Thousands Raised For Navy Vet, Dad Of 4 Killed In Black Ice Crash

Donations have poured in to a YouCaring effort to support the family of Tommy Gardiner of Park Ridge.

Family's Lights Display Raises $110K For St. Baldrick's

The Grusecki family's "Park Ridge Lights" display brought in thousands in donations in honor of a local boy with a brain tumor.

Local High School Teacher Blazes Trail With 2nd Year of Coding Sports Camps

Wil Greenwald, a high school computer programming teacher at Maine Township District 207, teams up with sports camp to offer hybrid sessions

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.

Kindermusik Playdate - Zoo Train 8/4/15

Family time Kindermusik Playdate Tuesday August 4th at 10am. Ages 0-4, at St. Luke's in Park Ridge. kindermusikwithkathy@yahoo.com

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 in the area, Maine Township knows how to do it well. Check this out and join us!

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.

The Best Brunch Spots Around Illinois

Warning: Do not read when hungry.

Kids on the Move

Bring your little ones for a day of fun while you get things done!

Mother's Day Skate

Treat your mom to public skate at the Oakton Ice Arena!

Friday Night Live Club

4th & 5th Graders - Dance the night away at Friday Night Live!

Middle School Open Gym & Swim

Middle Schoolers, join us for Open Gym & Swim!

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.

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.

North Shore's Julia Collins Back on 'Jeopardy' for Tournament of Champions

Wilmette champ holds second-longest winning streak and will compete for $250,000.

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.

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.

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.

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.

10 Tips For a Long Happy Life From a Man Who Lived to 116

Live without attachment. Stay close to nature. Have gratitude. These are just some of the tips offered up by the 116-year-old Japanese man.

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.

Nominate 'Everyday Inspirations' in Your Town

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

Cubs Manager Renteria Visits Kids At Park Ridge Hospital

Win Tickets to See Disney On Ice

Patch and Disney on Ice will give away five family packs of four tickets each to the show of your choice. Enter to win through Jan. 20.

First 2014 Baby Arrives At 2 A.M. At Lutheran General Hospital

The newborn was six pounds, 11 ounces.

2014 Resolution: Love Your Imperfections

These animals have it all figured out.

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.

Park Ridge Community Star: Adai Karuthalackal

State Leaders Showcase Oakton's Tech Lab, Herald $500,000 State Grant

The money bought specialized equipment that will give students nanotechnology lab time, and prepare them for jobs expected to open in this exploding field.

High School Student Teams Up with Harlem Globetrotters for Anti-Bullying Efforts

When the Harlem Globetrotters organization learned about Camille Paddock's anti-bullying crusade via a Patch article, they invited her to join them to encourage kids.