Stories by kristen thometz

(Courtesy Navy Pier)

10 Things to Do This Weekend: Feb. 3-6

Lunar New Year celebrations, fancy footwork, wild animals and royal photos usher in the weekend. Here are 10 things to do in and around Chicago this weekend.

(Photo by Tuan Nguyen / Unsplash)

Where Do You Live? In Chicago, Neighborhoods and Community Areas Aren’t One and the Same

Chicago is often described as a city of neighborhoods. Despite that moniker, the city doesn’t recognize or use any neighborhoods for official purposes and uses community areas instead. Here’s what you need to know.

(WTTW News)

10 Things to Do This Weekend: Jan. 27-30

High-flying skiers, ice sculptures, sledding hills and one-act plays usher in the weekend. Here are 10 things to do in and around Chicago this weekend.

(Courtesy of Robin Frohardt / Pomegranate Arts)

10 Things to Do This Weekend: Jan. 20-23

Hundreds of puppets, life-sized dinosaurs, art exhibits and a celebration of winter usher in the weekend. Here are 10 things to do in and around Chicago this weekend.

(Courtesy of South Side Irish Parade Committee)

Chicago’s St. Patrick’s Day Parades to Return in March

Irish eyes will be smiling in March as all three of Chicago’s St. Patrick’s Day parades are set to return after a two-year hiatus due to the coronavirus pandemic.

(Andy Watson / Bull Stock)

12 Things to Do This Weekend: Jan. 13-17

Bull riders, Martin Luther King Jr. celebrations, craft cocktails and a musical parody usher in the weekend. Here are a dozen things to do in and around Chicago.

(WTTW News)

Illinois Attorney General: Be Cautious of Pop-Up COVID-19 Testing Sites

In need of a COVID-19 test? Don’t just go to any site, cautions Illinois Attorney General Kwame Raoul, who says pop-up COVID-19 testing sites aren’t licensed or regulated by any government agency. He shares tips for how to choose a testing site. 

(Courtesy Gallagher Way Chicago)

10 Things to Do This Weekend: Jan. 6-9

Ice bumper cars, fitness classes, bald eagles and snowshoes usher in the weekend. Here are 10 things to do in and around Chicago.

(WTTW News)

Illinois Sets New Single-Day Record of COVID-19 Cases

On the eve of Christmas Eve, state health officials reported nearly 19,000 new and probable cases of COVID-19 in a 24-hour period, breaking the record for highest single-day case count set just Wednesday.

Individuals are issued a COVID-19 vaccination card when they’re vaccinated. (Kristen Thometz / WTTW News)

Suburban Cook County to Require Proof of COVID-19 Vaccination

Citing rising COVID-19 cases, hospitalizations and deaths, suburban Cook County officials announced Thursday patrons age 5 and up entering restaurants, bars, gyms and movie theaters, among other venues, will need to show proof of vaccination against COVID-19 starting Jan. 3.

(Photo by Heidi Peters / Museum of Science and Industry, Chicago)

10 Things to Do This Weekend: Dec. 23-26

Global Christmas traditions, holiday lights, festive floral arrangements and comics usher in the holiday weekend. Here are 10 things to do in and around Chicago.

(WTTW News)

More Omicron Cases Detected in Suburban Cook County

Fewer than 10 omicron cases have been detected in suburban Cook County, according to Dr. Rachel Rubin, co-lead and senior medical officer of the Cook County Department of Public Health. But additional cases are under investigation.

(WTTW News)

Trio of Mass Vaccination Sites to Open Sunday in Cook County

Cook County and state officials are hosting a one-day mass vaccination clinic at three suburban locations for all eligible residents.

(WTTW News)

Illinois Records Nearly 12,000 COVID-19 Cases in a Day

The number of new COVID-19 infections reported Thursday – 11,858 – is the highest total reported in a 24-hour period in all of 2021, according to data from state health officials.

The annual Tuba Christmas returns. (Credit: The Palmer House, a Hilton Hotel)

10 Things to Do This Weekend: Dec. 16-19

Christmas tubas, seasonal concerts, a craft fair and a reimagined “A Christmas Carol” usher in the weekend. Here are 10 things to do in Chicago.

(WTTW News)

Omicron Variant Detected in Suburban Cook County, Officials Announce

The first case of the omicron variant in suburban Cook County was reported Tuesday, according to county health officials.

(WTTW News)

Cook County Hosting Mass Vaccination Sites Sunday for COVID-19 Boosters

No appointment necessary. All three approved vaccines – Pfizer, Moderna and Johnson & Johnson – will be available for adults who can mix-and-match their booster. Only the Pfizer vaccine has been authorized for 16- and 17-year-olds.

Chicago Comic & Entertainment Expo attendees dressed up as characters from “Game of Thrones” at 2020’s event. (C2E2 / Facebook)

10 Things to Do This Weekend: Dec. 9-12

Superheroes and villains, a reimagined “Nutcracker,” vision boards and holiday plays usher in the weekend. Here are 10 things to do in Chicago.

(WTTW News)

Illinois Records More than 11,000 Cases for First Time Since 2020

The number of new COVID-19 infections has been steadily increasing for weeks and on Thursday surpassed 11,000 for the first time in a 24-hour period since December 2020 – when vaccines weren’t available, according to state health officials.

(WTTW News)

Cook County Officials, Faith Leaders Urge COVID-19 Vaccinations, Boosters

“We’re coming together with one simple message: the time to get your shot is now,” said Dr. Claudia Fegan, chief medical officer of Cook County Health.

(Photo by True Shot Studios)

10 Things to Do This Weekend: Dec. 2-5

Holiday markets, international music, ice carving and a fairy tale play usher in the weekend. Here are 10 things to do in and around Chicago.

Tubing on “Thrill Hill” at AMAZE Light Festival. (Credit: Matt Zuro)

2021 Chicago Festival Guide

Nature walks, art shows and holiday markets – including Christkindlmarket – are returning this year. Here’s your guide to seasonal fun. 

(HeartlandMom / Pixabay)

How Long Do Thanksgiving Leftovers Stay Good?

One of the best parts about the holiday is the leftovers, which if you plan your meal right can last you for days. 

(Credit: Chicago Thanksgiving Parade)

10 Things to Do This Weekend: Nov. 25-28

A Thanksgiving parade, sing-along, holiday trains and buses, and a film festival usher in the weekend. Here are 10 things to do in and around Chicago.

(Millennium Park / Facebook)

10 Things to Do This Weekend: Nov. 18-21

Holiday lights, intricate artwork, butterfly yoga and stand-up comedy usher in the weekend. Here are 10 things to do in and around Chicago.

(Kirtip / Pixabay)

10 Things to Do This Weekend: Nov. 11-14

Craft beers, handmade pizzas, flamenco dancing and a love story usher in the weekend. Here are 10 things to do in and around Chicago.