I knew I wanted to be a writer at a young age, and never dreamed of doing anything else. My love of writing was born when a grade-school teacher encouraged me to try my hand at fiction. I took her advice, but quickly gave up make-believe stories for the real thing.
I got involved with my high school newspaper before double majoring in journalism and English.
I graduated in 2002 and landed my first newspaper job within six months. I spent eight years at The Enterprise newspaper in Plainfield, where I developed my passion for community journalism.
When a coworker pointed me in the direction of Patch.com, I jumped at the chance to be part of the future of local news.
Poor air quality closes beaches, cancels events | Family reveals suspected mass murder motive | Teacher fired after arrest
Among the five family members killed are reportedly the teen girl's grandmother, aunt, cousin and siblings.
Canadian wildfire smoke was causing hazy skies, bad air quality in the Chicago area, with a "red" air quality index level.
"Big Boy" is back | Teen girl, boyfriend arrested in family mass murder | Car hit after driving onto tracks
Prosecutors will seek to transfer the girl's case to adult court. Her father reportedly said she plotted the killings with her boyfriend.
Father, son die in plane crash | Body recovered from lake ID'd as missing boy, 15 | Video shows K-9, cops capture armed robbery suspects
Plus: Grain bin death | IL pitcher chosen in MLB draft | Father Phleger faces new accusation | Shooting at classic car fest
The well-known anti-violence activist priest has "strongly denied" the accusation, Cupich says.
"At least seven members of the target family were shot at multiple locations," ISP said.
Fawn rescued from drowning | 80-year-old gas station clerk beaten | 2 people found dead in separate homes, man charged
Dismemberment case isn't first killing to rock victim's family | Rabid bat found in house | Porn-buying school superintendent charged
The 66-year-old man died of traumatic injuries, the coroner's office said.
A mother reported her young son missing in 2024 and last month told police she had not seen him in over a year.
A 25-year-old faces six counts of first-degree murder in the death of a man, 52, and a woman, 73.
3rd child killed in boating tragedy ID'd | Trump-backing cop pulls gun on woman off duty | Truck plows into house after crash
Dogs euthanized after fatal attack | Person of interest in man's death released | AI child porn allegation against teacher
The attack left the employee with a bleeding head wound, police said.
Last week, state police said additional charges were expected against Robin Turner and James Adams.
Plus: Firework hits plane | Boating restrictions, closed trails after flooding | Search for missing man | Naked man accused in assaults
Rescue crews had to be called out for river rescues on Friday and Saturday.
