Chicago, IL|News|
Slain Chicago Cop: Blue Ribbons, Flags Honor Cmdr. Paul Bauer
VIDEO: Mayor Rahm Emanuel told officers in Bauer's Near North District that the 31-year veteran's death is "a gut punch" to the city.

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?
VIDEO: Mayor Rahm Emanuel told officers in Bauer's Near North District that the 31-year veteran's death is "a gut punch" to the city.

The officers were injured Wednesday when a van hit their unmarked car while they were responding to a cellphone store robbery.
Both occasions share the same day for the 1st time since 1945, but that shouldn't cause a conflict for Catholics.
The August matchup will lead up to the enshrinement ceremony for the class of 2018, which includes Brian Urlachler.
The veteran Chicago police officer served in districts throughout the city and headed up the department's mounted division.
Paul Bauer was fatally shot chasing a suspect Tuesday. Watch the police procession escort his body to the medical examiner's office.
The image had been for a previous parody segment, but it was then wrongly used for an ABC 7 weekend report about the Games in Pyeongchang.
UPDATED: The village dropped slightly from its ranking last year on the list compiled by the National Council for Home Safety and Security.
Friends of Oak Forest Animal Control needs help returning this animal to its home.
The union will vote on the deal later this week before it goes before the school board for approval.
The insurance company that built Chicago's 4th-tallest building asked for its name to be removed from the skyscraper.
Frankfort Township Animal Control needs help returning these animals to their homes.
Attila Gyulai is accused of using money from the West Loop restaurant to pay personal expenses, according to federal prosecutors.
The woman was found Saturday in the Back of Yards neighborhood.
The couple discuss helping the computer science student on the most recent episode of David Letterman's Netflix show.
Tinley Park officials are asking for help after snow and ice from last week's winter storm blocked access to many village hydrants.
Who sells the best paczkis in the city? Tell us where you go for the Fat Tuesday treats.
Haven't ordered paczkis for Tuesday? It's still not too late if you know where to go.
Use Patch's Jobs Board to start your search to land that new job.
Use Patch's Jobs Board to start your search to land that new job.