Meet Lombard native Zeshan Bagewadi—known as Zeshan B—who sings classic soul covers and originals with a big, opera-trained voice.
Stories by jay shefsky
Chicago Bird Sanctuary is Best Place in State to See Spring Migration
Here’s something that might surprise you: The best place in the entire state of Illinois to see birds during their spring migration is in the city of Chicago.
Former Fashion Photographer Finds Beauty in Nature
After 20 years in the fashion industry, Owen Deutsch wasn’t planning on getting back into photography. But then he discovered a new subject: birds.
The Bald Eaglet of Busse Woods
An update to our March story about bald eagles returning to Cook County.
Bald Eagles Spotted Near O’Hare Signal a Comeback
In the early 1960s, bald eagles were nearly extinct in the lower 48 states. But government protections and conservation measures have had a huge impact on their numbers. “I think it’s an incredible success story,” said biologist Chris Anchor.
JB Skating: Chicago’s Smoothest Creation
In 1971, Calvin Small and two friends started roller skating a little differently than everyone around them. It caught on. And now, JB skating is known all over the country.
Bald Eagles Spotted Near O’Hare Signal a Comeback
In the early 1960s, bald eagles were nearly extinct in the lower 48 states. But government protections and conservation measures have had a huge impact on their numbers. “I think it’s an incredible success story,” said biologist Chris Anchor.
Drone Racing: Local Hero Excels at New International Sport
Explore the hot new sport of drone racing and meet the suburban man who is one of the best in the world.
Former Fashion Photographer Finds Beauty in Nature
After 20 years in the fashion industry, Owen Deutsch wasn’t planning on getting back into photography. But then he discovered a new subject: birds.
Chicago Alt-Folk Trio Sons of the Never Wrong Turns 25
Jay Shefsky recounts how a local band with an unusual name caught his attention some 20 years ago. And they’re still going strong today.
JB Skating: Chicago’s Smoothest Creation
In 1971, Calvin Small and two friends started roller skating a little differently than everyone around them. It caught on. And now, JB skating is known all over the country.
In Chicago, Iraqi Refugee Family Finds New Home, Support
Among the last refugees to enter the U.S. before President Trump signed his executive order on immigration was the Al-Obaidi family from Iraq. Chicago Tonight went to meet the family and the Chicagoans who are welcoming them.
Shoe Repair Dynasty: A Dozen Cobblers Across 3 Generations
An 83-year-old cobbler inspires a shoe repair dynasty that spans three generations.
Chicago Barber’s 1957 Creation Becomes 3-Generation Success Story
When Chicago barber Fred Luster created a new product for his customers in 1957, he couldn’t have known what lay ahead. A look at the history of Luster Products.
Long-Eared Owls ‘Invade’ Chicago
Why are there so many long-eared owls showing up in Chicago this winter? Bird watchers call it an “irruption.”
Drone Racing: Local Hero Excels at New International Sport
Explore the hot new sport of drone racing and meet the suburban man who is one of the best in the world.
Chicago Agricultural High School Teaches More Than Farming
You’re probably aware that Chicago has high schools specializing in math and science as well as the arts, but did you know that Chicago’s big urban school system has an agricultural high school?
Remembering Bluesman Barrelhouse Chuck
Last week, Chicago pianist and singer Charles Goering, known as Barrelhouse Chuck, lost his battle with cancer. He was 58 years old. We revisit our November profile of the longtime bluesman.
Tong’s Trains: The Surprising Backstory of a WTTW Favorite Lunch Spot
Growing up with a Chinese restaurant on the first floor, an extended family upstairs and a killer train set in the basement. The story behind our neighborhood Chinese lunch place.
Chicago Agricultural High School Teaches More Than Farming
You’re probably aware that Chicago has high schools specializing in math and science as well as the arts, but did you know that Chicago’s big urban school system has an agricultural high school?
Barrelhouse Chuck, Keeper of the Blues Flame
He’s a longtime blues musician and fan, and now he’s in the Chicago Blues Hall of Fame. Jay Shefsky has a profile of Barrelhouse Chuck.
Sandhill, Whooping Cranes Spotted Outside Chicago
Cranes Stop at Local Wildlife Preserve During Migration
Jay Shefsky takes a road trip with some birders, and they stumble on a pair of rare and endangered whooping cranes.
Augmented Reality App Offers New Look at Eastland Disaster
A remarkable new app brings us face-to-face with the 1915 Chicago tragedy.
Local Crafting Group Knits Refugees, Immigrants Together
Immigrant and refugee women find joy, companionship and healing in knitting. Jay Shefsky takes us to their workshop.
Global Garden Cultivates Hope for Refugee Farmers
Displaced farmers–refugees from other countries–get more than food for their hard work at an urban garden in Chicago's Albany Park neighborhood.
For Elsa Harris, Playing Music About Preaching the Gospel, Healing
Elsa Harris has played in Chicago churches since she was 12 years old and has performed around the world. We visit this “legend of Chicago gospel.”
