Dorothy Olson Pauletti came to Chicago at age 17 and played piano professionally for nearly eight decades. At 102, she’s still living musically.
Stories by Jay Shefsky
The Mystery of Nathan Leopold’s Bird Collection
In all the attempts to dissect the Leopold and Loeb story, one mystery remains unsolved: What happened to the vast bird collection that Nathan Leopold had in his Chicago home when he went to prison?
A Day in the Life of a Cook County Burn Crew
Sometimes the best thing for a forest or prairie is to burn it. We spend a day with a Cook County burn crew.
Bleacher Bum Turns Passion for Baseball into Art
A story from the Wrigley Field bleachers, where one fan’s love for a beer vendor turned her into a baseball artist.
Remembering Another Historic Election: Jane Byrne’s 1979 Victory
Forty years ago, Chicago elected its first female mayor. We remember the historic victory of former Mayor Jane Byrne.
Chicago Wrestling Coach Pays it Forward While Building a Dynasty
In just a few years, Ron Wilson reintroduced Bowen High School’s wrestling program and turned it into a city and regional powerhouse. Now, Wilson, a special education teacher turned firefighter, continues to lead the Boilermakers.
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.
National Park Photographer Completes His Portfolio with Visit to Indiana Dunes
QT Luong is renowned for his photos of all 60 national parks. Now he's come to photograph our newest national park: the Indiana Dunes.
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.”
Richard J. Daley’s Rise to Power Fueled by Ambition, Luck
Richard J. Daley’s long climb up the Democratic Party ladder began in the 1930s and was fueled by unfailing loyalty to the party – and an extraordinary series of well-timed deaths.
Discovery of Political Buttons at NEIU Offers Glimpse Into Past
A recently discovered collection of old political buttons may tell us something about the voters of an earlier era.
Chicago Wrestling Coach Pays it Forward While Building a Dynasty
In just a few years, Ron Wilson reintroduced Bowen High School’s wrestling program and turned it into a city and regional powerhouse. Now, Wilson, a special education teacher turned firefighter, continues to lead the Boilermakers.
Refugee Photo Exhibit ‘Designed to Engage You Empathetically’
For his traveling exhibit, “When Home Won’t Let You Stay: Stories of Refugees in America,” photographer James Bowey spent time with all of his subjects in order to learn and share their stories.
Hats and ‘Bracelets’ Gone Berserk: The Wildly Creative Wares of John Koch
He’s been making hats and gloves for 45 years, but they’re not designed to keep us warm. Meet the man behind some eye-catching creations.
Clowning Around as a Kid Leads to Lifelong Dance Career
The unlikely story of how a beloved local TV show inspired the career of a beloved dancer, choreographer and teacher.
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.”
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.
‘Jay’s Chicago’: A New Season of Stories About Life in Chicago
Premiering Friday, the show’s fourth season includes stories about interesting people in the city and their talents, passions and projects. Here’s a preview of the season.
‘Angels Too Soon’ Remembers Tragedy at Our Lady of the Angels
It’s been 60 years since a fire at Our Lady of the Angels school killed 92 students and three nuns. We revisit the WTTW documentary about that tragedy, “Angels Too Soon.”
The Mystery of Nathan Leopold’s Bird Collection
In all the attempts to dissect the Leopold and Loeb story, one mystery remains unsolved: What happened to the vast bird collection that Nathan Leopold had in his Chicago home when he went to prison?
Photographer Donates His Talents to Help Dogs Get Adopted
More than 6,000 dogs were taken in by the city’s animal shelter last year. How one local animal lover is focusing his lens on the challenge of finding them permanent homes.
Hats and ‘Bracelets’ Gone Berserk: The Wildly Creative Wares of John Koch
He’s been making hats and gloves for 45 years, but they’re not designed to keep us warm. Meet the man behind some eye-catching creations.
Discovery of Political Buttons at NEIU Offers Glimpse Into Past
A newly discovered collection of old political buttons may tell us something about the voters of an earlier era.
Farmer’s Love of Trees Leads to Lifelong Hunt for Heirloom Apples
Meet an Illinois farmer who collects heirloom apple trees and grows more than 100 varieties.
Nearly 50 Years Later, Highwood Bocce Club Members Still Having a Ball
You may know it as bocce ball, bocci or bocce. But however you say it (or spell it) this ancient Italian sport is gaining in popularity with U.S. players. We visit north suburban Highwood for a look – and a lesson.
