Stories by Michael Lipkin

A Chicago criminologist has new insight into the origins of Chicago organized crime.

The Illinois Senate returns to Springfield for the lame-duck session. We bring you the latest news.

The fiscal cliff is averted, but your tax bill will likely go up. We have more on what the deal means for Illinois taxpayers.

In its final hours last night, the 112th Congress passed a carefully orchestrated fiscal cliff deal despite staunch House Republican opposition. We discuss the deeper meaning behind the deal, and the way it came together, with a panel of economists.

After four years, the Tribune Co. finally emerges from bankruptcy. Kris Kridel of WBBM Newsradio 780 and 105.9FM has that story, market reaction to the fiscal cliff deal, and more top business headlines.

Cracking down on the misuse of handicapped parking and a so-called "skin tax" at strip clubs are two of more than 100 new Illinois laws that just kicked in. We tell you about some of the others you should know about.

A new study on Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual and Transgender youth zeros in on a number of health issues. We hear from one of the authors, and some young people.

Need some ideas what to do this weekend? Chicago Tonight knows what’s going on!

We revisit the set of an international, big budget action film shot here in Chicago.

The director of one of next year's biggest Indian films discusses why he decided to film in Chicago.

Tom Cruise stars as the Hollywood version of author Lee Child's character, Jack Reacher. We revisit a conversation with Child about his best-selling books, the new movie and the latest installment in the Reacher series.

Jay Shefsky introduces us to a suburban fisherman who began carving fish out of wood when his taxidermy collection filled his entire basement.

We revisit a conversation with Curb Your Enthusiasm's Jeff Garlin – and his mother. It's an interview you won't want to miss.

We continue our conversation with Jeff Garlin and his mother in our web-extra video.

Royal treasures of the Indian maharajas. We preview the new exhibition at the Field Museum.

We take a look back at 2012 with Joel Weisman and his panel of journalists. It was a year of hard-fought election battles, the teachers’ strike, the scandals, the court sentences and Chicago’s sad sports scene. All that, and much more in The Year in Review.

Joel Weisman and his panel of journalists summarize the year in one word.

Missed any of Chicago Tonight this week? Check out our weekly roundup for links to ALL of this week's stories on the web.

Need some ideas what to do this weekend? Chicago Tonight knows what's going on!

In the aftermath of the Connecticut tragedy, the nation's debate over gun ownership has gone from simmering to boiling. We hear from two men with differing -- and passionate -- views on the issue.

The Shedd Aquarium unveils three giant new Bighead Asian Carp. But just where were they caught, and what does it tell us about the battle to keep these invaders away from the Great Lakes? 

Dr. Ian Smith joins us with tips on losing those extra holiday pounds.

Chicago Sun-Times Theater Critic Hedy Weiss reviews the Tony Award-winning War Horse, the Tony-winner Book of Mormon, and two more shows currently on local stages.

We take a look at the life of one of American ballet's most influential leaders.

We hear what you had to say about Illinois gun laws in tonight's Viewer Mail.

A coalition of public employee unions fight back over efforts to reform the state's drastically underfunded pension system. Paris Schutz has more on what they're looking for.