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.
Morgan Geyser, now 23, told police in Illinois she had "done something really bad," and that they could "just Google" her, officials said.
Police said the incident was resolved just before 8:45 p.m.
Police said a gunman opened fire in a domestic violence-related incident during an event at the brew pub.
Seven of the teenagers were shot near the Chicago Theater in the city's Loop, just hours after the city's tree lighting in Millennium Park.
Police said employees arriving to work at Wendy's spotted a burglar inside, but he ran out the back door before heading over to Dunkin'.
Plus: "Home Alone" house owner writes book about movie | Woman trapped in burning car dies | 66-year-old nabbed in child solicitation sting
83-year-old 3 times over limit during crash: cops | 'Burn alive': Man accused of lighting woman on fire had 70+ arrests | Dirt bike duping
The 50-year-old man accused of leaving a 26-year-old woman in critical condition has a long rap sheet, according to multiple reports.
Meth lab sends 8 to the hospital | Woman missing since June | Border patrol agent bragged about shooting woman, charges dropped
Five Below fight leads to mother, daughter arrest | Girl reported missing | Woman sentenced in DUI that killed siblings
Woman set on fire on train | Brush fire burns 14 acres | Man sentenced for shooting pregnant woman
Police said the woman was involved in a verbal argument with a man when he poured the liquid on her and ignited it.
Plus: Police deputy chief retires, chickens die in barn fire, serial groper arrest.
21 arrests, 4 officers hurt at ICE facility protest | Foul play linked to man's disappearance | Man sentenced for attempted murder of cops
Plus: Motel manager hailed a hero | Best holiday light display | Man arrested after getting upset over pride flag.
Daycare teacher freed from ICE detention | Pedestrian hit by train | Was woman filming a TikTok when she fatally hit a pedestrian?
Dog locked in garage | Rom-com filming in suburbs | Cops hurt in meth bust on train
Woman stabbed near L stop | Detective fired after domestic abuse arrest | Loaded gun stolen from unlocked car
Plus: Five-car crash slows commute; officer hurt in train station scuffle; woman grabbed while jogging.
Gusty winds could cause snow-covered roads and dangerous travel, as fast-falling lake effect snow continues through the morning.
