Loyola University Chicago’s NCAA run has put the Ramblers in the national spotlight once again. We remember the 1963 championship team.
Stories by jay smith
‘Chicago Tonight’ at the 2012 Republican National Convention
Jay Smith | Aug 24, 2020
Paris Schutz has a report from day one of the 2012 GOP convention in Tampa.
‘Chicago Tonight’ at the 2008 Democratic Convention in Denver
Jay Smith | Aug 20, 2020
Former Mayor Richard M. Daley talks about Hillary Clinton, Barack Obama and Joe Biden from our coverage of the 2008 Democratic Convention.
Former White Sox Fan Favorite Playing Baseball in South Korea
Jay Smith | May 20, 2020
Tyler Saladino had some exciting moments on the South Side when he spent parts of four seasons with the White Sox. Now he’s on the field in South Korea.
Archive: Jerry Reinsdorf, Jerry Krause on Bulls 1996 NBA Championship
Jay Smith | May 18, 2020
In honor of “The Last Dance,” the 10-part ESPN documentary about the Chicago Bulls championship years, we revisit an interview from the “Chicago Tonight” archives.
Archive: Bulls Coach Phil Jackson on Scottie Pippen’s 1.8-Second Strike
Jay Smith | May 11, 2020
The behind-the-scenes story of Scottie Pippen’s infamous refusal to take the court during a 1994 playoff game as told by Chicago Bulls coach Phil Jackson on “Chicago Tonight” in 1995.
Remembering Dennis Rodman’s Entry on Chicago Sports Scene
Jay Smith | Apr 28, 2020
If you’re watching ESPN’s Michael Jordan documentary series “The Last Dance,” you have lots of company — and you may have spotted another familiar face on the series recently.
Baseball Blues: Sox, Cubs Broadcasters Talk About Delayed Season
Jay Smith | Mar 31, 2020
There is no joy in Mudville (or in Chicago for that matter) as the coronavirus pandemic has struck out Major League Baseball. Jason Benetti and Len Kasper talk about what might have been — and what may happen in the weeks to come.
Life, Restricted: Chicago Native Teaching in China on Quarantine Measures
Jay Smith | Mar 25, 2020
While Illinois residents have been following a stay-at-home order since Saturday, people in China have been dealing with restricted living conditions for months. We speak with a Chicago native who now teaches high school in the Chinese city of Zhangjiagang.
Baseball Season Preview: Jason Benetti, Len Kasper on White Sox, Cubs in 2020
Jay Smith | Feb 4, 2020
With spring training right around the corner, we look to the coming season with White Sox broadcaster Jason Benetti and Cubs broadcaster Len Kasper.
Chicago White Sox GM Wants Team That Can Win ‘On an Annual Basis’
Jay Smith | Jan 27, 2020
It’s been a busy winter for Chicago White Sox general manager Rick Hahn, but after a flurry of moves, it may be time for him to rest a bit. “I think for the most part, the heavy lifting for the offseason is done,” Hahn said.
From the Archives: John Callaway Interviews PBS Icon Fred Rogers (1985)
Jay Smith | Dec 26, 2019
At a time of great division in the U.S., a little bit of Mr. Rogers can go a long way to remind us of simpler times. We revisit a 1985 interview between Fred Rogers and original “Chicago Tonight” host John Callaway.
Viewer Feedback: ‘We Must Reduce Dependency on Cars’
Jay Smith | Apr 25, 2019
Viewers weigh in on a report that says Chicago is one of the most polluted cities in America. And you left some thoughtful sentiments about Chicago Tonight's 35th birthday.
‘Chicago Tonight’ Turns 35
Jay Smith | Apr 24, 2019
On this date, 35 years ago, “Chicago Tonight” was born. Watch the premiere episode, featuring an interview with John Callaway and Mayor Harold Washington.
White Sox, Cubs Broadcasters Preview Upcoming Season
Jay Smith | Feb 11, 2019
It might be cold and snowy outside, but pitchers and catchers report Wednesday for their first spring training workouts. We ask White Sox broadcaster Jason Benetti and Cubs broadcaster Len Kasper about the upcoming season.
Jazz Enthusiast Brings Passion to New Book ‘The Jazz Alphabet’
Jay Smith | Feb 7, 2019
We learn the ABCs of jazz with Chicago author and illustrator Neil Shapiro, whose new book is a “work of love” – and an ode to the greats.
Viewer Feedback: ‘An Example of Chicago Politics’
Jay Smith | Jan 7, 2019
Viewers weigh in on Ald. Ed Burke’s attempted extortion charge and the firearms found in his offices.
Viewer Feedback: ‘We Must Reform Pensions!’
Jay Smith | Dec 17, 2018Mayor Rahm Emanuel recently laid out his prescription for shoring up the city’s underfunded public employee pensions. Viewers weigh in.
Viewer Feedback: ‘Fishing is Cruel and Inhumane in General’
Jay Smith | Dec 13, 2018Viewers weigh in on a controversial fishing technique called “snagging.”
Stan Mikita, Chicago Blackhawks Legend, Dies at 78
Jay Smith | Aug 7, 2018
The Chicago Blackhawks legend played 22 seasons with the team, and is the franchise leader in assists, points and games played. He died Tuesday.
Joel Weisman Throws Out 1st Pitch at White Sox vs. Yankees on Monday
Jay Smith | Aug 7, 2018After more than six months of anticipation, the former “Week in Review” host throws out the ceremonial first pitch as the White Sox took on the New York Yankees.
Viewer Feedback: ‘Keep Up With the Times Chicago’
Jay Smith | Feb 12, 2018Your thoughts on a new model of car-sharing that may come to Chicago called “free-floating” car-sharing.
Viewer Feedback: ‘These Cages Must be Outlawed Across the U.S.’
Jay Smith | Feb 5, 2018Viewers react to our story about where Trader Joe’s gets some of its pork products.
Viewer Feedback: ‘Sitting Here Sobbing’
Jay Smith | Feb 1, 2018Your heartfelt reaction to Jay Shefsky’s story about five men with intellectual disabilities living together in Park Ridge.
Viewer Feedback: ‘We Must Develop Public Transportation’
Jay Smith | Jan 30, 2018Our story about so-called “congestion pricing” has a lot of you talking. We read comments from the Chicago Tonight website, and our Facebook and Twitter pages.
The Week in Review: Celebrating Joel Weisman
Jay Smith | Jan 19, 2018
A special hourlong presentation celebrates Joel Weisman’s 40th anniversary as host – and his final appearance at the helm of the show he helped create. “For four decades, Fridays have always been my favorite day of the week,” he says.