Stories by Jay Shefsky

As an interviewer, Elizabeth Brackett was known for her excellent preparation and probing questions. In late April 2009, the tables were turned when longtime “Chicago Tonight” host John Callaway directed the questions at her.

She was an award-winning journalist and an internationally recognized triathlete. A wife, mother, sister, friend and inspiration. Four people who knew Elizabeth Brackett well share their memories with us.

When state Sen. Barack Obama decided to run for U.S. Senate, Elizabeth Brackett produced one of the first television documentaries about his life story.

Brookfield Zoo welcomed two newborn Amur leopards in April. The male cubs are scheduled to make their public debut in mid-July. 

The university’s board unanimously approved a resolution Monday removing the comedian’s honorary degree – the first time it has taken such action in its 167-year history.

CPS CEO Janice Jackson announced Monday the school district will launch an “extensive” partnership with a local nonprofit to help build safer and more responsive school environments for children.

Funeral services for the Emmy Award-winning journalist and world-champion triathlete will be held Wednesday in Kenilworth, Illinois.

Elizabeth Brackett, the Emmy Award-winning journalist and internationally decorated triathlete who for two decades served as a “Chicago Tonight” host and correspondent for WTTW, died Sunday evening at Stroger Hospital, surrounded by family.

The often stormy and repressive nature of life in the Soviet Union clearly infused the music of Sergei Prokofiev and Dmitri Shostakovich.

Tens of thousands of adult employees who interact with students must undergo background rechecks this summer as Chicago Public Schools works to improve safety and restore community trust after a sexual abuse scandal.

Elon Musk’s Boring Company wins a bid to build high-speed transportation from downtown Chicago to O’Hare. How technologically and economically feasible is the plan? That story and more with Paris Schutz and guests Steve Daniels, Derrick Blakley, Becky Vevea and Rick Telander.

Veteran “Chicago Tonight” correspondent Elizabeth Brackett remains in critical but stable condition at Stroger Hospital following an incident Wednesday morning while riding her bicycle.

Paris Schutz and guests further discuss Elon Musk’s plans for an O’Hare express train. 

Recent performances by a number of major Chicago dance companies suggest that in a city renowned for its theater scene, an impressive component of drama also can be found in the work of its dancers.

Watch the June 14, 2018 full episode of “Chicago Tonight.”

There has been an outpouring of support for veteran “Chicago Tonight” journalist Elizabeth Brackett, who was critically injured in a bicycle accident Wednesday morning.

An unusual new art show looks at fantastic and strange paintings made by Chicago and Midwestern artists in the mid-20th century. We visit the Arts Club of Chicago.

The concept sounds like it was lifted straight out of science fiction, but billionaire Tesla founder Elon Musk says he is going to make it happen.

Chicago has one of the worst homicide arrest rates in the nation, according to a Washington Post analysis. What the effect of that low rate is – and how it can be improved.

Mayor Rahm Emanuel said he hasn’t interfered with the investigation into the 2015 shooting death of a West Side teen and his neighbor by a Chicago police officer, according to newly released transcripts of his March deposition.

Longtime “Chicago Tonight” reporter and host Elizabeth Brackett, 76, is in critical but stable condition following a Wednesday morning bicycle accident that left her with at least one fractured vertebra in her neck.

High schoolers looking to attend the prestigious Hyde Park university no longer need to worry about submitting ACT or SAT test scores on their undergrad applications.

A state law passed in 2011 requires public schools to educate students about sexual abuse prevention. But the woman behind Erin’s Law says dozens of CPS teachers have told her these lessons aren’t being taught.

As soon as Thursday, the U.S. Supreme Court will issue an opinion on Janus v. AFSCME – a case with roots in Illinois that could have consequences nationwide.

Once a year, scientists and veterinarians check on nesting birds at Baker’s Lake in Cook County, where they can also learn a lot about the environment – and predict possible health concerns for humans.

Watch the June 13, 2018 full episode of “Chicago Tonight.”