Stories by Kristen Thometz

Field goal do-overs, an unusual subway ride, sketch comedy and bucking bulls usher in the weekend. Here are 10 things to do in and around Chicago.

A child in northeastern Illinois is one of 13 across the U.S. who have died from the flu so far this season, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.

A donation from the Polsky family will fund the creation of a new multidisciplinary institute dedicated to urologic cancers, including prostate, bladder and kidney cancers.

More than 26 million American adults are estimated to have a food allergy, with shellfish reported as the top allergen, according to a new study by Northwestern University and Lurie Children’s Hospital.

Just a day after being charged with attempted extortion, the powerful 14th Ward alderman has resigned from the post he’s held for more than three decades.

There is no definitive test to diagnosis the progressive neurodegenerative disease. But that could change, thanks to new research that was able to accurately detect ALS and other neurodegenerative diseases using graphene.

Pet portraits, model trains, fermented tea and a murder mystery usher in the first weekend of 2019. Here are 10 things to do in and around Chicago.

A new study links higher levels of key nutrients associated with the Mediterranean diet to more efficient brain connectivity and performance on cognitive tests in older adults. 

The Chicago Police Department fields about 500 domestic violence calls every day. One police officer tries to help victims by sharing his own experiences. “I know what it’s like to need help and not knowing who can help me,” said Officer Gino Garcia.

On Jan. 1, 2019, more than 250 new laws take effect in Illinois, changing rules related to gun control and public safety to animal welfare, education – and possibly your cellphone. We give you the rundown.

Dozens of Chicagoans trained to recognize and respond to opioid overdoses in their communities have distributed more than 7,000 naloxone kits across the city since March.

Trains, tubas, TV parodies and a winter wonderland usher in the long holiday weekend. Here are a dozen things to do in and around Chicago.

Gingerbread cookies and houses are synonymous with Christmas, but one Chicago hotel takes the seasonal staple to the next level with the Gingerbread Express—an elevator dressed head to toe in gingerbread. 

There is no cure for Ebola, the severe and often fatal illness that killed more than 11,000 people between 2014 and 2016. But researchers believe their discovery could pave the way for the development of an effective treatment.

Within the past week, the Illinois Department of Public Health has identified six new cases of hepatitis A, including two in suburban Cook County. Health officials say the newly infected individuals are among those at greater risk for the illness.

Circus acts, break dancing mice, brightly lit trees and Christmas carols usher in the weekend. Here are 10 things to do in and around Chicago.

The Windy City will continue to serve as host to the annual awards event that dishes out honors to the best in the food and restaurant industry.

An analysis by the Chicago Metropolitan Agency for Planning posits economic conditions likely played a role in the yearslong exodus of black residents from the Chicago region.

Holiday trains, festive fairs, cutting-edge choreography and ice skates usher in the weekend. Here are 10 things to do in and around Chicago.

The 2018 Leapfrog Top Hospital award recognizes 118 hospitals across the nation, including four in Chicago. Find out which ones made this year’s list.

“Decisions like this one are never easy to make, however I felt this was the right choice for our organization at this time,” said John Paxson, Chicago Bulls executive vice president of basketball operations, in a statement.

Adults in Chicago think drug and alcohol abuse, obesity and depression are among the top 10 health problems facing the city’s youth, according to a new citywide survey.

Political parodies, holiday songs, craft fairs and beer yoga usher in the weekend. Here are 10 things to do in Chicago.

Learning how to read MRIs and inspect cell tissues are lessons typically reserved for students in medical school, not high school. But some suburban teens are doing just that, thanks to a newly expanded youth residency program.

A Thanksgiving Day parade, holiday markets, sing-a-longs and sleights of hand usher in the holiday weekend. Here are 10 things to do in Chicago.

With the holiday season upon us, consumer advocates are warning shoppers about hazardous toys. Find out which products to leave on the shelf.