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.
Major retailers including Lowe's, Marshalls and T.J. Maxx will remain closed on Turkey Day. Dozens more will join them. See the list so far.
Marilyn Hartman, 67, was taken into custody Friday night.
Police said a 66-year-old man opened fire as several people ate dinner in a Northwest Side apartment.
Google is sharing the most popular Halloween costume searches of 2019. Any guesses for our state?
A 22-year-old woman from DeKalb has been cited in connection with the incident.
6-time convict wants guns back | Amazon adds 500 jobs | Village manager accused in hit & run | Man threatened county clerk staff | Marathon
An annual State Farm report on deer-vehicle collisions in Illinois includes other animals that run or fly into your automobile.
Woman tied man up: cops | Remains found in doctor's car | 2 shot, 1 dead | Drunk passenger causes ruckus | 'Out of control' mayor
Wrongful raids | Vigil for slain Sikh officer | K-9 finds missing man | Puppy mill law closes pet store | Calls for change after deadly cras
Some of these reputed haunts capitalize on their reputation by offering events and ghost tours.
Grab your shovels and tune-up that snowblower, experts predict frigid temps this winter and plenty of lake-effect snow.
Two Illinois pizzerias even made the top 10 on The Daily Meal's list.
Strip club estate for sale | Students overdose at school | Dad faces charges over lost child | Girl dies in tractor crash | Raccoon rescue
The number of Illinois billionaires dropped by one since last year. The list includes Gov. J.B. Pritzker.
Harer investigation inconsistencies | Boo-palooza | Mother's Day hit & run | K9 Dax goes Hollywood | Energy bill scam? |
A large procession from Tinley Park is expected.
Help name K9 puppy | Impeachment leader talks to sold-out crowd | Patch tour o' yard haunts | New homeless shelter | Charges in Naper murder
Movie star sighting in suburbs | Legionella at high school | Fatal stabbing in Naperville | Train derails | Fatal hospital shooting
Concerns come after the FBI discovered "disturbing" chatter about targeting an unknown movie theater during the 'Joker' premiere on Friday.
Halloween haunts | Wanted: Poet laureate | Legionnaires' case | Town's 50th anniversary | Man killed by cop had done time for murder
