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.
The recall affects strawberries, mixed fruit sold at Illinois Walmart stores and other frozen fruit sold at Costco in other states.
Unabomber's hometown back on the map | Questions linger after missing man found dead | Sex offender tries to get in school
Took a break from the news this weekend? Don't worry: we've rounded up some of the stories you might have missed in the Chicago area.
'Lucky One' at Taylor Swift concert | Sex offender charged in attack on girl, 16 | High school leaving conference
Apartment explosion | Wildfire smoke cancels Bears game | Man missing since May 26
After an air quality alert due to wildfire smoke, Illinois air was deemed"acceptable," as other states see smoky haze, unsafe air quality.
Missing woman's body found, 1 in custody | IL residents to receive Google settlement | Pastor speaks out on teen's slaying
Child found unresponsive in swimming pool | School board member killed in hit-and-run | Felon jumps out window, caught by K-9
A man and woman were found dead Friday on Ponderosa Drive.
Mom slams baby in car seat: PD | Lockdown as Bluetooth mistaken for gun | Bears' plans for Arlington Park 'at risk' as Naperville woos team
Residents in the area of Lexington Drive and Lee Lane were asked to stay inside and shelter in place with two suspects at large.
Cases of human metapneumovirus spiked in the Midwest in March and April, and were trending up again in late May.
Cases of human metapneumovirus spiked in the Midwest in March and April, and were trending up again in late May.
Still no arrests in carjacking, kidnapping | Cop shot by armed robber released from hospital | Reality show family's link to suburb
Teens arrested, cops injured at Great America | 3 in custody after shelter in place | Driving instructor accused of assaulting student
An unrelated fire started along the train tracks at Lockport and Renwick on Memorial Day.
Fire Chief Jon Stratton said a witness heard someone calling for help as the fast-moving fire spread.
Find out when you can pick up those last-minute barbecue staples from places including Walmart, Trader Joe's and more.
Here are the best and worst times to get out of town if you're hitting the road for Memorial Day 2023.
A man who brandished a gun was shot and killed, and K-9 Hudson was also killed in the exchange of gunfire, police said.
