Stories by kristen thometz

(Photo by Allie Mischen)

10 Things to Do This Weekend: June 23-26

Pride celebrations, micheladas, a South Side walking tour and colorful kimonos usher in the weekend. Here are 10 things to do in Chicago.

The Ark, located in West Rogers Park, recently broke ground on a $20-million expansion. (Courtesy of The Ark)

$20M Expansion of Social Service Agency The Ark Needed to Address Clients’ Growing Needs

The West Rogers Park facility is increasing the size of its food pantry fourfold, doubling the size of its community space and creating a dedicated area for its Intensive Day Program that serves adults with mental health challenges.

This electron microscope image shows mature, oval-shaped monkeypox virions, left, and spherical immature virions, right, from a human skin sample associated with a 2003 prairie dog outbreak. (Cynthia S. Goldsmith, Russell Regnery / CDC)

10 Cases of Monkeypox Confirmed in Illinois, Officials Announce

Nine cases of monkeypox have been detected in Chicago while one case has been identified in DuPage County, according to the Illinois Department of Public Health. 

(RickMajewski / Northalsted / GoPride)

10 Things to Do This Weekend: June 16-19

A pride celebration, Juneteenth events, community artwork and an eco fest usher in the weekend. Here are 10 things to do in Chicago.

(Shutterbug75 / Pixabay)

Ben’s Friends ‘A Safe Space’ For Hospitality Workers Battling Addiction

Last month, Ben’s Friends, a national support group for people in the hospitality industry struggling with addiction, began hosting weekly meetings in Chicago.

(Jan Kraus / Unsplash)

Backyard Chickens Linked to Nationwide Salmonella Outbreak: CDC

More than 200 people across the country, including 11 in Illinois, have become ill after coming in contact with poultry in backyard flocks, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.  

(Photo by Chicago DCASE)

10 Things to Do This Weekend: June 9-12

Music festivals, artisan markets, a royal experience and Swedish traditions usher in the weekend. Here are 10 things to do in Chicago this weekend.

(Photo by irws on Unsplash)

10 Things to Do This Weekend: June 2-5

Greek eats, music fests, hot dogs and German beers usher in the weekend. Here are 10 things to do in Chicago this weekend.

Chicago Department of Public Health Commissioner Dr. Allison Arwady speaks Thursday, May 26, 2022. (WTTW News)

Chicago Health Officials Watching Monkeypox Closely

More than 100 cases of the virus have been reported globally, including in North America. While city officials are monitoring the situation, “at this point it has not been an explosive kind of outbreak,” said Dr. Allison Arwady, commissioner of the Chicago Department of Public Health.

Dr. Igor Koralnik, left, examines a patient. (Credit: Northwestern Medicine)

Northwestern Study: Brain Fog, Fatigue Persist for COVID-19 Long Haulers Months After Infection

A new Northwestern Medicine study of 52 long haulers, who were not hospitalized and only experienced mild symptoms like cough and sore throat, found that most continued to experience neurologic symptoms, fatigue and compromised quality of life up to 18 months after initial infection. 

(Courtesy of Special Events Management)

12 Things to Do This Memorial Day Weekend: May 26-30

Street fests, live music, craft brews and beach season usher in the weekend. Here are 12 things to do in and around Chicago this weekend.

(valelopardo/ Pixabay)

9 Suspected Cases of Severe Hepatitis Found in Kids: Illinois Health Officials

Of the nine children under investigation for severe hepatitis, two-thirds tested positive for a common virus that causes cold or flu-like illness, according to the Illinois Department of Public Health.

(Andrés Rodríguez / Pixabay)

Illinois Switching to Automated Alerts for COVID-19 Contact Tracing

Starting June 1, people who test positive for COVID-19 will receive an automated text message from the Illinois Department of Public Health directing individuals to resources.

