Lest we forget just how wonderful our state is, take a look at the Illinois Wall of Fame.
Army vet Jim Champion has multiple sclerosis.
Ozinga concrete mixer delivers big for mother and son in the ALS Ice Bucket Challenge.
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.
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.
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.
As a part of our "Everyday Inspirations" series, we look at how children across the country are making big impacts locally.
Sydney Banks and Antonio Santiago will receive scholarships to prepare them for a career as teachers.
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.
15-year-old Niani Scott was chosen from among thousands of applicants to attend the four-day event at the Walt Disney World Resort in Orlando, Florida.
Patch wants to share stories about people who work every day to change others' lives for the better.
"We are proud of the dedication of the Village staff," says Mayor John Noak.
Good reads and good people: Local students score high marks, land on elite academic achievement lists. A Lemont woman is climbing the stairway to heaven. And, in Geneva, efforts are under way to build a Ronald McDonald House.
Students must earn at least a 3.4 grade-point average to qualify for the elite list.
Students must maintain a grade-point average of 3.5 or higher to be included on the elite list.
Good reads and good people: The Valley View School District has made the AP Honor Roll grade once again; A Lemont woman volunteers through the Peace Corps; and a Plainfield South teacher is recognized for her work.
For the second year in a row, the school district has been recognized for "opening Advanced Placement classroom doors to a significantly broader pool of students."
Good reads and good people: A Downers Grove resident will lead Chicago fundraising efforts for the American Heart Association. A new chaplain spreads her message in song. And a Lukancic eighth-grader brings home the silver.
Paige Rydberg's trip to Boston during Winter Break was a huge success.
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.
Members of the Fraternal Order of Police team up with officials at the Romeoville Walmart to make the season bright for underprivileged children in the Valley View School District.
Meet Tiana, the 8-pound, 5-ounce daughter of a Romeoville couple, and the first baby born at Adventist Bolingbrook Hospital in 2014.
Good reads and good people: A local businessman chips in to back a library program. A unique program provides young men with an opportunity to talk. And a dad finds away to make a local mom's life easier.
"It's one thing I try to instill in my students ... the more literate they are, the more opportunities they will have in life," says Romeoville High School's Elizabeth Birmingham.
Unique prrogram offers young men an opportunity "to talk about things they need to talk about," says Romeoville Dean/coach Bill Normand.
These animals have it all figured out.
One local woman worked to rescue a dog all but left for dead, while a group of local gymnasts organized a food drive to feed the hungry.
Good reads and good people: A student's vocals rings loud and clear. A volunteer group participates in Wreaths Across America. And a mom breaks down reading her son's note asking dad to come home for the holidays.
The cabbies pose against the hoods of their cars, mostly fully dressed, to raise money for a lawsuit against the City of Chicago.
Seven Romeoville High School students were selected as Students of the Month for November or December by officials at the Wilco Area Career Center.
Good reads and good people: A big brother returns home from boot camp and is reunited with his little sister. A radio marathon nets big bucks for a local hospital. And a big-time football standout picks his college destination.
Leader of the Chicago Archdiocese reflects on his life and his service to the church.
Is this dad a jerk or a prankster? What a terrible gift. (Unless you're a Packers fan.)
Isidro Gomez, Derrick Perkins and Martin Luis C. Rayos Del Sol advance to the Feb. 4 finals of the Valley View School District Spelling Bee competition.
Dr. Daniel Hauser received the Pro Ecclesia et Pontifice medal, or “Cross of Honor,” at a Diocese of Joliet’s Year of Faith ceremony.
Romeoville's David Ridderhoff stayed on the air for 30 hours during Lewis University's "To Kill a DJ" marathon on WLRA Radio.
Good reads and good people: A basketball coach teaches her girls a lesson that transcends the court. Some 'Best Buddies' put the finishing touches on their high school legacy. And a man who builds instruments is saluted.