Stories by Elizabeth Brackett

Chicago's very own shipwreck lies just a few hundred yards off Lake Shore Drive in Hyde Park. Swimmer Greg Lane wants to create an underwater sanctuary with views of the wreck and the limestone shoal that caused the steamship's demise.

One of the foremost oboe players on the planet joins us. Alex Klein tells us what brings him to Chicago from Brazil -- and how he manages the affliction that threatened his career.

"Moon River" singer Andy Williams died at age 84. We take a look back at a 2000 episode of Wild Chicago featuring the late singer in Branson, Missouri.

It's not the Olympics, but it's close. We see how a small pocket of DuPage County is preparing for an onslaught of fans and international media as the 2012 Ryder Cup kicks off at Medinah Country Club.

The mayor begins rolling out an ambitious expansion of charter schools. We look at how these schools fit into Chicago's contentious education plans.

“Gang-related” is a label that the Chicago Police Department applies to most murders in the city. Some residents inside Chicago neighborhoods, and even some crime experts, say police are too loose with the term.

Bullying is a national problem that can have extreme consequences. A new manual designed for educators helps them learn how to approach the topic with kids. The author of this innovative teaching aid joins us.

Solid defense saves the Bears' sluggish offense while controversy swirls around replacement referees. James “Big Cat” Williams breaks down the latest in the NFL.

The weather is cooling but the drinks are getting warm. Check Please! Host and Master Sommelier Alpana Singh joins us with tailgating drink recommendations and answers to your beverage questions.

As Chicago Public Schools get back to business following the strike, many still face daunting challenges -- including a staggering dropout rate in some high schools. One recent dropout tells us why he felt he couldn't stay in school.

She was the iconic TV chef who remade America's palate. We hear from the author of a new biography of Julia Child.

We take you one hour north of Chicago to Hackmatack, a new wildlife refuge that's one of Illinois' best-kept secrets.

It’s the start of a new season of “Sesame Street,” so we take a look back at our 2007 interview with everyone’s favorite red, furry monster.

WTTW held the first annual Check, Please! Food Truck Fest on Friday, and we didn’t let the weather rain on our parade.

Joel Weisman and his panel of journalists discuss the week's top headlines.

Joel Weisman and his panel take a look at Mitt Romney’s controversial comments at a Republican fundraiser. Was it a refreshing moment of honesty or a political gift to President Obama? Watch the web-exclusive conversation.

Need some ideas for what to do this weekend? Chicago Tonight knows what is going on!

A candid discussion on violence in Chicago and community intervention.

A new art expo sets sail at Navy Pier. We hear from the director on why this fair has the art world buzzing.

We meet a Chicago artist who has been painting since the 1940s and is just now getting his due.

Former Chicago TV personality Anupy Singla wants you to try your luck at vegan Indian cooking. She shares some of her best secrets from the kitchen.

To see or not to see -- Hedy Weiss reviews Hamlet and three more shows during this busy theater season.

We have your reaction to venture capitalist Bruce Rauner's attacks on the Chicago Teachers Union in tonight's Viewer Mail.

The teachers' strike is over, but the city must now negotiate contracts with police and fire unions. How will the city afford what's coming? Paris Schutz has the story.

As the teachers' strike comes to an end, Bruce Rauner, a board member from the Chicago Public Education Fund, says teachers unions protect bad teachers. Rauner and Chicago Teachers Union Vice President Jesse Sharkey join us.

An inflammatory video sparks anti-American protests. We talk with a local author and commentator who argues Islam and America are mutually enriching and not mutually exclusive.