Stories by Michael Lipkin

Illinois is the only state in the country to not allow concealed carry. Carol Marin and her panel discuss efforts to have that changed.

A Chicago alderman opposes Chick-fil-A's plans to build a restaurant in Logan Square. Ald. Proco Joe Moreno (1st) joins us to tell us why.

Illinois companies are moving the markets this week because of their global presence. Kris Kridel of WBBM Newsradio 780 and 105.9FM joins us to discuss that story, and more top business headlines.

Meet a master of Chicago boogie-woogie blues. Piano man Erwin Helfer pounds the keys and provides a lesson in local music history.

The city unveils a draft of its first cultural plan in 25 years. We talk with the woman behind this ambitious plan to boost Chicago's arts scene.

Chicago Public Schools will hire nearly 500 teachers to accommodate a longer day for students. What does this mean for students and teachers? Paris Schutz has the latest.

Chicago food trucks soon may be able to cook on board, but would still have to keep away from restaurants. We hear from both sides.

Northwestern University president Morty Schapiro defends his belief that college is “the best investment of your life.”

A new Zillow report says the housing market has hit bottom, but is it the bottom? We discuss with Deal Estate's Dennis Rodkin.

The Pop Art paintings of Roy Lichtenstein make a rare appearance at The Art Institute. We get a preview.

Take the locavore food movement a step further into your cocktail. Check Please! Host and Master Sommelier Alpana Singh joins us with answers to your questions about wine, beer and spirits.

The city of Chicago settled two huge torture cases Monday connected to former police commander Jon Burge. Chicago's finance committee decided to pay a total of $7.1 million in the settlements. Carol Marin has the latest.

Are Charter Schools a shining example for the future-- or a budget busting waste of money?  As contract talks intensify between the Chicago Public Schools and its teachers, we take up that debate.

Jury selection begins today in the murder trial of Chicago suburb police officer Drew Peterson, charged with murdering his third wife in 2004. Elizabeth Brackett reports. 

The Colorado shootings spark a national debate about guns. Closer to home, local gun laws are undergoing major revision. Are they strong enough to prevent a similar tragedy? Paris Schutz reports.

He's the top ranked windsurfer in the country and the first Chicagoan ever to qualify for the U.S. Olympic Sailing Team. Ash-har Quraishi catches up with first-time Olympian, Bob Willis.

The Eisenhower expressway narrows to three lanes in Oak Park, but why? Geoffrey Baer tells us more in this week's Ask Geoffrey.

We hear what you had to say about the Chicago Public Schools and the Chicago Teachers Union's dispute over salary and contracts in tonight's Viewer Mail.

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

The memory of beloved political reporter, Carlos Hernandez Gomez, will be honored this weekend at the 3rd Annual Concert for Carlos.

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

A new report blasts the Chicago Public Schools for budget mismanagement. We have the latest.

It's one of NASA's most daring undertakings. The Curiosity rover is set to land on Mars on August 6, and the lead scientist of NASA's Mars Exploration Program is here to tell us about the mission, including the so-called "seven minutes of terror."

Chicago is on pace to break the record for the most 90-degree days. What is causing the prolonged heat wave, and is this a sign for what's to come in future summers? A meteorologist from the National Weather Service joins us.

We take a look at Michelle Obama's multicultural ancestors with the journalist and author who uncovered the First Lady's family history.

The Frank Lloyd Wright you may not know -- young, inexperienced, and trying to find his way in the vast city of Chicago. A new exhibition takes a rare look at the architect's early years.