Cindy Dampier

Larycia Hawkins, a tenured political science professor at Wheaton College stands with supporters to address media at Chicago Temple on Jan. 6, 2016.

Four years after hijab controversy, former Wheaton College professor Larycia Hawkins is rebuilding her life — and refusing to back down

December 16, 2019 at 1:25 a.m.

On the first day of Larycia Hawkins' political science classes at the University of Virginia, she steps to the front of the classroom and gives a little speech. It's not...

Online shopping sites offer lots of flashy sales messages during Cyber Week.

Cyber Week shoppers are signing up, shame clicking and impulse buying like crazy — and dark pattern ploys are to blame. Here’s why scientists and lawmakers are looking to fix that

December 6, 2019 at 7:53 p.m.

Cyber Week 2019 is nearly over. Did you get a deal on everything you need? Click no if you'd rather just pay full price. By the way, that sweater in...

The Department of Transportation is expected to issue new guidance for airlines about emotional support animals on board.

New federal rules for emotional support animals on planes are coming. Here’s why veterans with service dogs support restrictions — and some disability advocates don’t.

December 13, 2019 at 12:25 a.m.

It's holiday travel time, so here's a handy checklist before you head to the airport: Got your earphones? A scarf in case it gets cold on the plane? Slip-on shoes...

Commentary: Marie Kondo helped you get rid of clutter. Now she wants to sell you more stuff. Ever heard of a long con?

November 22, 2019 at 8:28 p.m.

On New Year's Day, Marie Kondo, worldwide decluttering phenom, launched her first U.S. television show, "Tidying Up With Marie Kondo." She cleaned countertops and edited bookshelves (Kondo has written that...

Britain's Prince Harry and Meghan Markle, the Duchess of Sussex, leave Windsor Castle after their wedding on May 19, 2018.

Meghan and Harry are skipping the family holidays. Maybe you should try it too.

November 22, 2019 at 4:51 p.m.

Holiday time is looming, but this year it's different: You're a new parent with a baby in tow. Suddenly, the annual family throw-down at your in-laws' house, complete with Christmas...

A gift so good … you’ll be tempted to keep it for yourself

November 7, 2019 at 4:25 p.m.

Every year, it's the same old story: You're virtuously shopping for others when the absolutely perfect thing-you-really-want pops up. Grab it for a friend, or keep it for yourself? The...

The warm and cozy gifts they need

November 7, 2019 at 4:32 p.m.

Your love will really keep them warm this winter, in the form of a cozy scarf, a comforting blanket, or a true cold-weather classic — a warming nip of whiskey.

Making sure HIV tests can catch all strains of the virus is a key reason scientists continue to document new variants.

A new strain of HIV has been found for the first time in almost 20 years — by a team of scientists based in the Chicago suburbs

November 7, 2019 at 1:15 a.m.

Scientist Mary Rodgers spends her days tracking killers — elusive, constantly mutating viruses that travel the globe and are responsible for illness or death in millions of people. Wednesday, in...

Horsemen Bobo Sylla, from left, Marsha Maltseva, Mirlan Kubanychbekov and Hector Escobar.

‘Inside the tent, it’s one big party.’ Meet the UniverSoul Circus performers who’ve been wowing Chicago for generations

November 9, 2019 at 12:16 a.m.

It's a quiet fall weeknight in Hyde Park, complete with changing leaves and joggers on the paths of Washington Park. But in one corner of the sprawling green space, a...

If you suffer from seasonal depression, the end of daylight saving time could make it worse.

The end of daylight saving time can mark the start of seasonal depression. Here’s how to head it off (hint: no sleeping late)

November 4, 2019 at 6:10 p.m.

In Chicago, the sun rose on Nov. 1 to reveal icicles festooning garage gutters, trees lined with white and sunlight sparkling on snow-covered roofs. We barely had time to cozy...

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