I grew up on the North West side of Chicago. Somewhere along the way high school and college happened, which brought me, for the first time, to Chicago’s Southland. For this, I’m eternally grateful, as serving H-F as editor for over two years has undoubtedly been the most intense and valuable learning experience of my life. In early 2013, I transitioned from H-F editor to Community Editor and I now cover social media, news aggregation and real-time news for the south suburban Chicago Patch network.
I used to play in a punk rock band and still play music today. I also make short comedy films under the moniker Ratt Bros. Studios. Cooking and eating are also strong passions of mine. As the old Journey song goes, “(I) like a lot of things.”
Feel free to drop me a line at ryan.fitzpatrick@patch.com or call at 708.657.7048.
This week on Patch Talk, we get into Homewood's surprise casino announcement and Senator Toi Hutchinson's intent to go after former U.S. Rep. Jesse Jackson Jr.'s recently vacated seat.
The 32-year-old Woodridge man now faces three charges after rear-ending a truck on the 17700 block of Halsted St.
Homewood is one step closer towards developing a casino, but village officials say there's still a long way to go.
The competition is already heating up only a day after Homewood's casino announcement—but the head of Cannery Casino said they will still look elsewhere.
17-year-old Arielle Terry died on Monday following the recent death of her 16-year-old brother.
After three years of business, the Homewood restaurant is calling it quits.
Although unemployment is down from this time compared to last year, numbers slightly increased from September 2012 to October.
Trustees will vote Tuesday on whether Homewood will work with the Village of East Hazel Crest to pursue a joint casino near the location of the former Homewood Hotel.
While Cyber Monday might offer the easiest way to get your holiday shopping out of the way, it also takes a serious toll on our local economy.
After losing to former Congressman Jesse Jackson Jr., former Illinois Rep. Debbie Halvorson has announced her intention to run for the set he has vacated, in a special election planned for the spring.
A preview of what's going to be discussed and voted on during Homewood's Nov. 13 village board meeting.
Flossmoor residents should be on the lookout for a black, brown and grey striped shorthair tabby named Betsy. She was last seen near Flossmoor Community Church.
A free ice rink and a special train exhibit are two of the newest additions to the "Holiday Lights in Homewood" annual celebration, scheduled this year from 6 p.m. to 9 p.m. on Friday, Dec. 7.
On what may be the biggest drinking "holiday" of the year, Cook County announces a new plan for roadside DUI death memorials.
A list of outstanding arrest warrants in Flossmoor.
The GSU Center for Performing Arts bring two classic Christmas stories to the South Suburbs.
Realty reports show H-F home sales are on the rise even though Homewood median home prices have dropped since last year.
Start your holiday shopping at locally owned stores during Small Business Saturday.
There are over 30 warrants out for the arrest of accused criminals in Homewood. Patch highlights a few of them today.
Get to know what your neighbors are saying about local issues on the Patch comments section and Facebook site.
