Stories by Kristen Thometz

In 1880, a 26-year-old German leather manufacturer left his hometown for America. Now, his great-great-granddaughter is recreating his cross-country journey in a 1880s Victorian dress.

City officials and law enforcement outlined plans for increased security measures at next weekend's 47th annual Chicago Pride Parade in the wake of the mass shooting in Orlando.

For more than 20 years, researchers at Northwestern University have collaborated with a global network of scientists to try and unravel the mysteries of Parkinson's disease. A study published this month in Nature Genetics shares an important discovery from that research.

Cancer researchers will have an easier time accessing, sharing and analyzing information with the launch Monday of a new platform funded by the National Cancer Institute.

Flying off the handle during a marital spat cannot only escalate the argument, but also increase a person’s risk of developing cardiovascular conditions, like high blood pressure, a new study says. 

The City of Broad Shoulders measures up to its moniker in terms of fitness. The Chicago metropolitan area was recently named the 12th fittest in the nation.

By most medical standards, being healthy means you’re not battling a major disease like cancer, diabetes or cardiovascular disease. But a new study from the University of Chicago questions this traditional method of measuring health.

A partnership between a local art museum and leading Alzheimer’s disease center allows patients and their caregivers exclusive access to exhibits, including one that documents an artist’s progression of the disease. 

“We are now seriously pursuing locations outside of Chicago,” Mellody Hobson, wife of movie mogul George Lucas and board member of the Lucas Museum, said in a statement. “If the museum is forced to leave, it will be because of the Friends of the Parks and that is no victory for anyone.”

The 14th annual Rehabilitation Institute of Chicago fundraiser features artwork by 23 of their patients, including art by two mouth painters who will show off their skills during Thursday's opening reception. 

Fill up your water bottle, grab a yoga mat and head to Millennium Park, where free summer workout classes begin in June. Get the full schedule.

The Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Famer is under investigation following a mass exodus of players and allegations of player mistreatment.

“Bravery means that you’re fearful,” Ariel Investments President Mellody Hobson said  to an audience of 1,600 during the annual Women in the Forefront luncheon last week. “You cannot be brave without fear. I think that’s more important than anything else, especially for women.” 

A new lakefront location for the Lucas Museum of Narrative Art is being proposed in Chicago. Mellody Hobson, wife of movie mogul George Lucas and board member of the Lucas Museum, calls it a “good idea.”

When it comes to physical education, a new report shows many states aren’t measuring up to national recommendations, including Illinois. Only Oregon and the District of Columbia meet national recommendations for weekly time in physical education at both the elementary and middle school levels, according to the report. 

Pediatric occupational therapist and author Stacey Glorioso wants to teach children how to become dragon slayers. In her book, “Joshua’s Dragon,” the story’s namesake character leads the way and shows how he defeats his dragon—overcoming his fear of loud noises.

While many Chicago teachers boycotted going to work today to participate in the Chicago Teachers Union’s day of action, Lane Tech High School teacher Mike DeRoss showed up for work because he felt it was the right thing to do.

DuPage County is the healthiest in the state, according to a recent comprehensive report comparing counties’ health statewide. Cook County doesn't crack the top 50.

Americans are constantly connected and staring at digital screens—be they cellphones, tablets, computers or TVs. Many times, multiple devices are being used at once. This constant exposure is taking a toll: more than half of Americans report feeling digital eyestrain—discomfort caused from the use of digital devices. When more than one device is used 75 percent report discomfort.

Here’s another reason to consider giving your cellphone a rest: Compulsively checking such devices as a way to cope with uncomfortable situations has been linked to anxiety and depression in college-age students.

For the eighth year in a row, consumer debt topped Illinois Attorney General Lisa Madigan’s annual top 10 consumer complaints list. And for the first year, education-related complaints make the top 10 list.

“People need to think of adequate sleep as an important aspect of maintaining good health," said Erin Hanlon, Ph.D., lead author of a new University of Chicago study linking insufficient sleep with increased consumption of snacks and high-energy, high-fat foods.

The city on Monday morning confirmed the first case of Zika virus. The patient, who was identified as a woman in her 30s, visited Presence Saint Joseph Hospital after returning from a trip to Columbia with symptoms consistent with the virus.

The state of Illinois doesn’t track the number of pharmacies that mix, combine or alter the ingredients of a drug or require those that perform sterile compounding to report serious adverse events, according to a new report by Pew Charitable Trusts.

The saga continues for the Lucas Museum of Narrative Art. City lawyers say museum officials are considering other cities due to “uncertainty and delay” over the project’s lakefront spot in Chicago.