Stories by Kristen Thometz

While the number of COVID-19 cases in Illinois is rising, hospitals across the state are meeting the demand for beds and ventilators. But on Tuesday, Gov. J.B. Pritzker outlined what could have happened without preventive measures to slow the spread of the virus.

The Metropolitan Water Reclamation District of Greater Chicago has seen a rise in disinfectant wipes stuck to filtering screens at its water reclamation plants, and it now has some advice for residents.

With lives and the economy hanging in the balance, President Donald Trump said Tuesday he is hoping the United States will be reopened by Easter as he weighs how to relax nationwide social-distancing guidelines.

TipsySpace has created a toilet roll cake that’s worthy of bingeing, not hoarding, and it’s so authentic looking, customers have nearly mistaken it for the real thing on pickup.

Watch the March 24, 2020 full episode of “Chicago Tonight.”

Chicago Public Schools is seeking to spend up to $75 million to address and maintain “critical services” during the COVID-19 pandemic. But that request and the rest of the board’s monthly meeting will be heard online rather than in person.

Food continues to create a sense of community even during these days of social isolation, with strangers swapping free sourdough starter.

A day after a public feud on Twitter over management of the coronavirus crisis, Gov. J.B. Pritkzer said President Donald Trump “seemed like he was very responsive” when the two spoke on the phone. What they discussed.

The various state and city coronavirus restrictions are having a dramatic impact on local businesses, especially mom-and-pop restaurants and stores. We visit Chinatown to see how businesses are coping with the changes.

We talk about the state of the restaurant industry with Alpana Singh, host of the WTTW restaurant review show “Check, Please!” and the owner of Terra and Vine restaurant in Evanston.

Will the lack of in-person outreach lead to a census undercount in Chicago’s greater Chinatown community?

Illinois state Rep. Theresa Mah (D-Chicago) says some constituents are telling her they’re afraid of racist repercussions because of President Donald Trump’s insistence on using the phrase “Chinese virus.”

Gov. J.B. Pritzker announced a stay-at-home order for the entire state just a few days ago, but there are already concerns over how it will be enforced – particularly in communities of color.

The new coronavirus has upended lives across the globe. We take a look at the mental toll of social distancing, isolation and the fear of illness – and ways to cope.

Rhine Hall Distillery is known for its high-end fruit brandies, but business has slowed because of the coronavirus. Now, the distillery is one of several that’s shifting its production from spirits to sanitizer. We go for a look.

Gov. J.B. Pritzker has launched a task force to ramp up production of personal protective equipment, or PPE. Meanwhile, cases in Illinois grew Monday to a total of 1,285, with 12 deaths. 

The two detainees, ages 18 and 42, each began exhibiting flu-like symptoms last Friday. They are each being held in isolation at the jail’s Cermak Hospital, officials said Monday.

The hunt for masks, ventilators and other medical supplies consumed the U.S. and Europe, as more than 1.5 billion people — one-fifth of the world’s population — were urged or ordered to stay home Monday.

Watch the March 23, 2020 full episode of “Chicago Tonight.”

A correctional officer who works in the Cook County Jail has tested positive for COVID-19, prompting additional calls for the mass release of some detainees by activists who want to prevent an outbreak within the jail.

An untold number of burials around the globe go forward with nothing more than a priest, a funeral home employee and a single loved one amid the coronavirus pandemic. 

This toddlin’ town isn’t just the subject of some iconic songs, it’s also the home of artists who helped innovate and shape modern American music. We’re passionate about our faves, and we want to hear from you. Which of these acts deserves to be crowned champion?

A couple of Brits created the website howmuchtoiletpaper.com  to help demonstrate need vs. panic buying.

More than a week after President Donald Trump promised that states and retail stores such as Walmart and CVS would open drive-thru test centers, few sites are up and running, and they’re not yet open to the general public. 

With bars shuttered and stressed-out workers stuck at home, companies and friend groups across the U.S. are holding happy hours over video chat to commiserate and keep spirits high amid the new coronavirus pandemic. 

Starting Saturday evening, Illinois should feel a little quieter than usual. Our politics team has the latest on a just-announced executive order from Gov. J.B. Pritzker to curb spread of the new coronavirus.