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.