The Biggest Challenges Facing Illinois in 2015

Hope you had a happy new year, but now it’s time to get back to work and solve the state’s top six challenges.

Is Your Christmas Tree Still Standing?

Free Christmas Tree pick-ups for HF residents on Saturday, January 9th

Devils In The White City - and Beyond by Richard Lindberg

Thursday, January 8 from 7:00pm-8:30pm at Flossmoor Public Library, 1000 Sterling Avenue, Helen Wilson Meeting Room

More Winter Weather on the Way: Snow, Bitter Cold

A wind chill advisory is in effect tonight and a winter storm watch will take effect Monday night.

Woman Claims Jewel Meat Gave Her Salmonella / MS Meds Stolen from Tinley Man's Porch / Cop Accused of Extorting Sex at Gunpoint

Headlines Worth a QuickClick: Local athlete declares for NFL draft • Family marks 77 years in Orland fire service • Man falls into sewer.

A New Year's Health Resolution: Love More

Love is a powerful health-giver

The State's Most Diverse Public High Schools

A list of the top 25 most diverse Illinois public high schools, according to Niche.

Retail Theft, Possession of Drugs: Blotter

Homewood police reports, Dec. 22–30.

USGA Championship Director to Speak at Homewood Area Chamber

Andrew Lamie will be the featured guest at the Jan. 8 meeting.

Film on FROZEN Friday

Join the fun and watch Disney's Frozen on Friday, January 9 from 6 - 8 pm

Reserve Your Cook County Picnic Grove for 2015 Dates

Permits available online and in person beginning January 2.

Homewood Death Linked to Cold Conditions

A 56-year-old woman's death was caused, in part, by hypothermia.

Bike Stolen from Flossmoor Park

The bike was chained to a rack near the Metra tunnel.

Income Tax Rate Drops; New Speed Limits, Medical Marijuana Rules for Minors in 2015

Find out what laws are taking effect in the new year.

2014's Most-Read Stories on the Patch Chicago Network

An injured bald eagle, a gay kid at prom, a sperm bank mishap and other unusual happenings made headlines in 2014.

3 STEPS TO CREATING A PAIN-FREE WORK ENVIRONMENT

Learn three, easy tricks to preventing back and neck pain in the work-place.

The Top Google Searches in 2014

A list of the top trending search terms in both Illinois and Chicago.

Dog Sled Demo!

Saturday, January 3rd from 1:00-3:00pm at Flossmoor Public Library, 1000 Sterling Avenue, Helen Wilson Meeting (lower level)

South Suburban Death Notices, Week of Dec. 29

South suburban obituaries and available visitation information.

Local Jobs: Trinity Services, Target, Standard Bank and Trust

Looking for a new line of work or a way to supplement your income? Check out what Patch found for you.

Cities and Counties with the Highest and Lowest Unemployment Rates in November

An overview of November’s metro and local jobless report.

Bears Sack Trestman, GM Phil Emery

The team finished the 5-11 season with a loss to the Vikings Sunday.

New Years Day Pajama Brunch!

Thursday from 10:30am to 3:30pm @ Wiley's Grill in Flossmoor, Illinois

South Suburban 'Warrior' Who Promised to Kill Cops and 'Innocent White Children' Arrested

Facebook threats lead police to his basement firing range, too.

The Weirdest Town Names in Illinois

Some of these names will leave you scratching your head.

Christmas Tree and Holiday Lights Recycling Now through Jan. 19

Find out where and when to turn in your tree and lights.

Battery, Retail Theft, DUI: Homewood Police Blotter

Homewood police reports, Dec. 5–18.

Lame-duck appointment a "booby trap" for taxpayers

Outgoing Gov. Pat Quinn’s appointment to the Illinois Sports Facilities Authority is a “booby trap” for taxpayers, Gov-elect Bruce Rauner.

Watch It from Your Couch: 'The Interview' Released Online Wednesday

Also opening: “Unbroken,” “Selma,” “The Imitation,” “Into the Woods,” “Big Eyes,” “The Gambler,” “American Sniper” and “Leviathan.”

Alcohol a Factor in Crash That Killed Nuns / Brother Rice Mourns Teacher / Ex-Southland Cop Guilty of Civil Rights Violation

Headlines Worth a QuickClick: South suburban animal care worker arrested in Kansas • Woman stole girdle to wear to church: cops.

Marine's Mission: A Miracle to Help Mom Save Her Home

They're so close to raising enough to save this woman's Chicago Heights home. You can still help.

A Father's Quest: Homewood Dad Seeks to Create Children's Book about Autism

Enter the world of Asher and Mina Salus—one colored by the vivid interactions of siblings learning the ways of autism.

Seven Shopping Tips for First-Time Car Buyers

Buying your first car can be overwhelming. This list will help arm you before you head to a showroom or log onto an online car buying site.

Get Ready to Track Santa on His Big Night

Find out when Santa will arrive in Northern Illinois, as the North American Aerospace Defense Command tracks Santa Claus around the world.

Heavy, Wet Snow Possible on Christmas Eve

A narrow band of heavy, wet snow could affect a portion of the Chicago area.

Did you know these 30 fun facts about Illinois?

In one town, it’s illegal for boys to chuck snowballs at trees, but legal for girls… you definitely didn’t know that.

USA Vein Clinics Offers Free Vein Screenings

USA Vein Clinics offering free varicose vein screenings to the general public January 19 – 24.

Dolton Animal Hospital Employee Wanted on Animal Cruelty Charges Arrested in Kansas

Warrant issued for Chicago woman's arrest after she failed to appear in court to be booked on felony charges, Sheriff Tom Dart said.

Kirk Wants to Screen 'The Interview' at Fundraiser

'We shouldn’t have to ask North Korea for permission to see a movie,' the Republican senator up for re-election in 2016 tweeted.

Local Jobs: Nestle, BNSF, Smoky Barque, Hickory Creek Animal Hospital

Looking for a new line of work or a way to supplement your income? Check out what Patch found for you.