The Chicago Fire Department has long been overwhelmingly white, but that’s changing, in part due to discrimination lawsuits and, more recently, with the help of group that mentors and trains young first responders.
Stories by Jay Shefsky
Aviation Training Returns to One Chicago Vocational High School
You may have heard of Bessie Coleman, the pioneering African American pilot from Chicago. But there is much more to the history of black aviation in this town. And though that story has been largely forgotten, it’s now inspiring a new generation of aviators.
Chicago Artist Edo Wants to Light Up the World With Color
From clothing to digital art to painting, Chicago artist Edo sees color in all forms. “Color is my thing,” he says. “I want it to light up a room.”
National Park Photographer Completes His Portfolio with Visit to Indiana Dunes
QT Luong is renowned for his photos of the country’s national parks. In 2019, he photographed what was then the newest national park: the Indiana Dunes.
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.”
For First Time in 30 Years, Vinyl Records Being Made in Chicago
Ten years ago, less than 2 million records were purchased in the U.S. But last year, nearly 17 million were sold. And now there are records being made in Chicago for the first time in decades. We stop by to see how it’s done.
Local Violin-Making School Draws Students from Around the World
If you want to become a professional violin-maker, there are three places in the U.S. where you can learn how to do it: Boston, Salt Lake City and the Chicago suburb of Skokie.
60 Babies, 1 ‘Sunsuit’: A Tradition of Family Unity and Love
A baby outfit made by a nun in the Philippines in 1945 has now been shared by three generations and 60 newborns. We meet the latest member of the family to wear it.
Newly Discovered Photos Reveal Childhood of Groundbreaking Journalist
Dozens of old glass negatives found in the attic of a North Side home lead to a surprising discovery, just days before the house was scheduled to be torn down.
At Age 100, Heart Health Pioneer Still Doing Research
These days, we know that eating foods high in saturated fats, salt and cholesterol is unhealthy. But that wasn’t always the accepted wisdom. And the doctor whose research led to many of those discoveries just celebrated a milestone.
Commercial Photographer’s Archive Shows Passion for People
When he died in 2011, Chicago photographer Dorrell Creightney left behind half a million photos. His work is not well known, but his daughters are on a mission to change that.
Tom Palazzolo’s ‘Clark Street’ Highlights Gritty Past of River North
The River North neighborhood offers a mix of restaurants, bars and galleries, but it wasn’t always so trendy. Chicago photographer and filmmaker Tom Palazzolo captured the area in the 1960s and now many of those photos are part of a new book.
At 102, This Longtime Chicago Pianist Has Still Got the Chops
Dorothy Olson Pauletti came to Chicago at age 17 and played piano professionally for nearly eight decades. At 102, she’s still living musically.
Nestor Gomez: Chicago’s Champion Storyteller
Live storytelling has become its own competitive sport, and it’s drawing crowds across the country. We meet the winningest storyteller in Chicago.
Local Nun Leads Chicago Marathon Team
In college, Stephanie Baliga was the sixth-fastest freshman in the nation. Now 31, the local nun is still running, but her goal isn’t the Olympics. It’s raising money for the religious community she serves.
Farmer’s Love of Trees Leads to Lifelong Hunt for Heirloom Apples
When Al Westerman’s grandparents bought a farm in Northern Illinois in 1911, it came with a house, a barn and an apple orchard. Now, he collects heirloom apple trees and grows more than 100 varieties.
Mickey Alice Kwapis Wants You to Love Taxidermy As Much As She Does
Mickey Alice Kwapis knows that she doesn’t fit most people’s idea of what a taxidermist looks like. And she is trying to change that.
Joel Paterson, Master of Classic Guitar Styles, Takes on the Beatles
There are plenty of Beatles covers in the world. But when a talented local guitarist like Joel Paterson applies his artistry to the fab four, that gets our attention.
As a Young Man, He Traveled with ‘Railroad Tramps’ and Documented Their Lives
More than 40 years ago, Chicagoan Dale Wickum traveled all over the country by freight train to meet and photograph men who called themselves “railroad tramps.” The photos have been in storage since the 1970s. Until now.
Brookfield Zoo Adopts 2 Stranded and Injured Sea Lions
The population at Brookfield Zoo is growing. Last week, the zoo adopted two California Sea Lions – both with health issues. We meet Carolyn and Sabiena as they get physical exams at the zoo.
Lifelong Dollhouse Maker Dreams of Creating a Museum
Pat Lohenry has loved miniatures for as long as she can remember. And as a teenager, she went from playing with them to making them. Today, her basement is full of her creations.
Keya Trammell Was Bullied for Alopecia. Now She is Bald and Proud.
Sometimes, the very thing that brings a person the most trouble in life can become a source of joy and inspiration. Meet local singer – and mentor – Keya Trammell.
Bob Fosse’s ‘Riff Brothers’ Dance Partner Gives Old Routine New Life
As a teen, Charlie Grass was Bob Fosse’s dance partner. Now at age 91, he’s teaching their old routines to young Chicago dancers.
Where and When to See the Best Chicago-Area Wildflowers
If you want to see wildflowers in and around Chicago, photographer Mike MacDonald will tell you where to go – and when – for the most glorious blooms.
Lake Michigan Nears Historic Water Levels. What’s Happening, and Why
Lake Michigan water levels are expected to top the record for June, and there’s a chance they could surpass the all-time record set in 1986. We head to the lakefront, and speak with experts.
