Stories by Michael Lipkin

A new study examines the lives of Chicago's richest 1 percent. We explore how they spend their money and the issues they hold dear.

Mayor Rahm Emanuel touts ComEd's $2.6 billion investment in the new smart grid as good for the economy and good for consumers. Consumer watchdog group CUB promises to stay on top of the smart grid to make sure it is smart for ComEd clients. Elizabeth Brackett reports.

It's one business that has done well through the economic downturn. WBEZ's Natalie Moore tells us about the thriving pawnshop business in Chicago.

There was no white Christmas for Chicago this year. So will it ever snow? We examine this winter's mild weather.

Maggie Babiarz came to Chicago alone at age 16 from a small village in the Polish highlands. Today, she leads the Megitza Quartet, a Chicago band that plays an energetic mash-up of traditional and original music from eastern and southern Europe. Jay Shefsky has the story.

It's the final countdown for GOP presidential hopefuls in Iowa. Mitt Romney, Ron Paul and Rick Santorum lead the pack. Who is likely to win? And whose presidential dreams are over? We talk with Carol Marin who joins us live from Des Moines, Iowa.

Jerry Angelo is fired as General Manager of the Bears. We have the latest from Halas Hall and where the team goes from here, after a disappointing 8-8 season.

A new Illinois law makes it illegal to throw out most of your old electronics. Jay Shefsky tries to get rid of an outdated computer, as he finds out what everyone needs to know about recycling electronics.

Chicago protesters file for permits to demonstrate against the G-8/NATO summits. But some of the "temporary" rules appear to be permanent. Elizabeth Brackett reports.

Chicago was once a "meat and potatoes" town. Now it's home to some of the world's finest restaurants. We talk with the authors of a new book celebrating Chicago's classic restaurants.

For more than 50 years, a school field trip to Hinsdale meant a lesson in the facts of life. We take a look at one of the first sexual education centers in the country, and how it's adapting to the changing needs of schools and students.

Our recent story about Maurice Lenell cookies brought back some sweet memories for many of our viewers. We share some of those thoughts in Viewer Mail.

We revisit our conversation with hometown hero and Iraq War veteran, Bryan Anderson, who talks about his remarkable journey from the battlefield to leading a different kind of army right here in Chicago. 

A tiny, fingernail-sized organism that some are calling the scourge of the Great Lakes is fundamentally altering marine life. Ash-har Quraishi reports on a devastating invasive species that is causing ripples all the way up the food chain.

Henrietta Lacks died of cervical cancer in 1951. But her cells kept living, starting a scientific revolution and a multi-billion dollar industry. When members of her family found out, they felt angry and exploited. We revisit our recent conversation with the author of a best-selling book about the story.

What happens when you mix puppets and opera? We go behind the scenes at one of the most technically sophisticated puppet shows in the country. Jay Shefsky has the story.

We revisit our conversation with the music conductor known as "The Pope's Maestro" about his 17-year friendship with Pope John Paul II.

Creepy, crawly cuisine? Find out why some Chicagoans would like insects to be an essential part of our diet.

We take another look at a conversation we had last year with provocative sex columnist and Chicago native, Dan Savage.

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

A veil of mystery has long covered North Korea. Now, the "Dear Leader" has died and a transition of power has begun. What's next for the Communist country? And what does it mean for already tense global relations? Eddie Arruza and his panel discuss this and more.

Police cameras dot the city to help prevent crime. But a new report sheds light on what the camera didn't record during a police altercation. We talk with WBEZ reporter, Robert Wildeboer.

What if you were told you had a great aunt who could fly and heal the sick? Luis Alberto Urrea joins us to discuss his new novel, Queen of America, based on his great aunt who could do just those things.

Nearly 75 years later, the legacy of Chicago favorite -- Maurice Lenell cookies -- lives on. Ash-har Quraishi reports.

What does a gothic chapel in downtown Chicago have to do with Wrigley Field and Comiskey Park? Geoffrey Baer has the answer to this and other viewer questions in Ask Geoffrey.

We asked you if Congress should go back to Washington to find a compromise on the payroll tax cut extension and if you think Chicago will be safe during the G8/NATO Summits. We read what some of you had to say in Viewer Mail.