I knew I wanted to be a writer at a young age, and never dreamed of doing anything else. My love of writing was born when a grade-school teacher encouraged me to try my hand at fiction. I took her advice, but quickly gave up make-believe stories for the real thing.
I got involved with my high school newspaper before double majoring in journalism and English.
I graduated in 2002 and landed my first newspaper job within six months. I spent eight years at The Enterprise newspaper in Plainfield, where I developed my passion for community journalism.
When a coworker pointed me in the direction of Patch.com, I jumped at the chance to be part of the future of local news.
This is how much rain fell in some areas in just 90 minutes Tuesday night, resulting in stranded cars, flooded basements and more.
Suspected hit-and-run driver found dead | Baby abandoned |
The pavement work is part of the Plainfield Road Water Main Improvement Project.
Plus: 5-year-old dies after drowning, SUV found after teen killed in hit-and-run, man charged in domestic killing, sleeping victim attacked.
Police asked anyone with information on the shooting to come forward.
Police broke out windows of the home to rescue the two older children after seeing their mother with a burning paper towel, prosecutors say.
Plus: Live like Mike for $100K; boxer wants to go for the gold; bicyclist vs train crash; village votes to buy pope's former home.
Dog's heatstroke death leads to felony arrest | IL's biggest fireworks show canceled | Animal fighting arrests
The MAGA "megabill" includes sweeping cuts to Medicaid and covers 2024 campaign tax promises, including no tax on tips and overtime wages.
Police said the dog, named Bear, had an internal temperature of 110 degrees and was in the backyard without shelter or water for 12 hours.
The woman was pronounced dead early Wednesday afternoon in Joliet.
Teen attacked in theater | Stolen kitten returned | Illegal chop shop busted
Illinois had more than 150 fireworks-related injuries and one death during 4th of July week 2024.
Plus: 2 motorcyclist die in crash; lifeguard charged with killing teen, shooting another; jury duty scam.
Two people were dead and one was injured in the early morning crash, according to reports.
Aiyana Williams went missing Monday night. Police are asking residents to avoid the area of the Country Hills subdivision.
Can Rahm save the Democratic party? Plus: Man allegedly points rifle at neighbor, pit bull bites cop; search continues for missing teen.
Attempted murder of ex | Off-duty cop crashes Cybertruck into house | Mom charged in son's overdose death
Police were dispatched just before 5 a.m. to check the well-being of a man in the roadway, officials said.
Residents are asked to review security camera footage for information on Aiyana Williams, and to check sheds, garages and under decks.
