Stories by Jay Shefsky

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.”

Watch the Oct. 3, 2016 full episode of "Chicago Tonight." 

Illinois' U.S. Senate candidates, incumbent Republican Mark Kirk and Democrat Tammy Duckworth, square off in a debate for the first time. Why it may be their last.

Only 35 days until Election Day and newspapers across the country are making some surprising endorsements. We talk with local editorial board members. 

The Field Museum's Chief Curiosity Correspondent has a new show and she's here to tell us all about it.

Some Chicago Public Schools students may be missing their teachers as more than 250 layoff notices go out Monday.

The YMCA and other community organizations across the city plan to hold strike camps for CPS students if the district and Chicago teachers can't reach a contract agreement by next week.

The rare psychiatric disorder increases the risk that a mother will harm herself or her newborn, according to a recent study. A local psychiatrist explains the seriousness of the illness and how it differs from the more commonly studied postpartum depression.

The Shedd Aquarium is calling on President Barack Obama to sign legislation that aims to curb the highly lucrative, international business of illegally trading endangered and threatened animals.

This week, the university announced that 96 percent of incoming freshman have registered to vote, thanks in part to a new website launched this fall. 

Presidential hopefuls hit the town in a mad dash for cash. Chicago teachers set a strike date. Englewood gets a new Whole Foods. And the battered Bears look for first win. These stories and more with Joel Weisman and guests.

Watch the Sept. 29, 2016 full episode of "Chicago Tonight."

A brand-new grocery store opens its doors in one of the city's food deserts. What does it mean for neighbors in Englewood?

Chicago teachers formally give a 10-day strike notice to the Chicago Board of Education. Why the mayor and schools chief think they can avoid a walkout.

A baby has been born with the DNA of three parents. We hear about the promise the technique offers for avoiding some birth defects, and the ethical concerns it raises.  

Chef Rick Bayless joins us with recipes for pork tacos and a tequila-based cocktail of his own invention.

This year's heated election is spilling over into the workplace. Are there any benefits to talking about politics at work? 

Some parents are skipping family events and stockpiling paid time off to make sure they're able to watch children during a possible teacher's strike next month.

The 1960s Chicago filmmaker known as the Godfather of Gore died earlier this week. We look back on the work of this cult figure.

From a glowing photo exhibition to vegan chefs and cat videos on the big screen, this weekend’s roundup includes fun fall events both indoors and out.

The Lincoln Park Zoo gave journalists a sneak peek of the new African penguin exhibit, which aims to replicate the birds' natural habitat in southern Africa.

The CTU plans to serve CPS its 10-day strike notice Thursday for a possible Oct. 11 walkout. We hear more about the plan from CTU Vice President Jesse Sharkey.

He may not have had flattering words for Chicago during Monday's presidential debate, but Donald Trump on Wednesday hit Chicago and the suburbs for rallies and fundraisers.

A federal judge blocks Election Day voter registration in Illinois, but Attorney General Lisa Madigan says she will appeal the ruling. We hear arguments on both sides of the case.

Watch the Sept. 28, 2016 full episode of "Chicago Tonight."

A proposal designed to eliminate overcrowding at Mount Greenwood Elementary by shuffling around neighboring schools has been met with disdain by local parents.