Stories by Kristen Thometz

Synthetic cannabinoid use has now been linked to four deaths in Illinois since late March, according to the Illinois Department of Public Health.

A rare blood disorder called thalassemia requires regular blood transfusions, but gene therapy may change that, according to a new study.

How a donation of nearly 800,000 tablets of vitamin K can help treat severe bleeding related to the use of synthetic cannabinoids.

The Windy City is the first in the nation to require tobacco health warning signs at the doors of all tobacco dealers. The new law also prohibits all free sampling of tobacco products.

Earth Day activities, heaps of chocolate and international pop bands usher in the weekend. Here are 10 things to do in and around Chicago.

When it comes to dealing with disasters, disease outbreaks and other emergencies, Illinois is among the most prepared states in the nation, according to a new report. 

A new resource is designed to help adolescents and young adults develop job skills, continue their education and overcome barriers to stable employment.

The adage, “early to bed early to rise makes a man healthy, wealthy and wise,” takes on new meaning thanks to research by scientists in Chicago and England.

Scaly creatures, vintage vinyls and cheesy bites usher in the weekend. Here are 10 things to do in and around Chicago. 

“The newsroom is in a position of jeopardy, and we’re standing up to make sure we’re paid fairly and to make sure we have a voice in how this place operates,” said Charlie Johnson, a Chicago Tribune home page editor and member of the union organizing committee.

A hypothetical male patient diagnosed with hypertension served as the starting point for a University of Chicago study on racial bias in health care in the U.S. and France.

Two Illinois men in their 20s and one in his 40s have died since March 28 after experiencing severe bleeding related to the use of synthetic cannabinoids, according to the Illinois Department of Public Health.

In the first 95 days of 2018, there have been 111 cases of illness related to synthetic cannabinoid use in Illinois, according to the Illinois Poison Center. Episodes of severe bleeding are driving the bulk of that increase.

Superheroes, bacon bites and vintage street murals usher in the weekend. Here are 10 things to do in and around Chicago.

Health officials on Tuesday are again urging people to avoid synthetic cannabinoids – even if they’ve used them in the past without incident. The drugs “are not a safe alternative to marijuana” and “probably more toxic,” said Illinois Poison Center Medical Director Mike Wahl.

The U.S. attorney’s office charged three people Monday with federal drug offenses for allegedly conspiring to sell synthetic cannabinoids at a West Side convenience store.

Two people have died in Illinois, including one in the Chicago area, after experiencing severe bleeding related to the use of synthetic cannabinoids, according to the Illinois Department of Public Health.

The United States Census is not often a hot-button issue, but it’s recently been thrust into the center of controversy.

An app developed by local researchers to predict manic episodes and depressive moods in people with bipolar disorder – based on how they interact with their cellphones – is now available to download in Apple’s app store.

Thousands of sparking lights, airborne marshmallows, egg hunts and bunny ears usher in the weekend. Here are 10 things to do in and around Chicago.

The American Dental Association announces a new policy on opioid prescriptions and education for dentists who prescribe the painkillers and other controlled substances.

The retired U.S. Supreme Court justice and Chicago native called for the Second Amendment to be repealed in a New York Times op-ed just days after the March For Our Lives rally in Washington. 

A first-of-its-kind study from the Chicago Department of Public Health provides a population estimate of the city’s LGBT community and a snapshot of the health issues and inequities it faces.

Garry McCarthy is officially in. “It’s time for new leadership in City Hall that’ll fix our problems and pull us together,” the former Chicago Police superintendent said in a video announcing his bid for Chicago mayor.

Of the top 10 most populous cities in the country, the Chicago metro area was the only one to see a decline. Chicago demographer Rob Paral says a “complex stew” of factors is behind the drop.

Spring blooms, tattoo ink, a march against gun violence and a chef-driven food fest usher in the weekend. Here are 10 things to do in and around Chicago.