Christen A. Johnson – Page 9

Nurse Christina Deacy helps prepare Marqus Valentine for a blood exchange transfusion at Edward Hospital on Dec. 4, 2019, in Naperville. Valentine has sickle cell disease and has to have monthly transfusions.

Sickle cell disease is complex on its own, but black men with the illness battle its stigmas and stereotypes too

December 30, 2019 at 12:00 a.m.

Doctors didn't expect Marqus Valentine to live past age 5. The prognosis was so certain that the Valentine family was granted a free trip to Universal Studios to the set...

An individual room at Phoenix Hall, The Night Ministry's year-round residence on the West Side of Chicago, is seen on Dec. 12, 2019.

Lack of education is the greatest risk factor for homeless youth. One Chicago organization is helping to change that.

December 26, 2019 at 12:00 a.m.

Alanna Kellum wanted to do normal, teenage things: go to school, hang out with friends, experiment with independence. Instead, she was a sophomore in high school often missing school to...

The holiday season has become synonymous with engagement season.

Yes, there are a lot of proposals on social media. It’s the season to get engaged, after all.

December 24, 2019 at 12:00 a.m.

Gifts of all shapes, sizes and price tags abound during the holiday season. And for dating couples who are hoping to go the next step in their relationship, often times...

As holiday shipping deadlines loom, delivery workers will be putting in overtime in wintry Chicago. Ease their trek with a little gratitude.

December 16, 2019 at 2:43 p.m.

Recently there was a viral video of an Amazon delivery worker cutting a two-step after dropping off packages to a Delaware home. It wasn't the joy of securely delivering someone's...

Chicago ranks 8th as best city for LGBTQ bachelor and bachelorette parties

December 10, 2019 at 9:35 a.m.

In recent years, the trend of prewedding celebrations with your favorite humans has become a huge thing. While the tried-and-true night before party remains a go-to, future brides and grooms...

Canada Goose parkas can cost upward of $1,000.

Don’t worry, Chicago, that Canada Goose jacket shouldn’t ruin your chance at finding love

December 3, 2019 at 8:54 a.m.

The Daily Beast published an article Monday asking the question, "Is That Canada Goose Jacket Keeping You Single?" For many of the story's subjects, the jacket seemed to be a...

Jenny Doan reacts as she hits the hula hoop record of 74 hours and 54 minutes at District Brew Yards in Chicago on Friday, Nov. 22, 2019.

A drop in the 58th hour may spoil Wicker Park woman’s marathon hula hooping attempt

November 22, 2019 at 5:39 p.m.

In the back corner of a West Town brewery, Jenny Doan has made herself comfortable. Hair tied in a messy bun, dark round specs hanging down her nose, and Netflix...

Sporty, the Mag Mile’s famous self-walking dog, has died

November 20, 2019 at 5:51 p.m.

Chicago's famous self-walking dog, Sporty, who has approximately 80,000 Instagram followers, died Nov. 14. The 12-year-old golden retriever was known for carrying his leash in his mouth during his daily...

"In Chicago, this has to do with venues and caterers more than anything else," said Stephenson, who explained that caterers are not required to recycle in Chicago, but that there are requirements for composting. "The biggest footprint that events make is in carbon footprint: of guests and hotels and flowers flying in. Think small, local resources. Pick hotels that have good recycling programs and have best practices in terms of eco-friendliness."

Here are the hottest wedding trends for 2020

November 13, 2019 at 11:02 a.m.

When it comes to weddings, traditionalism is taking a back seat, and couples are shaking things up to make their nuptials more personal and also extravagant. The Knot has released...

The Knot released the top wedding trends of 2020, including edible florals, bathroom entertainment and eco-consciousness.

Edible florals, crystals and bathroom tarot readings: Our favorite wedding trends for 2020

November 12, 2019 at 9:43 a.m.

When it comes to weddings, traditionalism is taking a back seat, and couples are shaking things up to make their nuptials celebration all the more personal and extravagant. The Knot...

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