Stories by kristen thometz

(Courtesy of The Other Art Fair)

10 Things to Do This Weekend: April 21-24

Art shows, doughnuts, circus acts and dance performances usher in the weekend. Here are 10 things to do in Chicago this weekend.

Dr. Ngozi Ezike appears via Zoom on “Chicago Tonight” on Wednesday, Sept. 29, 2021. (WTTW News)

Dr. Ngozi Ezike, Illinois’ Former Top Doc, Tapped to Lead Sinai Chicago

Dr. Ngozi Ezike will take over as the new president and CEO of Sinai Chicago on June 13. “I received many calls about various opportunities over the past year, but this is the right choice for me and the right moment. Sinai Chicago is where I want to be,” Ezike said in a statement. 

(robyrad /Pixabay)

10 Things to Do This Weekend: April 14-17

International wines, a festive 5K, dance performances and a theater festival usher in the weekend. Here are 10 things to do in Chicago this weekend.

(WTTW News)

Here’s What You Can Do to Protect Yourself From COVID-19 Based on Community Spread

State health officials adopt new COVID-19 reporting guidelines

Most of Illinois is experiencing low levels of community transmission of COVID-19, but with case rates slowly rising, state health officials are sharing tips for how residents can prevent infection.

Cook County President Toni Preckwinkle announces the launch of the Building Healthy Communities initiative Tuesday, April 12, 2022. (WTTW News)

Cook County Awarding $12M in Grants to Address COVID-19, Mental Health and More

Community-based organizations, health centers, local municipalities and schools in suburban Cook County can apply for funding starting Tuesday. “Working with grassroots organizations is critical in reaching our most vulnerable populations,” said Cook County Board President Toni Preckwinkle.

People walk in Chicago’s Northalsted neighborhood in September 2020. (WTTW News)

Study Seeking to Understand Why Some People Get Long COVID Open to Illinois Participants

Why do some people experience long-term effects after having COVID-19? And what can be done to speed recovery and prevent it? Researchers at the University of Illinois Chicago are part of a national effort to answer those questions and more. 

EXPO CHICAGO 2019. Image by Kevin Serna, Courtesy of Kasmin (New York) and EXPO CHICAGO.

10 Things to Do This Weekend: April 7-10

International artwork, poetry, historic homes and craft brews usher in the weekend. Here are 10 things to do in and around Chicago this weekend.

(Oddities & Curiosities Expo / Facebook / Photo by: Megan Vescio Photography)

10 Things to Do This Weekend: March 31-April 3

Eclectic collections, a musical about family, Mexican stews and reptiles usher in the weekend. Here are 10 things to do in and around Chicago this weekend.

(Photo by Aaron Doucett / Unsplash)

‘Hunger Doesn’t Exist in a Vacuum’: OpenShelf Connects Chicago Residents with Food, Resources

Looking for food pantries on the West Side got a little easier, thanks to an online platform that allows pantries to detail their hours of operation, types of food they provide, languages spoken and other resources they provide like immigration services in a searchable map. 

(StockSnap / Pixabay)

Chicago, Cook County Contact Tracing Shifts to Target High-Risk, Unusual COVID-19 Cases

State Contact Tracing Surge Center Handling Bulk of Cases

In the early days of the coronavirus pandemic, city and county officials hired hundreds of contact tracers to help stop the spread of the coronavirus as the sheer number of cases overwhelmed local health departments. But as the coronavirus pandemic enters an endemic phase, contact tracing will become more targeted, according to officials.

Dr. Ankit Bharat, chief of thoracic surgery at Northwestern Medicine, was part of the medical team that performed a double lung transplant on a patient with terminal cancer, a first for the hospital system, on Sept. 25, 2021. (Courtesy of Northwestern Medicine)

Northwestern Surgeons Perform Double Lung Transplant on Patient Diagnosed With Terminal Lung Cancer

Six months ago, Chicagoan Albert Khoury underwent a double lung transplant to treat stage 4 lung cancer. Today, he has no signs of cancer. The success of the surgery, a first for Northwestern Medicine, “provides new hope for lung cancer patients at Northwestern Medicine,” said surgeon Dr. Ankit Bharat.

(Monteverde Restaurant & Pastificio / Facebook)

10 Things to Do This Weekend: March 24-27

Special menus, fancy footwork, wines and spirits, and vegan fare usher in the weekend. Here are 10 things to do in and around Chicago this weekend.

