A Patcher Emeritus, Cleveland native and always hopeful yet frequently dismayed Cleveland Browns fan, Dennis likes dogs, and dogs like him. He likes pizza a bit too much, Ernest Hemingway books, and home renovation projects.
Before joining Patch in 2010, Dennis got some ink on his hands in Chicago during stints with Sun-Times Media and Copley Press. He led investigative and public service reporting teams that changed laws, helped people and put a few bad guys in jail.
Dennis was managing editor of the Daily Southtown in suburban Chicago (2004-2009), twice named National Newspaper of the Year for large-circulation dailies by the American Press Institute and Suburban Newspapers of America. The Southtown received a dozen awards for General Excellence, the Chicago Headline Club Watchdog Award, AP Top 10 Sports Section in America honors, Best Commentary Section in Illinois three consecutive years, and dozens of writing, reporting, public service and photojournalism awards.
Dennis was editor-in-chief of Patch for six years (2016-2021), leading the news team through a period of substantial growth and improved local journalism. Patch's local news coverage has been recognized and heralded by professional press associations in New York, Illinois, California, Massachusetts, New Hampshire, Connecticut, Florida, Ohio, New Jersey, Maryland and Virginia.
Prior to that, he founded Patch's Chicago Southland region, building it into one of the company's top regions for audience, revenue and engagement.
Today, he's a WordGrinder for hire, focused on entrepreneurial local news projects and media relations.
DuPage County headlines: Friend sentenced in 2013 DUI fatal / Trooper in Sandra Bland case still getting paid / Elmhurst a safe city
Recent North Shore News: Frat’s racist chants / Kristin Cavallari book signing / Beer and wine at Starbucks.
Watch doors open and close Friday inside the Willis Tower because of the wind.
NBC's Byron Miranda and a few other do-gooders were steadfast and true in the face of the stiffest winds Friday. Watch.
Maybe. Probably. Judge the photo for yourself.
She was arrested again. Marilyn Hartman arrested for trespassing at O'Hare Airport.
"Selfless in sitting down with a roomful of mourning mothers," Geneva Reed-Veal said of Clinton. "I'm one of those mothers."
Editorial page editor Bruce Dold takes over for the retiring Gerould Kern, who leaves the Tribune today.
Miss a day, miss a lot: Kids terrorized in home invasion / Cop’s lawsuit “outrageous” and unique / ‘Empire’ TV show films here again.
Recent DuPage County headlines: Wife of man killed in drunken driving accident asks for lenience / Upside-down billboard.
Recent Southland News: War vet ran over wife in garage / ‘Black Lives Matter’ beating / Wild cookie salesman chase at Orland mall.
Recent Will County news: Joliet woman’s meds call $56,000 a treatment / Service dog turned away from hospital / Joliet grad on NBC.
Recent North Shore News: LFHS teacher guilty of contact with student / Couple leaves Wilmette for Disney star son / #DearEvanston
Much to his parents' amazement, baby boy's tiny fists of fetal fury are being seen around the world.
In exchange, a scholarship will be created in her name. The school tried to fire her for saying Christians and Muslims worship the same God.
Aaren O'Connor, 25, moved to Chicago from California a year and a half ago. Her worried father's fears came to an awful fruition on Friday.
Aaren O'Connor, 25, moved here from San Diego a year and a half ago. Her worried father's fears came to an awful fruition on Friday.
As a kid, he admired Peyton Manning very much. In fact, he says, his Manning jersey may still be in his closet at his childhood home.
The Carl Sandburg High School graduate was a Super Bowl 50 starter.
Miss a day, miss a lot: Hijab prof to leave Wheaton College / White Castle creep loves dimples / Barefoot kids leap from drunk dad’s van.