Lauren Petty joined NBC 5 as a reporter and fill-in anchor in January 2012. Since 2019, most of her reporting has focused on medical advances and healthy living.
Petty grew up in Burr Ridge and went to Lyons Township High School. She holds a master's degree in journalism from Northwestern University's Medill School of Journalism and a bachelor's degree in journalism from the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign.
Petty comes to Chicago from WVIT, the NBC-owned station in Hartford, Connecticut, where she worked for more than six years as a reporter and weekend anchor. Prior to WVIT, Petty worked at WICD in Champaign, Illinois, and at CNN International in London as a field producer and desk assistant.
Petty and her husband, Doug, live in the western suburbs with their three daughters.
The Latest
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Century-old organization works to address mental health crisis in Chicago schools
An agency with a 123-year legacy in Chicago is expanding its resources to help confront the mental health crisis in Chicago schools. The Juvenile Protective Association was founded by Jane Addams in 1901. “Fast forward 123 years, and what we do is provide compassionate social, emotional and mental health best practices to children in need, including adults who care for…
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New FDA-approved treatment for atrial fibrillation being used on Chicago-area patients
A new FDA-approved treatment for atrial fibrillation, a common heart condition impacting millions of Americans, is now being used on Chicago-area patients at Endeavor Health Swedish Hospital.
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Pilot program for virtual cardiac rehab expands to new hospitals
After a successful pilot, Endeavor Health is now expanding a virtual cardiac rehabilitation program to patients at more hospitals within its system.
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Suburban non-profits team up to end ‘sneaker bullying'
It’s known as “sneaker bullying” — when someone gets called out for the footwear they have on. “Basically it’s teasing. Kids get made fun out because they have worn out sneakers and typically come from families that can’t afford to buy their kids new shoes,” said Derrick Robinson, the founder of “Hearts With Soles.” It’s something Robinson experienced himself...
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Researchers: Energy drinks can have adverse effects on kids' mental, physical health
Kids who crack open an energy drink for a boost may be struggling with their mental health, according to new research.
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Ezike marks Colorectal Cancer Month by undergoing colonoscopy
Dr. Ngozi Ezike, Illinois’ former top doctor, invited NBC Chicago to witness her first screening colonoscopy, a procedure used to check for colorectal cancer, which is hitting the African American community hard.
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Seasonal allergies kick in early for some as unseasonable temperatures rise
Unseasonably warm temperatures prompted an early pollen count in the Chicago area.
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Workbook aims to help children understand a loved one's cancer diagnosis
Cancer doesn’t just impact the patient, but the whole family, including kids. As a result, a dual-certified child life specialist and therapist has made a new resource available to help kids understand a cancer diagnosis. “There is a guide at the front of the workbook that explains how to use it. It has a child-friendly terms and their definitions...
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Elmhurst woman sheds light on experience with Stiff Person Syndrome as Celine Dion's battle raises awareness
An Elmhurst wife and mom of three teens, Moira Papp can says she has something in common with global icon Celine Dion. They both suffer from Stiff Person Syndrome or SPS, a rare chronic autoimmune neurological disorder.
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Bulls star DeMar DeRozan launches digital series to discuss mental health
Chicago Bulls forward DeMar DeRozan, 34, is used to being a star on the basketball court, but he’s taking on a new role speaking out about mental health.