Across Illinois|News|
Mall Shooting, Trump Parade, 2 Dead In UTV Crash: IL Weekend
Plus: DNC protests, gun pulled after pair kicked out of bar, Blues Brothers Con, more.
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.
Plus: DNC protests, gun pulled after pair kicked out of bar, Blues Brothers Con, more.
A schedule of speakers and hosts as delegates convene in Chicago.
Plus: Soul food success, pizza chain sold, friends make dream come true, nursing home lawsuit.
Hate crime defendant needs anger management | Attack on restaurant worker | GOP take heat for abuse cartoon | Deputy chief's not-guilty plea
Rabid bat found | Six Flags record-breaking coaster | Woman stabbed in Sam's Club parking lot
Shootout arrest | Shirtless trio prompts police response | GOP group slammed for domestic violence cartoon
The crash happened just before 9 a.m.
The Aurora mall was partially shut down Wednesday afternoon after a threat, police said.
Man sent child porn to partner: Cops | Young journalist fatally hit by train | Deputy chief charged with fraud
White teacher's discrimination suit tossed | Woman gets prison for chicken wing theft | Surprise scratch-off leads to $1M win
After the deadline was pushed back repeatedly, Homeland Security said it's set the final date for Michigan residents to get a REAL ID.
After the deadline was pushed back repeatedly, Homeland Security said it's set the final date for IL residents to get a REAL ID.
Also: 3 dead including shooter: cops, stranger approaches kid about carnival, armed man caught after chase, sleeping man rescued from fire.
Sheriff Jack Campbell announced he will retire days after Gov. JB Pritzker called for his resignation.
McDonald's sales slump | Another brewery closing | Amazon Fresh opens | Iconic eatery offers dressing to-go | Brewery closes location
Christkindlmarket returns | $22.5M for wrongful conviction for arson, murder | Teens kick, beat on doors in "challenge" | Stranded sparrow
The woman, 57, was reportedly seen on camera walking into a restricted area just before 2:30 a.m.
Jewelry store heist | Gun parts sent disguised as Foreman grills | Pritzker calls for sheriff to resign
Prior to finding the two people with gunshot wounds, police received a well-being check request from a relative in Southern Illinois.
The woman became trapped in machinery, according to reports.