Stories by Kristen Thometz

A new law signed by Gov. J.B. Pritzker legalizes syringe exchange programs in Illinois, opening the door to an increase in operations aiming to serve a community at risk of overdoses and infection from unsafe supplies.

A woman who contracted Legionnaires’ disease in July is suing the hospital where she contracted the illness, alleging it didn’t take proper precautions following a previous outbreak of legionella bacteria, according to the lawsuit.

The individuals who became ill reported using water in their guest rooms in addition to the hotel’s hot tub and pool during their recent stays at the AmericInn by Wyndham Hotel in Schaumburg, according to health officials.

According to the latest findings from a citywide survey, Chicago parents who live in a community with limited access to grocery stores were more likely to report challenges in providing healthy meals to their children.

More than 70,000 people died from drug overdoses in the U.S. in 2017, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Now, a task force is recommending clinicians ask adult patients about illicit drug use.

Stunt planes, Italian fare, vintage finds and hummingbirds usher in the weekend. Here are 10 things to do in and around Chicago.

In the decade since federal exercise guidelines were first introduced, a study finds that adult exercise rates have essentially remained flat, while time spent sitting is on the rise.

Six people in Illinois have reported severe breathing problems after vaping. The Illinois Department of Public Health is now investigating these cases and five others, all reported since just May.   

There were eight mass shootings last year in the U.S. But with six mass shootings so far in 2019, the country is on track to match or surpass last year’s record, according to a Northwestern Medicine researcher.

Four people became ill after consuming pork tamales or carnitas served from the deli section of Sun View Produce last month, according to the Chicago Department of Public Health.

A yearslong investigation by the Washington Post offers a state-by-state snapshot of the opioid crisis. What the data says about Illinois – and what the state is doing to fight back.

A group dedicated to addressing Chicago’s gun violence offers an update on what it’s learned through conversations with community members impacted by gun violence in the North and South Lawndale neighborhoods. 

A huge South Side parade, food festivals, acrobatic felines and natural wines usher in the weekend. Here are 10 things to do in and around Chicago.

Hundreds of researchers, community organizations, policymakers, health care professionals and students gathered Monday at Malcom X College to discuss mental health, gun violence, the opioid epidemic and other topics.

Illinois recently passed a sesame-labeling law, but federal law doesn’t require such labeling when it comes to the ninth most common food allergen. What a new study tells us about its prevalence.

A new report praises Illinois for raising taxes on tobacco products and increasing the legal smoking age to 21, but says there’s still more work to do when it comes to reducing cancer rates.

A massive Grant Park music festival, cultural celebrations, canoes and fresh produce. Here are 10 things to do in and around Chicago.

The new website answers common questions about the census, offers a timeline, resources and more in an effort to ensure a complete count of Chicago residents next spring.

For the eighth consecutive year, Northwestern Memorial Hospital has been named the best hospital in both the Chicago metro area and the state by U.S. News & World Report.

The individuals were both patients at Rush Oak Park Hospital within the past three months, according to the Illinois Department of Public Health.

Researchers have received $1.2 million in grants to study police-involved shootings in the U.S. and to develop a police training program designed to improve officer decision-making in high-stakes situations.

Researchers analyzed the results of a 2015-2016 survey to assess the health of Chicago’s youngest residents in nine communities. Among their findings: widespread food insecurity and not enough physical activity.

An Afro-futuristic convention, cardboard creations, a poetry block party and neighborhood festivals usher in the weekend. Here are 10 things to do in Chicago.

A statewide coalition says it will focus its efforts on health care policies that increase children’s access to care and mental health services and address underlying social factors that impact health.

If you wake up in the middle of the night and start browsing social media or turn on the TV, you might have difficulty falling back asleep or feel groggy later on, but your sleep-wake cycle should remain intact, according to a new Northwestern University study.

Pools are a popular way to beat the heat during the summer months, but a new federal report warns of the dangers they pose to children.