More than 50% of high school students and nearly 25% of middle school students in the U.S. have tried a tobacco product in their lifetimes, according to the latest National Youth Tobacco Survey. “It’s really disappointing,” a local pediatrician said.
Stories by Kristen Thometz
Survey: Half of US High School Students Report Having Tried a Tobacco Product
Kristen Thometz | Dec 5, 2019
10 Things to Do This Weekend: Dec. 5-8
Kristen Thometz | Dec 4, 2019
A festive CTA train, winter markets, irreverent attorneys and holiday hounds usher in the weekend. Here are 10 things to do in and around Chicago.
Report: Local Transit Fails to Meet Needs of Disabled, Elderly Riders
Kristen Thometz | Dec 3, 2019
A new report outlines barriers faced by the elderly and people with disabilities when using public transportation and makes recommendations for improvements. “Access benefits everyone,” said one disability advocate.
150 Artists, Friends Bring Chicagoan’s Graphic Novel to Life
Kristen Thometz | Dec 2, 2019
Chicago comic artist Ed Siemienkowicz died before he could complete his nearly 250-page graphic novel. For the last two years, more than 150 artists and friends have donated their time and skills to finish what he started.
Illinois Attorney General Releases 2019 Safe Shopping Guide
Kristen Thometz | Nov 29, 2019
This year’s list highlights 30 items that have been recalled over the past year because they pose safety hazards to children, including two infant sleepers linked to more than 30 deaths.
10 Things to Do This Thanksgiving Weekend: Nov. 28-Dec. 1
Kristen Thometz | Nov 27, 2019
Vintage holiday decor, helium balloons and a holiday train usher in the holiday weekend. Here are 10 things to do in and around Chicago.
Report: 15 Years of Cuts Hampers Illinois EPA’s Ability to Protect
Kristen Thometz | Nov 26, 2019
In 2003, the Illinois Environmental Protection Agency had 1,265 employees. By 2018, that number had fallen to 639, according to a new report that a former IEPA director describes as “both a wake-up call and call to action.”
Thanksgiving Recipes: Turkey, Side Dishes and Desserts
Kristen Thometz | Nov 25, 2019
Thanksgiving’s so close you can almost taste it. In anticipation of the marathon day of eating, we asked local chefs, foodies and staff for their favorite Thanksgiving recipes. Dig in!
Romaine Lettuce Linked to E. coli Outbreak, Health Officials Say
Kristen Thometz | Nov 25, 2019
If you recently purchased lettuce at the store, check the label before serving it. Romaine lettuce harvested in Salinas, California, has been linked with an E. coli outbreak that has sickened 40 people in 16 states, including Illinois.
Chicagoan Jenny Doan ‘Relieved’ After 100 Hours of Hula-Hooping
Kristen Thometz | Nov 23, 2019
The 29-year-old Wicker Park resident completed her Guinness World Record attempt for longest marathon hula-hoop session Saturday morning. “I’m so relieved,” Jenny Doan said.
Illinois Leads Nation with 5 Vaping-Related Deaths
Kristen Thometz | Nov 22, 2019
Across the country, nearly 50 have people died after experiencing serious vaping-related illnesses. In Illinois, there have been five deaths – the most in any state, according to the latest data released by health officials.
New World Record for Hula-Hooping Set by Jenny Doan in Chicago
Kristen Thometz | Nov 22, 2019
The 29-year old Wicker Park resident has been hula-hooping for more than 75 hours straight, breaking the Guinness World Record for longest marathon hula-hooping session, but she’s not giving up until she reaches her personal goal of 100 hours.
World Record Attempt: 31 Hours In, Hula-Hooper is Sore But Optimistic
Kristen Thometz | Nov 20, 2019
Jenny Doan is planning to hula-hoop for 100 hours straight in order to break the Guinness World Record. We check in with her 31 hours into the challenge. “It’s been tiring,” said the 29-year-old Wicker Park resident.
10 Things to Do This Weekend: Nov. 21-24
Kristen Thometz | Nov 20, 2019
Holiday lights, art fairs, new toys and hot rods usher in the weekend. Here are 10 things to do in and around Chicago.
Chicago to Offer Free Home Nursing Services to Families with Newborns
Kristen Thometz | Nov 19, 2019
A new initiative called Family Connects Chicago will provide free home nursing services to families with newborns, offering “support that is so vital in those first few weeks of a baby’s life,” Mayor Lori Lightfoot said Tuesday.
Illinois Clinicians Fighting Opioid Crisis Get $2.5M in Loan Repayments
Kristen Thometz | Nov 18, 2019
As part of federal efforts to combat the opioid epidemic, the National Health Service Corps has awarded $80 million in student loan repayments to clinicians working to treat addiction, including 41 in Illinois.
World Record Attempt: Chicagoan Jenny Doan to Hula-Hoop for 100 Hours
Kristen Thometz | Nov 15, 2019
Jenny Doan wants to break the Guinness World Record for marathon hula-hooping. In addition to “sheer resilience and grit,” it takes a little planning – and a lot of motivation. Here’s how she’s planning to tackle the challenge.
Vaping-Related Illness Claims 4th Life in Illinois
Kristen Thometz | Nov 14, 2019
Four people have died in Illinois since March after experiencing serious vaping-related illnesses. The state is now among those with the most fatalities linked to the outbreak, according to health officials.
10 Things to Do This Weekend: Nov. 14-17
Kristen Thometz | Nov 13, 2019
An open-air holiday market, musical performances, art books and screen printing usher in the weekend. Here are 10 things to do in and around Chicago.
Report: Illinois Has One of the Best Lung Cancer Survival Rates
Kristen Thometz | Nov 13, 2019
Illinois has one of the best lung cancer survival rates in the country, yet it also has one of the highest incidence rates of lung cancer, according to a new report from the American Lung Association.
Illinois Earns a ‘D+’ on March of Dimes’ Premature Birth Report Card
Kristen Thometz | Nov 11, 2019
Preterm birth rates have been increasing in Illinois since 2013, according to a new report from the nonprofit March of Dimes.
10 Things to Do This Weekend: Nov. 7-10
Kristen Thometz | Nov 6, 2019
Circus acts, a prison tour, barrel-aged brews and a powwow usher in the weekend. Here are 10 things to do in and around Chicago.
Nonprofit Equal Hope Aims to Eliminate Cervical Cancer in Chicago by 2040
Kristen Thometz | Nov 5, 2019
After helping to reduce racial disparities in breast cancer deaths in Chicago, the local nonprofit Equal Hope is aiming to eliminate cervical cancer in the city. “No woman should ever die of cervical cancer,” said the group’s executive director.
Rubber Pieces Found in Cookie Dough Prompt Nestle Recall
Kristen Thometz | Nov 1, 2019
More than two dozen Nestle cookie dough products are being recalled due to the potential presence of rubber pieces, according to an announcement by the Food and Drug Administration.
Cook County Health CEO Calls on Other Hospitals to Increase Charity Care
Kristen Thometz | Nov 1, 2019
The mission of Cook County Health is to provide care to all county residents regardless of their ability to pay, but years of increased demand for charity care is taking its toll on the health system, according to CEO Dr. John Jay Shannon.