Couple's Weekly Mission Is To Help The Homeless In North Suburbs

Bill and Debbi Middendorf have loaded a Salvation Army van with goods to give to the homeless every week for the past two years.

Oakton offers spring break STEAM program March 26-29

Two Oakton STEAM youth programs are available the week of March 26, at both college campuses.

Oakton offers engaging youth STEM summer programs

Youngsters are invited to participate in unique learning opportunities at Oakton this summer.

Top Towns to Raise a Family in Illinois

A total of 73 Illinois cities were ranked by Niche as the best places to start a family.

Do You Live in One of the 50 Safest Cities in Illinois?

Here are the top 50 safest cities in Illinois, according to ValuePenguin.

Beat the Heat and Try Something Sweet at One of These 59 Ice Cream Shops in Illinois

A list of 59 must-try ice cream shops throughout the state.

Take a dip with the family at these 43 water parks and pools in Illinois

Cool off at these 43 water parks and pools this summer.

Maine Township to Host Family Friendly National Night Out

As one of the oldest celebrations of National Night Out Against Crime, Maine Towship knows how to do it right. Check this out!

Golf Maine Park District to Host Free Summer Party in Dee Park

As summer rolls toward the end how about a free park and movie courtesy of the Golf Maine Park District? Check this out!!

Summer program continues at Des Plaines History Center

Afternoon Adventures Wednesdays, July 29-August 12, from 1-3 p.m. at the Des Plaines History Center, 781 Pearson Street.

FBI Looks for Young Victims in International Sexual Exploitation Case

VIDEO: A young woman shares her story of "sextortion" as a teen victim of Lucas Chansler. The FBI has released the screen names he used.

25 Trips to Make with the Family this Summer

Sure, Chicago has a lot of fun things to do, but let us introduce you to what the rest of Illinois has to offer this summer.

Des Plaines Woman's Mother's Day Gift Turns Out to be $4 Million Lottery Prize

Priti Shah received three lottery tickets from her daughter on Mother's Day. The third ended up being an instant winner.

The Best Brunch Spots Around Illinois

Warning: Do not read when hungry.

Golf Maine Park District Offers Summer Camp Fun

Everyone loves summer and especially the children so plan their fun activities with Golf Maine Park District.

Golf Maine Park District Hosts Successful Easter Egg Hunt

With a slight chill in the air under sunny skies, area children flocked to Dee Park for the 2015 Easter Egg Hunt.

NFL's Play60, It's All Fun and Games for Des Plaines Students!

Des Plaines Park District helps kids get fit using the NFL's Play60 program.

Abraham Lincoln's love for cats and other little-known facts about the 16th president

Honest Abe’s 206th birthday is Feb. 12. Celebrate by learning 20 new facts about the president from Illinois.

There are a lot of things for Illinoisans to be proud of, and here's the proof!

Lest we forget just how wonderful our state is, take a look at the Illinois Wall of Fame.

Finish Line Employees Make Giving Tuesday Memorable for Special Olympics Illinois Athletes

Finish Line gave 20 Special Olympics Illinois athletes a free pair of new shoes and more.

How a Lost Dog from Wilmette Helped Another Find His Way Home

Hoss, who survived the polar vortex and 500 days on his own, is back home in Michigan as the search for Holly continues on the North Shore.

Football Player with Autism Scores Touchdown on the Game's First Play

West Leyden's Josh Padilla took the field for the first time as a varsity football player, and his friends made the night special.

Fireballs in the Sky: Orionids Meteor Shower Peak on Tuesday

Halley's Comet says hello this week, and conditions in Illinois are good for viewing.

First Ailing Illinoisan Learns He'll Get a Medical Marijuana License

Army vet Jim Champion has multiple sclerosis.

Monument to Pope John Paul II, Beloved in Chicago, Already Draws the Awestruck

Catholic pilgrims eager to stand in the shadow of sculptures honoring revered saints. Dedication of pope's monument is Saturday in Niles.

11 Years After 'Heaven,' What Life is Like for the Burpo Family

The movie, in stores July 22, is about a real-life boy who says he went to Heaven and met Jesus during surgery. We spoke with the family behind the film about how it can help start a discussion in your town.

New Cancer Treatment Receives 'Breakthrough' Designation From FDA

24 Amazing Ways Residents Inspire Their Communities

Patch readers told us who the "Everyday Inspirations" in their communities are, and we're sharing their stories and the work they've done locally.

Tim McGraw's Special Serenade For Fan

Country star Tim McGraw sang "You Are So Beautiful" to a fan with Down Syndrome who joined him on stage in Atlanta July 13. He also signed his guitar and gave it to the ecstatic girl.

Months Later, and 100 Miles Away, Family's Lost Dog Found

A happy ending for one Michigan family and their beloved dog, missing for months.

NASA: We Are Closing in On Finding Life On Another Planet

Space telescopes helping to track down Earth-like planets.

Everyday Inspirations: Incredible Ways People Give Back Locally

Patch readers told us who the "Everyday Inspirations" in their communities are, and we're sharing their stories and the work they've done locally.

Julia Collins of Illinois Now Has 3rd Highest 'Jeopardy' Win Streak

Kenilworth resident racking up the wins and the dollars. She has the longest winning streak of any woman in "Jeopardy" history.

'Coupon Queen' Gets $800 Grocery Bill Down to $7, Gives Savings Away

A New York woman is so good at bargain shopping that she's used her skills to donate groceries and other goods to charity. Learn how you can follow her lead locally.

Charitable Children: 'No Matter What Age You May Be, You Can Change the Life of Another'

As a part of our "Everyday Inspirations" series, we look at how children across the country are making big impacts locally.

Harp Healing: Woman Uses Music Therapy to Help Hospital Patients

After losing three people close to her in eight months, Edie Elkan picked up a harp for the first time in 28 years. Now she runs a program training others to play the instrument for patients in hospitals.

Arlington Heights Cop Shot in the Face Named Officer of the Year

Officer Michael McEvoy is on the mend after December 2013 shooting.

Nominate 'Everyday Inspirations' in Your Town

Patch wants to share stories about people who work every day to change others' lives for the better.

5 Must-Reads to Inspire You Today

Five inspiring stories from Patch.

Cubs Manager Renteria Visits Kids At Park Ridge Hospital