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.
New estimates from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration show crash deaths fell nationwide. Here’s what happened in Illinois.
For now, Monday's forecast calls for mostly sunny skies, increasing Illinois' odds for a great view of the solar eclipse.
After more than 50 cases of measles were confirmed at Chicago migrant shelters, health officials are now confirming tuberculosis cases.
'Fake cop' fires gun, gets disarmed by victim | IL teen dies in Switzerland avalanche | Ex-school janitor admits to grooming on video
Deputy Christina Musil, a mom of 3 and Army National Guard vet, was killed when a semi ran off the road and slammed into her squad vehicle.
Visitation and funeral services for Christina Musil, 35, are Thursday at Northern Illinois University.
"Pop-up showers" could be an issue in the Midwest, but the Chicago area's chances of seeing the eclipse look good — for now.
Rain mixed with snow could continue through the afternoon in parts of the Chicago area, with periods of wintry weather continuing Thursday.
Kidnapper lures women with fake flat tire claim | Pedestrian struck in hit-and-run | Man shot standing in window
Fire evacuates Easter brunch | Threat to shoot up bar | Deputy killed in crash survived by 3 kids
It wouldn't be the first time an Illinois player won a billion dollar jackpot.
Inclement weather will continue through the week, with storms Monday afternoon and evening into Tuesday, before slushy snow begins.
The DeKalb County Sheriff's deputy died of injuries she sustained in the crash Thursday night.
Man accused of fatally stabbing two people before killing a mailman with a truck, beating a teen girl to death and stabbing several others.
From grand openings to development plans to closings, a look at the business scene in the Chicago area.
Krispy Kreme at McDonald's | "Stick of dynamite" killing | Crying child alerts police to unconscious parents | Planned Parenthood expands
Soto faces multiple counts of murder and home invasion for the neighborhood attack that killed a 15-year-old girl and 3 other people.
"The weather pattern will turn much more active" into the weekend and next week, with multiple chances for thunderstorms.
Home prices jumped this year in IL, and home price growth is back to where it was prior to the 3-year "rollercoaster ride" of the pandemic.
The Eta Aquariids meteor shower starts next month, and the Lyrids peak in late April. Here's what to know about seeing them in Illinois.
