Stories by Michael Lipkin

A bell rings through the chambers of the nine justices of the Supreme Court just five minutes before they take their seats in the courtroom to hear arguments in the day’s cases. The sound reminds them that it is time to go to the robing room, an oak-paneled room, containing nine closets, each with a brass nameplate of the justice whose robes are inside. As soon as more than one justice enters, the traditional handshake in which each justice shakes hands with each of the other eight begins.

We take a closer look at Mayor Rahm Emanuel’s accomplishments, disappointments and approval ratings during his first two years in office.

The Roberts Court has become the most conservative Supreme Court in decades--but acts in distinctly unconservative ways, writes Marcia Coyle. She joins us.

Two Los Angeles-based Chicano artists currently have exhibits at the National Museum of Mexican Art. We take a look at the art of Chaz Bojórquez and John Valadez.

Almost half of the Chicago City Council has signed on in support to Mayor Rahm Emanuel’s parking meter changes, barely one day after the voluminous amendment was introduced to them.

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

From pension reform to the 2014 gubernatorial race, tasty pizza restaurants to the popular horseshoe delicacy, Joel Weisman and his panel of journalists delve further into the goings-on in Springfield in this web exclusive conversation.

Oklahoma! on stage, an immersive journey through 5,000 years of Chinese civilization, and the Art Institute "After Dark;" Chicago Tonight knows what's going on this weekend. 

John Cullerton’s pension bill passes in the Illinois Senate and now moves on to the House. We break down the latest news from Springfield.

The Illinois Senate approved President John Cullerton's pension reform deal by 40-16. See how Senate members voted in our interactive graphic.

The most sweeping provisions of the Affordable Care Act, better known as Obamacare, kick in this fall. As states scramble to get ready, we tell you how Illinois is preparing, and what you need to know even if you have health insurance.

The Bulls lose their composure-- and the game-- last night in Miami.  How did things go from so good to so bad so quickly? And can the team rebound tomorrow night at the United Center? We have a preview.

Eve Ensler’s new memoir, In the Body of the World, is a gritty glimpse of her recent struggles – from uterine cancer to working with rape survivors in the Congo. She joins us.

Radio host Bill McGlaughlin joins us to talk about 10 years on the radio and a lifetime of "Exploring Music."

We have some of your comments on a controversial book ban and a mom who's challenging CPS on its data in tonight's Viewer Feedback.

The decision to ban a popular book from a west suburban school angers students and parents.

Senate President John Cullerton's version of pension reform passes out of committee. What comes next? We break things down with Chicago Sun-Times Springfield Bureau Chief Dave McKinney.

The Chicago City Council approves a revised ordinance governing water rates for nonprofits. What will be the fate of the mayor's new deal with the parking meter company? Paris Schutz has the latest from a frenetic City Council session.

Michael Pollan, author of the new book Cooked, joins us with what we stand to lose if we keep relying on packaged foods.

After the Dow ended above 15,000 for the first time ever on Tuesday, Kris Kridel of WBBM Newsradio 780 and 105.9FM takes us through all the latest market headlines, as well as a roundup of local business news.

10 Buildings That Changed America is the name of Geoffrey Baer’s new PBS special debuting nationwide on May 12. He joins us with a preview.

With the Blackhawks up 2 games to 1 in the post season, Jay Shefsky introduces us to Chicago's sled hockey team -- that's the hard-hitting, fast-paced sport played by amputees and others with lower limb disabilities.

Mayor Emanuel's plan to return free water to some nonprofit organizations advances in the Chicago City Council. But just who will pay for water and why are some religious leaders still upset? Paris Schutz has the latest on that, and the controversy over parking meters.

Illinois State Republican Party Chairman Pat Brady resigned Tuesday. He joins us.

Meet Jeanne Olson, a CPS parent who's trying to translate the district's complicated school closings formula into plain English -- for other parents to understand.

A food additive that has been used for decades is stirring up controversy. We talk with a Chicago researcher who is in the midst of clinical trials to uncover its potential hazards. Ash-har Quraishi has the story in tonight's Scientific Chicago.