Best Maps of 2013: Are Men or Women Living Longer?

Click on the map below to find out the life expectancy for 2010 for men or women.

Dog Bites Crook, Firm Kicks Butts and Other Top News Stories This Week

Stay on top of the most important local news stories. In case you missed any this week, we've compiled a roundup for you.

Bank Robber Shot By Police Suspected Of Murdering Two Brothers, Police Say

Police searched the home of the suspected bank robber and discovered multiple pieces of evidence linking him to the murders of Mobeen and Azim Hakeem at Evanston Pipe & Tobacco.

Train Versus Car Crash Reported in Des Plaines

There is a report of a train versus car crash near 2300 Mannheim Road.

January BYOB at The Art Station Studio

Holiday Fun at The Art Station Studio

Holiday Fun at The Art Station Studio

Which Illinois Counties Have the Highest Property Taxes?

There are 23 Illinois counties that rank among the highest property taxes nationally. We made a chart of them ranked by the average home price in each county.

Michael Jordan Home Fails to Draw Buyer

Chicago Bulls and NBA legend’s Highland Park home does not attract anyone willing to pay at least $13 million.

Weight Loss Tips, Housing Markets and an Eagle Safari

Best of the Blogs: This Week's Top Reads.

Christmas Travel in Jeopardy: Snow, Tornadoes, Ice, Fog, Rain

Whether you're driving or flying, be aware of the changing weather, and try to plan your travel accordingly.

Surge Ahead in 2014

Surge Ahead in 2014

Regional Police Report: Illinois' Top Trader Of Child Porn Charged: Serial Bank Robber Shot to Death

The following police-related items were pulled from area Patches. An arrest is merely an accusation, not a determination of guilt.

Christmas Mass Times

Christmas Mass Times

$9.3 Million Pricetag on 100-Year-Old Inn

Also in this week's "Good Reads," the Glenbrook North students raised more than $1,200 for tornado victims in Washington, Ill.

Morton Grove May Reject Medical Marijuana Clinic

After the medical marijuana clinic left Niles due to zoning code issues, Morton Grove may not allow it either.

Could Morton Grove Dominick's Be 1 of 10 Slated For Purchase?

Mayor Dan DiMaria says the village is proactively reaching out to independent grocery chains; reports say they may buy up to 10 Dominick's, according to Crain's.

Map: Where in Town Were the Most Homes Decreasing in Values?

The recent drops in home values suggest that 2014's numbers might not be as strong as they were this year. Hover over any area of town in the map below to see the percentage of homes whose values diminished.

[VIDEO] How to Shop Your House for Last-Minute Gifts

Here are some easy last-minute gift ideas that will save you time and money.

Last-Minute Gift Idea: Homemade Granola

Don't have time to holiday shop? Homemade granola is an easy and affordable gift.

Cardinal Francis George Marks 50 Years as a Catholic Priest

Leader of the Chicago Archdiocese reflects on his life and his service to the church.

North Shore DUI Roundup: Dec. 14-20 Edition

DUI arrests from Patch articles in the past week.

Liberty Bank Brightens Holidays for Wright Way Rescue

Dominick's Giving 75% Off; 50% On Alcohol

Also, Jewel is giving 10 percent off for former Dominick's shoppers.

Sheriff Finds Missing Man as Part of Ongoing Gacy Investigation

Cook County Sheriff locates missing man as part of ongoing Gacy investigation.

Make a Wish Box, Do Zumba Santa-Style

Quinn: Time for $10 minimum wage

Schneider's and Obama's Early Fans Celebrate 10th Anniversary

The Tenth Congressional District Democrats are celebrating 10 years of political activism.

Optimist Club of Niles Donates to Food Pantry

Review + Trailer for 'American Hustle': Art of the Con Meets Art of Filmmaking

R-rated film opens wide in theaters Thursday night.

Winter Adventure Day Trips Near Chicago

Getting into the holiday spirit? From ice skating to choosing the perfect tree, we have some day trips that will transport you to a winter wonderland or one tank of gas.

How to know when you need help

Audrey has over 30 years serving the needs of older adults and works with them nearly every day. As one of the best known owners of a premier senior retirement and assisted living facility, she knows what's important to seniors.

Film: 'Captain Phillips'

LitLounge Book Discussion: Everything Asian by Sung J. Woo

Senior Center Book Talk: Great Narrators, Excellent Audiobooks 

Between the Lines Book Discussion: Dear Life

Between the Lines Book Discussion: Dear Life

Sound Advice