Hey Browns Fans: Celebrating Deshaun Watson’s Painful Injury Is Not OK

What would a Steelers fan do?

Why Taylor Swift Is The Hero We All Need Right Now

 Choosing TIME’s Person Of The Year: Taylor Swift vs. Vladimir Putin. 

13 Women Who Changed My Working Life

I grew up in old-school newsrooms full of irreverent, transgressive, colorful and off-color fun, and not a few caustic flaws. In recent years, though, I’ve been gobsmacked by stunning misogyny and “anti-woke” prejudice masquerading as managerial brio. 

Be Curious, Not Judgmental: Don't Be An Elon-Hole

The curious case of Elon Musk and Haraldur Thorleifsson

10 Years At Patch With The Hardest Working Team In Local News

If this were easy, everyone would be doing it. Patch has come a long way in the last decade, and we're just getting started.

Michael Ferro To Deal His Tronc Stake For $208 Million

Ferro, the majority shareholder, is selling out to McCormick Media pending regulator approval. Sargent McCormick is part of investor group.

'Then I See The Delight In Your Eyes Turn To Fear'

Patch editors have published local sex offender registry information for years.

Where Did Patch Finish? Kentucky Derby's One-Eyed Horse Wins Hearts

The most-talked-about horse at the Kentucky Derby was a half-blind colt named Patch. You can guess who we were rooting for.

Millionaire Gang Leader Who Shattered Man's Legs With Bullets Loses Lawsuit And Freedom

Known to mock judges and justice in his frequent court appearances, smiling smugly for the news cameras as his misdeeds churn through the court system, Thaddeus "T.J." Jimenez's life story is as unique as it is sad and vulgar. He was sent to prison at 13, then freed and given $25 million.

Mom-In-Chief Michelle Obama Delivers Lessons For A Playground Bully

Were you listening Donald Trump? America was, and the first lady brought down the house at the Democratic National Convention Monday night.

No Mistakes By This Lake: Cleveland Rocks GOP Convention With Peace And, Dare We Say, Love

Pride in Cleveland: There was very little trouble during Republican Convention week in the streets of a "great Midwestern city" run by Democrats. 

'I Will Restore Law And Order' Trump Vows In Grand Finale

Trump promised a "movement." Ivanka Trump says her dad will champion women's rights, equal wages and be a "fighter" for his country. 

'I Am Not a Servile Puppy Dog,' Says Ted Cruz, 'This is Personal'

Insults about the Texas senator's wife "still sting" as Cruz refuses to endorse Donald Trump.

Caitlyn Jenner, Authentic Republican, On God, Public Toilets And The Constitution

"It was easy to come out as trans. It was harder to come out as Republican," she says during visit to Cleveland on Day 2 of the GOP Convention.

Roger Ailes Sex Claims, Possible Fox News Exit Stun GOP Convention-Goers

Republicans are gathered in Cleveland — where Ailes's career began. At 76, he could be cast out of the network he built as CEO.

'Finest Governor in the United States' ... is Bruce Rauner?

Illinois GOP chairman Tim Schneider says something kind of amazing on national TV during the Trump nomination process.

Trump Made 'We Are The Champions' His Jam And Ignored Sony 'Request To Desist'

Legendary rock band Queen not pleased with the GOP presidential candidate's use of its classic rock 'n' roll anthem at the Republican Convention.

Melania Trump's Speech Cheat Exposed

Melania Trump's convention words Monday night echoed those of Michelle Obama 8 years ago, casting a pall over convention's opening night. 

Crowning Achievement For Donald Trump

Few expected Trump would ever arrive here, in Cleveland, as the nominee. This week, Republicans celebrate their presidential candidate.

Teen Shot 16 Times By Chicago Police A 'Modern-Day Emmett Till'

City officials worry violence will beget violence after the public sees how Laquan McDonald died.

The Santa Who Ruined An Autistic Girl's Christmas

To one mall Santa, Pup-Cake the pit bull service dog had a very menacing nose. Is that why he refused to visit with the girl and her dog?

