I come to Patch after working in a wide variety of media environments, with experience in traditional newspaper reporting as well as on the Internet. In the past, I've reported on Chicago's vibrant arts community for the Chicago Journal and done investigative reporting at the Chicago Reporter and org. I graduated in 2009 from Columbia College with a B.A. in Journalism. </b>
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<b>My investigative series on childhood lead poisoning rates in Chicago, published at ChicagoTalks, won a 2009 Peter Lisagor Award from the Chicago Headline Club in the Neighborhood/ Community News category. The series was also a finalist for a 2009 Investigative Reporters and Editors Award.</b>
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In Chicago, I also founded Jettison Media LLC, which publishes the arts and culture magazine Jettison Quarterly where I also serve as editor in chief.
I am very interested in the future of journalism on the Internet and am excited by Patch's hyper-local focus on news in communities across the country. But aside from journalism, my interests also include music, literature, movies and the arts.
I hope to see you all around town. Feel free to shoot me an email about any topic under the sun.
<b>Your Beliefs</b><br>At Patch, we promise always to report the facts as objectively as possible and otherwise adhere to the principles of good journalism. However, we also acknowledge that true impartiality is impossible because human beings have beliefs. So in the spirit of simple honesty, our policy is to encourage our editors to reveal their beliefs to the extent they feel comfortable. This disclosure is not a license for you to inject your beliefs into stories or to dictate coverage according to them. In fact, the intent is the opposite: we hope that the knowledge that your beliefs are on the record will cause you to be ever mindful to write, report and edit in a fair, balanced way. And if you ever see evidence that we failed in this mission, please let us know.<br><br><b>Politics </b><br>I consider myself to be an independent. I don't think any one party has all the answers, or knows the best way to get everything accomplished. To me, working with people from a variety of different backgrounds, usually ensures the best results. I like to consider the grey areas, because to me, no issue is black and white. I consider myself to be progressive in my ideology and letting people make the best decisions for themselves. I consider myself to be open, caring and compassionate and think that is reflected in my views on many social and political issues. If you'd like to know my views on specific topic or event, feel free to email me.<br><br><b>Religion</b><br>I am not religious.<br><b><br>Local Hot-Button Issues</b><br>I make it my mission to provide only the facts and to not editorialize. Issues involving schools are especially important to me, as well as a government's duties to its citizens to be both fiscally and socially responsible and fair.
The Theatre of Western Springs will open its 84th season with 'Moonlight and Magnolias,' running Sept. 6-16. The comedy chronicles an intense Hollywood script writing session for 'Gone with the Wind.'
La Grange Park staff and trustees honored longtime public works employee Rick Radde on Tuesday evening.
The gas might cause hard starts, rough idling, or stalling according to BP.
The La Grange Garden Club has made a generous donation to the Helping Hand Center that will be used to grow a sensory garden to help teach staff and clients about gardening.
Girls ages 8-11 can learn the tricks from Lyons Township High School's pom squad at a clinic on Friday, Sept. 14. Registration for the clinic is tonight.
Police say that both incidents where a suspicious person was reported near Ogden Avenue and St. Francis schools in La Grange have been cleared, but they thanks residents for reporting them.
By refinancing a loan taken out to build the new La Grange Library, the village will save residents $733,000 over the next 12 years on their property taxes.
The La Grange Park Fire Department reported three people were taken to the hospital following a traffic accident at Ogden Avenue and Gilbert Avenue in La Grange Park.
The Yankees had an outstanding season in the La Grange Little League this year. The team's talent was was on display with their win at the 49th annual Ray Overholt Tournament in Brookfield on Aug. 23.
Western Springs police reports, Aug. 20-26
La Grange Park police reports, Aug. 14-19
La Grange Police Reports, Aug. 21-23
No, there's not a catch. SCORE's experienced mentors will help you take your business to the next level.
Patch talked with Paul Green at the Desplaines Valley Mosquito Abatement District to get some answers to resident's questions about what exactly is going on when the neighborhood is fogged.
The stepdaughter of Carl Spoeri, the La Grange Park man charged with first-degree murder last week, talks about the pain he has caused her family.
Take a look at what will be discussed at tonight's Village Board of Trustees meeting in La Grange.
Patch talked with Paul Green at the Desplaines Valley Mosquito Abatement District to get some answers to resident's questions about what exactly is going on when the neighborhood is fogged.
Take a look at what's happening at tonight's Village Board of Trustees meeting in Western Springs.
La Grange police reports, Aug. 18-20.
Ross Barnard, franchise owner of Aurelio's Pizza in La Grange, is opening a new store this year in Naples, FL. Bernard talks with Patch about the ups and downs in business and why you need to be willing to try new things in order to succeed.
