Chicago TV host, athlete Brackett

dies at 76 after bike fall

CHICAGO (AP) — Elizabeth Brackett, a longtime Chicago journalist and world-champion triathlete, has died four days after an apparent bicycle accident. She was 76.

PBS affiliate WTTW, where Brackett hosted “Chicago Tonight” for two decades, said on its website Brackett died in the hospital surrounded by family members.

Brackett had been in a coma with a fractured vertebra in her neck following the apparent fall Wednesday morning near the city’s lakefront bike trail. She had been training for a triathlon.

As a world-champion triathlete, Brackett had won five international titles in her age group — including last year in Rotterdam, Netherlands.

The Emmy-winning host and correspondent covered the 1980 Democratic convention, 1986 Challenger disaster and championship seasons for the NBA’s Chicago Bulls. She also served as the Midwest correspondent for PBS’ MacNeil/Lehrer NewsHour.

Runaway bus crashes into fireworks store

NEW MILFORD, Pa. (AP) — A bus carrying members of the Pennsylvania National Guard has crashed into a fireworks store.

Police say the crash happened Friday morning in New Milford Township when the driver of the bus passed out behind the wheel.

The runaway vehicle went through a field and struck a utility pole before slamming into the side of Monteforte Fireworks.

State police say the crash did not set off an explosion, and no injuries were reported.

The National Guard says the bus was transporting members from Honesdale to State College at the time of the crash.

Police say no tickets will be issued.

The owner of the fireworks store James Monteforte tells WNEP-TV that they are still open for business despite the damage.