November Report Announces More Than 1,500 Layoffs

More than 1,500 employees will be affected by layoffs and closings at these 12 businesses.

Merry Kiss-mas: Lips Lock Under 'Mistletoe Kissing Contraption'

Blake Grigsby steals smooches in the spirit of the season at Christkindlmarket in Chicago.

Remembering Judy Baar Topinka's Trailblazing Life

Illinois Comptroller Judy Baar Topinka died today at the age of 70. We look back at the trailblazing life she led.

RING IN THE NEW YEAR AT BAR PASTORAL!

Pastoral Artisan Cheese, Bread & Wine Hosts Two Dinner Seatings to Welcome 2015

Shopping Made Easy: Patch 2014 Holiday Gift Guide

Find gifts for everyone on your shopping list.

Ice-Skating Ribbon at Maggie Daley Park Opens This Saturday

Ice skating will be free on Saturday. Skate rentals are $12.

Patch's BIG LIST of Chicago-Area Job Openings

If you're looking, or know someone who is, here are dozens of opportunities throughout Chicagoland.

Illinois is One of the Nation's Worst-Run States

24/7 Wall St. released its annual survey of the best- and worst-run states in the nation. Are you surprised by Illinois’ new rank?

Church-Goers Take to the Streets in Protest Sunday

"Die-in" marches take place on the North, South and West Sides.

Illinois' 25 Most Dangerous Cities

Using 2013 violent crime statistics, Law Street Media’s second annual analysis ranks states and cities from most to least dangerous.

The 6 Biggest NOAA-Ranked Snowstorms Recorded in Illinois

Will this year’s winter bring enough snow to top these records?

Hoping to Adopt - Lots of Love to Share!

Lots of Love to Share! Please Consider Us! DebbieChrisAdopt.com DebbieChrisAdopt@gmail.com

Cops Invite Public To View and Claim Stolen Property

Property was recovered from residential burglaries in the 19th and 20th police districts this year. Viewing takes place Dec. 5.

TEA'S THE SEASON WITH ARGO TEA(R)

Chicago-based Argo Tea throws ChariTEA event, releases refreshing holiday collection

Ka-ching! Illinois' 10 Most Expensive Colleges

Even after scholarships and financial aid are factored in, these 10 universities still will cost you a very pretty penny.

Vienna Beef Executive Releases 'Never Put Ketchup on a Hot Dog'

The book, by author and Vienna Beef executive Bob Schwartz, is now in its 3rd reprint with new stories and updates.

The 30 Hardest Colleges to Get Into in Illinois

If your kids plan on applying to any of these Illinois schools, they better plan on studying hard if they want to get accepted.

Santa Hustle Chicago 5K to Benefit ACS, Toys for Tots

This 6th annual event is sure to put you into the holiday spirit!

Chicago Cops Hold Bone Marrow Drive To Save Officer With Leukemia

Fellow police officers hold bone marrow drive will be held Monday for Officer Blanca Magallon who is battling leukemia.

Credit Card Info Taken in Data Breach at Chicago-Area Parking Garages

People who used parking from late September through early November could be affected.

Living longer and better

Our attitude towards aging makes all the difference in the world

Apparently this is Illinois' signature Thanksgiving Day dish

There’s a good chance you’re unaware of the state’s signature dish, and these 15 interesting facts about Thanksgiving turkeys.

Drew Peterson Lawyer Believes Wife-Killer's Murder-For-Hire Rap A 'Setup'

A roundup of recent #PatchChicago stories.

Search for Low Gas Prices

Traveling for Thanksgiving? Use our mapquest gas-price tool to find the lowest price wherever you are.

Top Illinois cities and counties with the highest sales taxes

How much are you paying in sales taxes compared to your neighboring cities and counties?

REST Program Offers 2 Respite Care Trainings in January

REST, (Respite Education and Support Tools), will offer 2 trainings in the Chicago area in January for those who wish to help caregivers.

In First Parish Visit, Archbishop Blase Cupich Apologizes for Despicable Predator Priest

Parishioners at St. Agatha's parish give Chicago Archdiocese's new leader a standing ovation Sunday.

Do you live in one of Illinois' top 50 school districts?

These are the 50 best public school districts in the state.

Four People Injured At Macy's When Aerosol Can Explodes During Cooking Demo

Chicago fire official says can got to close to heat source causing it to explode, Chicago Tribune reports.

NORTH SIDE HOMES FOR SALE: North Center-Roscoe Village

Local real estate listings.

Report: Illinois' students are falling behind

A new report has some troubling findings regarding the state of the state’s public schools.

Hand in Hand, a Mother-Child Winter Mitten Combo Keeps Hands and Hearts Warm

Chicago mom Kara Taylor is seeing good sales for her new Forget Me Knot classic wool mittens.

The Best High-Performing, High-Poverty Schools in Illinois

Illinois Honor Roll awarded 37 schools for their academic performance despite the overwhelming odds.

Will the State Put a Crimp on Uber?

Veto session includes bill to impose new regulations on rideshare companies, including Uber.

Would This School Funding Reform Bill Help or Hurt Your Local School District?

The School Funding Reform Act of 2014, known as Senate Bill 16, would drastically change the state’s education funding formula.

Jane Byrne Made the Best Scenes in 'The Blues Brothers' Possible

As mayor in 1979, she gave John Belushi the go-ahead to film in the city of Chicago, opening the door to creation of a comedy classic.

Is This Really What Illinois Does Best?

Another unfortunate ranking for Illinois. What is it this time?

PASTORAL INTRODUCES HOLIDAY COLLECTIONS AND MEDLEYS THAT SPOTLIGHT CHICAGO'S ICONIC NEIGHBORHOODS

Chicago’s hometown cheese shop since 2004 makes delicious artisan holiday gift offerings available online and in-store beginning November 1

Police Work To Return Fenger Class Ring and Other Stolen Property To Owners

Is this your stuff? If your home was burglarized in the 19th Police District , police may have recovered your stolen property.

Chicago Archdiocese Fulfills Dying Man's Wish: To Get His Priest Sex Abuse File

Rick Springer was a Chicago cab driver and an advocate on behalf of those were abused, as he was, by Catholic priests.