(WTTW News)

Here’s How Chicago-Area Residents Can Help Ukraine Amid Russian Attacks

Since Russia invaded Ukraine late last month, millions of Ukrainians have fled the country. As Russian attacks continue, here’s how you can support organizations providing humanitarian relief and supplies.

(Courtesy of Navy Pier)

10 Things to Do This Weekend: March 17-20

A colorful celebration of spring, a St. Patrick’s Day-themed run, German beers and film festival usher in the weekend. Here are 10 things to do in and around Chicago this weekend.

(Courtesy South Side Irish Parade)

10 Things to Do This Weekend: March 10-13

A trio of St. Patrick’s Day parades, a green river, Japanese drumming and environmental films usher in the weekend. Here are 10 things to do in and around Chicago this weekend.

(WTTW News)

UIC Report Details Failures of Public Policy Responses to COVID-19 Pandemic in Chicago

COVID-19’s disproportionate impact on Black and Latino Chicagoans prompted state and local officials to prioritize hardest hit communities. But a new report finds that despite efforts to address racial inequities, vulnerable communities’ needs remained unmet. 

(Courtesy of Navy Pier)

10 Things to Do This Weekend: March 3-6

A carnivale celebration, polar plunge, neighborhood photographs and concerts usher in the weekend. Here are 10 things to do in and around Chicago this weekend.

Family members wearing masks walk along the sidewalk in the Humboldt Park neighborhood on Thursday, May 7, 2020. (WTTW News)

What You Need to Know About the End of the Mask Mandate in Illinois

Indoor mask mandates for the city of Chicago and state of Illinois are ending Monday. But don’t leave home without one – you’ll still need it in some places. Here’s what you need to know.

(Chicago Polar Bear Club / Facebook)

10 Things to Do This Weekend: Feb. 24-27

An icy dip in the lake, a historical re-enactment, vegan fare and a Black History Month celebration usher in the weekend. Here are 10 things to do in and around Chicago this weekend.

Naperville resident Scott Potter was a filmmaker who dedicated his craft to highlighting underrepresented stories. (Courtesy of Sarah Potter)

After Unexpected Death of Her Husband, Naperville Woman Plans to Finish His Documentary

After the sudden, unexpected death of her husband, Scott, Naperville resident Sarah Potter has made it her mission to complete his documentary about a rare but serious neurologic condition that can cause paralysis while also exploring her own loss and a future she never imagined.

(WTTW News)

Group Seeks to Spark Transformation, Close Life Expectancy Gap in West Garfield Park

West Garfield Park residents have a life expectancy of 69 years – one of the lowest in the city. The Garfield Park Rite to Wellness Collaborative aims to change that by creating an environment that promotes health and wellness in the neighborhood.

(Chicago Auto Show)

10 Things to Do This Weekend: Feb. 17-20

The newest cars, vintage finds, medieval music and thousands of orchids usher in the weekend. Here are 10 things to do in and around Chicago this weekend.

(Bruno / Germany via Pixabay)

Local Advocates Say Justice Department’s Shift on Safe Injection Sites ‘Long Overdue’

Local advocates say so-called safe injection sites – safe havens for people to use drugs with protections against fatal overdoses – are crucial, especially with a rise in overdoses amid the pandemic.

(Courtesy of Ballet Folklorico de Mexico de Amalia Hernandez)

10 Things to Do This Weekend: Feb. 10-13

Dance performances, ice skating, Valentine’s Day-themed festivities and a classic film in concert usher in the weekend. Here are 10 things to do in and around Chicago this weekend.

People wearing masks line up for a food drive in Brighton Park on Chicago’s Southwest Side on April 23, 2020. (WTTW News)

Gov. J.B. Pritzker Says He Will Announce Update on Mask Mandate ‘Very Soon’

“I’m the first person who wants to make sure we’re removing mitigations when we can keep people safe and healthy,” Gov. J.B. Pritzker said at an unrelated press event Tuesday afternoon. 

(Valelopardo / Pixabay)

Study of CBD’s Effectiveness in Preventing COVID-19 Has Researchers Calling for Clinical Trial

A new study has found cannabidiol or CBD can block COVID-19 infection in human cells and mice, but don’t rush out and buy products from your local dispensary. Here’s what you need to know about the study and where things stand with COVID-19 treatments.