Stories by Kristen Thometz
4 in 10 Parents Have Limited Access to Grocery Stores, Survey Finds
| Kristen Thometz
According to the latest findings from a citywide survey, Chicago parents who live in a community with limited access to grocery stores were more likely to report challenges in providing healthy meals to their children.
Cook County Democrats Make Picks for 2020: Foxx, Neville, Cabonargi
| Amanda Vinicky
Cook County Circuit Court Clerk candidate Michael Cabonargi, Illinois Supreme Court candidate P. Scott Neville and Cook County State’s Attorney Kim Foxx will have the coveted endorsement of the Cook County Democratic Party in next year’s elections.
Scientists Confirm July Set New Global Heat Record
| Associated Press
July was the hottest month measured on Earth since records began in 1880, the latest in a long line of peaks that scientists say backs up predictions for man-made climate change.
Government Wants a New 911-Like Number Just for Suicide Hotline
| Associated Press
With suicides on the rise, the U.S. government wants to make the national crisis hotline easier to reach. Once implemented, people will just need to dial 988 to seek help.
AP Sources: Trump Has Talked About Buying Greenland for US
| Associated Press
Aiming to put his mark on the world map, President Donald Trump has talked to aides and allies about buying Greenland for the U.S.
Flooding, A Trade War and Deere Cuts Outlook Again
| Associated Press
Deere & Co. cut its profit expectations for the second time this year as beleaguered farmers and an escalating trade war with China cut into sales.
Democratic Slating for the State’s High Court
| Amanda Vinicky
Leading Cook County Democrats on Friday will choose which candidates they’ll give a boost to in next year’s election. The focus Thursday: a rare election for a spot on the Illinois Supreme Court.
How Keanon Kyles’ Voice, Determination Led Him to Carnegie Hall
| Angel Idowu
A local opera singer shares his journey through music, starting with the Chicago Children’s Choir.
Lone Star Tick Brings Heartland Virus to Illinois
| WTTW News
Ticks are so good at transmitting potentially dangerous illnesses like Lyme disease that we’re wise to give them our attention now and then. And in Illinois, ticks are now carrying a relatively new disease called Heartland Virus.
Consultant’s Report Questions Economics of Chicago Casino Plan
| Paul Caine
After a Las Vegas consultant says proposed sites for a Chicago casino aren’t financially viable, will state lawmakers change their bets?
Doctors Suspect Vaping Behind Dozens of Lung Illnesses in US
| Associated Press
As many as 50 people in at least six states have come down with breathing illnesses that may be linked to e-cigarettes or other vaping products.
Mark Larson’s ‘Ensemble’ Captures Chicago Theater History in Creators’ Own Words
| Hedy Weiss
Mark Larson’s encyclopedic new book chronicles the development of a unique artistic movement in Chicago through the voices of more than 300 actors, directors, designers, writers, choreographers and producers.
Pritzker Signs Bill Redefining ‘Local Foods’ in Illinois
| Alex Ruppenthal
The new law is expected to help Illinois-based food producers and manufacturers compete for contracts that prioritize locally sourced foods.
Should Physicians Ask Patients About Illicit Drug Use?
| Kristen Thometz
More than 70,000 people died from drug overdoses in the U.S. in 2017, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Now, a task force is recommending clinicians ask adult patients about illicit drug use.
US Stock Indexes End Mostly Higher After Volatile Day
| Associated Press
Investors rode out another turbulent day on Wall Street that kept stock indexes flipping between gains and losses until a late-day bounce gave the market a modest gain. Local analysts weigh in on what it all means for consumers.
Deep Frydays: Potato Chip-Crusted Polish Sausage
| Erica Gunderson
What do Polish sausage, potato chips and Plochman’s mustard have in common? They all come together to make a delicious snack.
US Makes New Push for Graphic Warning Labels on Cigarettes
| Associated Press
The Food and Drug Administration on Thursday proposed 13 new warnings that would appear on all cigarettes, including images of cancerous neck tumors, diseased lungs and feet with amputated toes.
R. Kelly is a No-Show at Cook County Court Hearing
| Matt Masterson
R. Kelly refused transport Thursday to the Leighton Criminal Court Building, where he faces several criminal sexual charges, according to a Cook County prosecutor.
Vaping Companies Sue to Delay US Review of E-Cigarettes
| Associated Press
The legal challenge by the Vapor Technology Association is the latest hurdle in the Food and Drug Administration’s yearslong effort to regulate the multibillion-dollar vaping industry, which includes makers and retailers of e-cigarette devices and flavored solutions.
Rare Coins, Cash on View as World’s Fair of Money Returns to Chicago Area
| Marc Vitali
Coins and cash are the focus the annual World’s Fair of Money. It’s in the Chicago area this year and we visited to get a load of all the loot.
Spotlight Politics: Politicians Hit Illinois State Fair
| Amanda Vinicky
Democrats take the stage for Governor’s Day at the state fair in Springfield. Our politics team tackles the 2020 election and more in our weekly roundtable.
A Look at Immigration Status in the Workplace
| Nick Blumberg
Amid workplace raids, what responsibilities do employers have to verify immigration status? And what rights do workers have?
Cook County Circuit Court Clerk Dorothy Brown Won’t Seek Re-Election
| Paris Schutz
Long the subject of federal scrutiny, Cook County Circuit Court Clerk Dorothy Brown explains why she will not seek re-election.
Keya Trammell Was Bullied for Alopecia. Now She is Bald and Proud.
| Jay Shefsky
Sometimes, the very thing that brings a person the most trouble in life can become a source of joy and inspiration. Meet local singer – and mentor – Keya Trammell.
Judge Lifts Decorum Order in Jason Van Dyke Case, Freeing Up Last Documents
| Matt Masterson
Until this week, 18 documents from the landmark case had remained under seal, even though the former officer was convicted 10 months ago for the murder of Laquan McDonald.
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