Oak Brook, IL|News|
McDonald's, 7-Eleven Sued Over Cook County Soda Tax
UPDATED: The chains are accused of improperly applying the penny-per-ounce tax on drink purchases in separate lawsuits.

I was bitten with the journalism bug as a teenager in South Florida, working on my high school newspaper, and I still haven't been cured of it. In fact, it's an exciting time for journalism, and I'm glad to be contributing to it.
A journalism graduate of Indiana University, I've worked in a variety of roles at newspapers and magazines for more than a decade. I started as a sports copy editor and page designer for the Indianapolis Star before moving on to the South Bend (Ind.) Tribune as its arts and entertainment editor. Before joining Patch, I was the managing editor for MKE, a free weekly entertainment magazine in Milwaukee that I helped launch.
It's in my free time that I let my guard down, and my inner geek comes out. I'm a huge movie buff and think comic books are an underrated artform. Also, I love reading up on scientific and technological advances in the pages of Wired and New Scientist. Does that make me a nerd, too?
UPDATED: The chains are accused of improperly applying the penny-per-ounce tax on drink purchases in separate lawsuits.

UPDATED: The chains are accused of improperly applying the penny-per-ounce tax on drink purchases in separate lawsuits.
The westbound lanes of the road were shut down Wednesday while village crews did repair work.
The suspects were charged with aggravated robbery in connection with an incident Sunday in Arlington Heights.
The suspects from Palatine were charged with aggravated robbery in connection with an incident Sunday.
Arlington Heights police are searching for the suspect accused of approaching the minor Sunday.
The 4-year-old was hospitalized in critical condition last week after he was rescued from the lake in southwestern Michigan.
UPDATED: The shooting happened Tuesday after Dolton police chased suspects who allegedly hijacked a vehicle in Hazel Crest.
The judge said David Sutton used "excessive, unreasonable force" against kids who are "prisoners in their own bodies."
The judge said David Sutton used "excessive, unreasonable force" against kids who are "prisoners in their own bodies."
The class-action suit was filed Monday by a Schaumburg man who is seeking at least $50K in damages.
Lurie's Children Hospital also made the magazine's list of the 10 best children's hospitals in the country.
Walter Payton Prep and Northside College Prep were named No. 1 and No. 2 in the United States, respectively, on Niche.com's annual list.
Wyndham Lathem was charged Monday in a California courtroom in the fatal stabbing of a 26-year-old man. He lost his school job the same day.
The financially strapped school system also is delaying the release of its operating budget for the 2017-18 year.
The former Cubs skipper, who led the North Siders for 3 seasons, died Monday after a long battle with cancer.
The driver wasn't hurt after another motorist allegedly shot at him early Monday on the Far South Side.
Charges are pending against the driver, who was hurt in the incident Sunday night. A police officer also suffered minor injuries.
Matthew Ramirez is in critical condition after he was pulled from the water last week along the southwestern Michigan shoreline.
Police arrested 16 people in the first 3 days of the summer music festival. Nearly 190 people also were hurt and taken to area hospitals.