Stories by Jay Shefsky

Meet Lombard native Zeshan Bagewadi—known as Zeshan B—who sings classic soul covers and originals with a big, opera-trained voice.

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. 

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.

An update to our March story about bald eagles returning to Cook County.

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.

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 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.

Explore the hot new sport of drone racing and meet the suburban man who is one of the best in the world.

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.

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.

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. 

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.

An 83-year-old cobbler inspires a shoe repair dynasty that spans three generations.

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.

Why are there so many long-eared owls showing up in Chicago this winter? Bird watchers call it an “irruption.”

Explore the hot new sport of drone racing and meet the suburban man who is one of the best in the world.

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?

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.

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.

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?

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.  

Jay Shefsky takes a road trip with some birders, and they stumble on a pair of rare and endangered whooping cranes.  

A remarkable new app brings us face-to-face with the 1915 Chicago tragedy.

Immigrant and refugee women find joy, companionship and healing in knitting. Jay Shefsky takes us to their workshop.  

Displaced farmers–refugees from other countries–get more than food for their hard work at an urban garden in Chicago's Albany Park neighborhood.

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.”