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.
Giant cricket stadium | 'Terror Town, USA': Victims remembered 40 years later | $800M stadium plans amid hazing scandal | 132 mph chase
Mom slain, toddler left in car 6 hours | Massive cricket stadium | Hate crime guilty plea
Iconic restaurant for sale | Funeral home shooting | Wife testifies as husband charged in young mom's murder
'Abject terror' | Chicago publicist indicted alongside Trump | IDOT worker killed
Pickleball problem | No prior police calls to home where 4 died | Brewery another COVID casualty | Woman stole $100K from Ravinia: AG |
The state budget includes a $15 million grant that will help fund cleanup and remediation of the vacant facility.
A clear, dry weekend could make for perfect stargazing weather in the Chicago area.
Fake FBI agents | Ex-IL man missing in FL, foul play suspected | Feral cats to the rescue?
Two people in other states have been hospitalized over packaged "soft serve" ice cream sold in Illinois.
The two women admitted the crimes to Judge Judy on "Judy Justice," according to reports.
The 31-year-old victim's vehicle crashed into a pole and burst into flames after he was shot, police said.
"Cha Cha Slide" inventor dies | Driver pulled from burning car | 'Fatally flawed' crash investigation
If a Wisconsin player wins the massive Mega Millions jackpot, it wouldn't be the first time — it would be the second.
Whether you are a frequent player or a first-timer, here's what to know about the record $1.55B Mega Millions jackpot on Tuesday in MI.
Whether you are a frequent player or a first-timer, here's what to know about the record $1.55B Mega Millions jackpot on Tuesday in IL.
76-year-old calls 911, confesses to killing wife, dog | No bond for man charged in woman's slaying | Farm could be sold, turned to homes
The change comes as the city is required to negate naturally occurring radium from water supply by fall 2023.
The 13-year-old said she was able to get out of the way just before the train hit and destroyed her bike.
Just one small, scenic town in Illinois made the list of the best tiny towns in the country.
While the Chicago area was spared, other parts of Illinois got hit with severe weather Sunday.