Patch Winning Fans One Year After Launch

My friends and I make history as Illinois Patch celebrates one year in business.

 

Take This Job And Love It?

I started a new job recently. The first two days have been the best first two days of any job I’ve ever had.

Sinatra To Royko: 'I Punch You In The Mouth'

😂 "I don't understand why people don't spit in your eye three or four times a day." 

We've Been Sold On Sexy For A Very Long Time

Me love you long time ... especially if you've got money to burn. While porn has gone mainstream and made sex part of virtually everything we buy and sell, this isn't entirely new.

Journalist, Reinvent Thyself

The upheaval in the newspaper business is exposing business-model flaws and character flaws in those who are shepherding the papers to their graves. Despite the pain of the transformation, journalists will be reinvigorated by the change. Still, that doesn't mean newspapers are going to survive.

Smoking Ban Fears Went Up In Smoke

We're a couple of years into Illinois' smoking ban, and it's amazing how clean the air is in every tavern where I've tipped a few. I used to argue that bars shouldn't be subject to the ban because drinking and smoking seemed so linked in the confines of your local watering hole. But the bars remain busy, and the air no longer stings your eyes.

Thoughts On A Job, Undone

A lesson from Dad: Sometimes a job just doesn't fit. And sometimes a guy just isn't getting the job done. 

 A good boss knows the difference and acts accordingly.

On The Basepath Of Life With The Cleveland Indians

The ups and downs of the Cleveland Indians can't compare with life's ups and downs. Or can they? Sometimes, it seems like life and sport are inextricably intertwined, at least when it comes to memories and families.

Li'l Abner And Lessons From A Road Less Traveled

Remembering that one time I was a hillbilly hunk in Dogpatch!

VP Dick Cheney Needs Remedial Lesson In Democracy

Vice President Dick Cheney is the hobgoblin of American democracy making decisions in the darkness.

Narcissism Among Children Abounds But Don't Despair

A researcher believes kids today are as self-centered as celebrities. She fears their inflated sense of self worth will damage society. 

Spaced Invaders? Is Video Game Obsession A New Psychiatric Disorder?

The AMA is thinking about creating a new mental condition because of the way kids play video games! No, really!

The End Of Chief Illiniwek: Don't Shed A Tear For This Insult

Illini fans can't let go of their school mascot despite the cultural mockery the display entails.

Challenge Awaits A Man Who Would Be Great

This column was published the Sunday before Barack Obama visited a Harvey church. By that time, his celebrity had grown immensely and thousands were expected. There was much anticipation about Obama's expected run for president. The mayor of Harvey was supposed to appear on the platform with the senator. Instead, he was seated in the audience and Obama delivered a stern rebuke about corruption and self-serving behavior in office.

Armed And Dangerous: Did Police Use Excessive Force To Stop Late-Night Dunkin Donuts Robbery?

Midlothian police officers flagged down during a Dunkin Donuts robbery saw a gunman attack a clerk and point a gun at them before they fired through the store windows at him. 

The Metaphorical Execution Of Dick Durbin

How much of the American ideal are we willing to give up to ensure the country's safety?.

 

An American Girl Joins The Army

Twenty-five years after Tricia Dieringer first put on an Army uniform, her desire to serve has brought her to the command of the 11th District American Legion, which includes 54 posts and upwards of 14,000 members in Kane, McHenry, DuPage and Will counties.

Behind These Eyes

Steve Abbott, a veteran South Elgin police officer, loved softball and the outdoors. But Lou Gehrig’s disease robbed him of the use of his body. Now bedridden and unable to speak, Abbott lives each day to its fullest in a new way and refuses to give up on life.

Senior Citizen Preference Forces Trade-off That Hurts Young People

It’s difficult to understand why a 70-year-old homeowner with a paid-off house should owe less property tax than a 35-year-old couple juggling student loans and daycare, especially when both earn the same income.