Stories by Kristen Thometz

Next week, more than 120 groups in the Chicago region will discuss how to end gender bias and sexual harassment against women as part of the “Talk It Out” series spearheaded by the Chicago Foundation for Women.

A green river, St. Patrick’s Day parade, historical scavenger hunt and oodles of pancakes topped with fresh maple syrup usher in the weekend. Here are 10 things to do in and around Chicago.

A citywide campaign seeks to curb underage drinking through public awareness and school policy reforms. “We don’t want schools to suspend students,” said Juan Padilla, a Voices of Youth in Chicago Education organizer.

Voters this month will be tasked with electing Cook County Circuit Court judges. To help navigate the options, two Chicago bar associations screened and ranked each candidate. Here are their recommendations.

An early St. Patrick’s Day parade, thousands of orchids and a new take on Homer’s “Odyssey” usher in the weekend. Here are 10 things to do in and around Chicago.

A benefit on March 18 on Chicago’s Near North Side to will raise funds for the March 24 event, which will coincide with marches across the country calling for gun reform in the U.S.

Should naturopathic physicians be licensed in Illinois? A professional trade association says it’s a matter of public safety, but others say the move is not in the public’s best interest.

West Garfield Park residents have a life expectancy of 69 years, compared to an average life expectancy of 85 years in the Loop. By 2030, West Side United hopes to cut that life expectancy gap in half.

A shopping-cart race, eco-minded films, competitive chili and vintage finds usher in the weekend. Here are 10 things to do in and around Chicago.

This year’s flu vaccine is only 36 percent effective, according to the CDC. But a new study suggests that a person’s past flu experiences could influence how effective the flu vaccine is for them.

While inpatient settings help stroke victims recover, their progress tends to decline when they return home. Researchers are hoping that a new breed of wearable electronics could curb that drop-off in recovery.

Lion dances, pancakes, beer tents and Oscar movie speculation usher in the weekend. Here are 10 things to do in and around Chicago.

Hundreds gathered Wednesday in suburban DeKalb to mark the 10th anniversary of a shooting at Northern Illinois University that left five people dead.

The 19-year-old suspected of opening fire Wednesday inside a Florida high school had a troubled past. A pair of experts discuss mental health issues and how the threat of violence impacts young people.

Book lovers, a Martian adventure, ciders and funny femmes usher in the weekend. Here are 10 things to do in and around Chicago.

People with Huntington’s disease, a fatal genetic illness, are less likely to develop cancer than the general population. Now, scientists have a better understanding as to why, thanks to the discovery of an “assassin molecule” by Northwestern University.

Officials battling the state’s opioid epidemic got a boost this week with the donation of a medicine that reverses the effects of opioid overdoses. In 2016, nearly 1,950 people died of opioid overdoses in Illinois.

Friday’s snowfall could be heavy at times but will gradually end later this morning after blanketing the area with another 2-4 inches, according to the National Weather Service. Here’s what you need to know.

As part of the city’s fight against opioids, Chicago Police officers will be equipped with naloxone. “Ensuring public safety goes beyond focusing solely on violent crime,” said Police Superintendent Eddie Johnson.

Hot rods, cool jazz and sky-high views with four-legged friends usher in the weekend. Here are 10 things to do in and around Chicago.

A new University of Chicago study finds 92 percent of teens who received sexual and reproductive health care via mobile health units would recommend their friends use them too. 

Bill Bucklew walked more than 2,500 miles across the country in two months to raise funds and awareness for Parkinson’s disease. “I have a whole range of emotions right now,” he said upon walking his final mile.

Identical bills introduced in the Illinois House and Senate would mandate that mammogram providers notify women whose test results show they have dense breast tissue, a risk factor for breast cancer.

Men are less likely to develop multiple sclerosis than women, and now scientists have a better understanding as to why that is, thanks to the discovery of a “guardian molecule” by Northwestern University scientists. 

The broadcaster whose show was suspended indefinitely by PBS in December amid allegations of sexual misconduct will moderate a panel Thursday at St. Sabina Church on the city’s South Side.

Arm wrestling, hot chocolate-inspired treats, freakish performances and a salute to Langston Hughes usher in the weekend. Here are 10 things to do in and around Chicago.