Earlier this year, Christopher received his Master of Science in journalism from Northwestern University's Medill School of Journalism. Since then, he has written stories for Chicago Parent, The Good Men Project and Tinley Park Patch. He also is a writer for online publication, The Smoking Section.
While earning his bachelor's degree in international studies from Indiana University-Purdue University Indianapolis (aka IUPUI), Christopher traveled to Amman, Jordan as part of a study abroad program. While there, he learned how to smoke argeelah and barter with merchants — two skills he has found useless in the states.
In 2008, Christopher married his wife, Jamie, and honeymooned in Cairo, Egypt, where bartering and argeelah smoking suddenly became useful again.
<b>Beliefs</b><br><i>At Patch, we promise always to report the facts as objectively as possible and otherwise adhere to the principles of good journalism. We also acknowledge that true impartiality is impossible because human beings have beliefs. In the spirit of simple honesty, we encourage editors to reveal their beliefs to the extent they feel comfortable. This disclosure is not a license to inject our beliefs into stories or dictate coverage according to them. Rather, we hope the knowledge our beliefs are on the record will cause us to be ever mindful to write, report and edit in a fair and balanced manner. If you ever see evidence we failed in this mission, please let us know.</i><br> <br> <b>Politics</b><br>Within the context of the two-party system, I tend to support the left more often than the right. That said, the political lines are much blurrier in Illinois, and who I support is now based more on ethical integrity than political policies. I like the non-criminals, which limits my choices significantly.
<b>Religion</b><br>While I was raised in an African Methodist Episcopal church, my father is a Jehovah's Witness, so I have been exposed to varying understandings of Christianity. I also studied Islam extensively and have learned a great deal about Judaism and several other religions. I am a believer in strong moral values and self-accountability, above all else. <br> <b><br> Local Hot-Button Issues</b><br>The political climate in Chicago Heights has always been one of the city's most interesting areas, and having seen three mayors in one term, that doesn't appear to be changing anytime soon. The city is also in the midst of a major restructuring with the addition of a seventh ward and a re-understanding of the mayoral position.
The man and his friend jumped over the counter at the gas station and threatened to beat the clerk, according to the police report.
The council approved the removal of the fee, hoping to offset water rate increases.
Mayor David Gonzalez recently criticized the library for consistently requesting more tax money than it was using, but the institutions yearly report tells a different story.
The library's million-dollar stockpile was a major point of contention at Monday night's 2012 tax levy public hearing.
The Chicago Heights City Council meets Monday, Dec. 17. The meeting will be preceded by a public hearing presenting the proposed 2012-2013 tax levy.
There are Cook County warrants out for the arrest of several accused criminals in Chicago Heights. Today, Patch lists a few.
The college's faculty representative is fuming about the board's decision to appoint Leo Alexander to a human resources position during a time when the board is actively fighting nepotism among the faculty.
The church will show three presentations of the classic biblical story Friday evening.
The college's faculty representative is fuming about the board's decision to appoint Leo Alexander to a human resources position during a time when the board is actively fighting nepotism among the faculty.
Mayor David Gonzalez will officially present the plan at the Dec. 17 city council meeting.
Wendell Mosby has been temporarily stripped of his travel reimbursement privileges after he walked out of a board meeting and took the quorum with him.
Chicago Heights police reports, Dec. 4-8.
The Heights resident turned heads and chairs as a standout contestant on NBC's singing competition, "The Voice."
Despite Gov. Pat Quinn vetoing the gaming bill, several towns are putting together plans for a casino. Chicago Heights could be one of them.
Conflicting media reports offer little confirmation as to whether the alderman will run for the 2nd District congressional seat, vacated by Jesse Jackson Jr. last month.
Sharon Duncan-Cook entered her house into our contest. Check out her impressive display.
Chicago Heights police reports, Dec. 2-3.
Proposed state legislation would phase in additional costs to local districts over a period of years and increase the retirement age for younger workers.
In this week's Patch Talk, we discuss the painful impact dog fighting had on seven pit bulls, now in Chicago Heights. We also discuss the ethical implications of printing a story about a mayor's daughter.
South Suburban Humane Society is caring for seven dogs rescued from a Dolton dog-fighting operation.