(Photo by Priscilla Du Preez on Unsplash)

Chicago Pilot Program to Provide Easy Access to Treatment for Opioid Use Disorder

Starting Thursday, Chicagoans calling the Illinois Helpline for Opioids and Other Substances can be transferred directly to treatment provider Family Guidance Centers, Inc. to receive immediate medication-assisted recovery. 

(WTTW News)

Legally Changed Your Name? Here’s What to Do If It Doesn’t Match Your COVID-19 Vaccination Card

Proof of vaccination against COVID-19 is no longer required in most public spaces, but some establishments still require it. What should you do if you’ve legally changed your name since getting the jab? Here’s what you need to know.

(Credit: South Chicago Dance Theatre)

10 Things to Do This Weekend: May 19-22

Fancy footwork, art fairs, cultural celebrations and chocolate usher in the weekend. Here are 10 things to do in and around Chicago this weekend.

(Photo by @plqml // felipe pelaquim on Unsplash)

COVID-19 Pandemic Challenged Harm Reduction Organizations to ‘Think Outside of the Box.’ Some of Those Lessons Stuck.

A key tenet of harm reduction is meeting people who use drugs where they’re at. The coronavirus challenged advocates’ ability to do just that, prompting them to think differently about how they provide and deliver services.

(valelopardo/ Pixabay)

With Vaping Up and COVID Lingering, Northwestern Recruiting Millennials for Lung Health Study in Chicago

Nearly 40 cities across the country are recruiting 4,000 young adults ages 25-35 to participate in a study that will track and analyze their lung health over their lifetime to better understand how environment, lifestyle and physical activity impact respiratory health.

(Credit: Chicago Park District)

10 Things to Do This Weekend: May 12-15

An organic plant sale, total lunar eclipse, migratory birds and a writers festival usher in the weekend. Here are 10 things to do in and around Chicago this weekend.

(Credit: Chicago Park District)

10 Things to Do This Weekend: May 5-8

Colorful flowers, cabaret shows, dance performances and circus acts usher in the weekend. Here are 10 things to do in and around Chicago this weekend.

(Geronimo Giqueaux / Unsplash)

DuPage County Ranked Healthiest County in Illinois for 2nd Year in a Row: Report

The western collar county is once again the healthiest in the state and has ranked in the top 6 healthiest counties since 2011, according to a comprehensive report comparing counties’ health statewide. 

(Courtesy of One of a Kind Show)

10 Things to Do This Weekend: April 28-May 1

A unique craft show, sudsy beverages, classical music and an alfresco art fair usher in the weekend. Here are 10 things to do in and around Chicago this weekend.

(WTTW News)

Only 48 Out of 102 Illinois Counties Monitoring COVID-19 via Wastewater, But 80% of Population Covered

Health officials see potential future uses for surveillance beyond COVID-19

Fewer than half of Illinois’ 102 counties are participating in a statewide program that monitors the virus that causes COVID-19 and its variants in wastewater. But state health officials say the participating 68 wastewater treatment plants in 48 counties covers more than 80% of Illinois’ population.

(valelopardo/ Pixabay)

Illinois Health Officials: 3 Suspected Cases of Severe Hepatitis Found in Kids

The Illinois Department of Public Health on Monday announced it has learned about three suspected cases of severe hepatitis in children under 10 that are potentially linked to a strain of the adenovirus. 

(Goodfreephotos_com / Pixabay)

Life Expectancy in Chicago Dropped Almost 2 Years During 2020 COVID-19 Pandemic

From 2019 to 2020, life expectancy in Chicago dropped almost two years – one of the sharpest single-year decreases on record, according to city officials. Latino and Black Chicagoans experienced the steepest declines, with life expectancy for the latter falling below 70 years for the first time in decades.

(flockine / Pixabay)

Is That Stuffy Nose Allergies or COVID-19? Here’s How to Find Out

Budding plants and blooming trees signal the return of spring, triggering congestion, coughing and sneezing for the millions of seasonal allergy sufferers. With COVID-19 still circulating, how can you tell if your stuffy nose is just a case of hay fever and not something more? Here’s what you need to know.