rally in tonight's Viewer Feedback.

Hundreds of protesters marched in the Loop to protest proposed school closings. Elizabeth Brackett has the latest on the day's events.

Carol Marin and her panel of community leaders explore the impact that school closings will have on the city of Chicago.

It was a second historic day for gays and lesbians as the Supreme Court heard arguments on same-sex marriage. We take a closer look at the issues facing the justices.

Will Chicago area customers see yearly natural gas rate hikes without any oversight from the state? Paris Schutz has the latest on a controversial proposal in Springfield that watchdogs are warning against.

Could the secret to good health and combating disease rest in the gut? We revisit Ash-har Quraishi's story about an unusual procedure that could provide some answers.

Fashion at the Field Museum. We join designer Maria Pinto as she digs deep into the museum's collection for an exhibit about cross-cultural clothing.

Both sides admit that closing schools means chaos for students, families and educators. But is this a necessary step for reform? We discuss the future of Chicago Public Schools.

The Chicago Transit Authority says it's not getting into the banking business, but their new Ventra card could charge customers as much as $188 per year if linked to a MasterCard account. CTA President Forrest Claypool joins us with more on the new fare card.

Bringing manufacturing back to America is being called "reshoring." But will the U.S. ever regain its manufacturing supremacy? We take a look at the phenomenon and how the Chicago area is faring.

Northerly Island is getting a facelift. Plans are in place to develop the Charter One Pavilion to hold larger concerts during the summer. We look at the proposed changes and what big names you can expect this summer.

Shakespeare set in the decadent disco-era? Hedy Weiss reviews Measure for Measure, plus four more shows on local stages.

High school students marched in protest of school closings, as faculty and staff at six turnaround schools face forced resignations. Elizabeth Brackett has the story.

Pension reform made some strides before the General Assembly went on Spring Break. What was done, and how much closer is Illinois to comprehensive reform? Carol Marin and four state legislators discuss the developments.

Can the city’s top watchdog be independent of the mayor? A recent Illinois Supreme Court ruling strikes a blow to those prospects. Inspector General Joe Ferguson joins us to talk about the ramifications.

A new documentary confronts America's destructive economic trade relationship with a China. Author and filmmaker Peter Navarro joins us.

A new exhibit takes a revealing look at animals from the inside -- out. Ash-har Quraishi takes us behind the scenes at the Museum of Science and Industry.

We share some of your comments on our recent interview with Chicago Public Schools CEO Barbara Byrd-Bennett regarding school closures in tonight's Viewer Feedback.

The Chicago Board of Education plans to close 54 schools, citing a $1 billion deficit and under-enrollment. Critics say this move will disrupt communities and put kids in danger. For both sides of the debate, PBS NewsHour's Jeffrey Brown talks with School Board vice president Jesse Ruiz and Karen Lewis, president of the Chicago Teachers Union.

Eddie Arruza and his panel of journalists discuss the week's top headlines.

Eddie Arruza and his panel of journalists discuss the installation of Pope Francis, and what impact they think he’ll have on the Catholic Church, in this web-exclusive conversation.