WRITER | EDITOR | STORYTELLER


​Naperville company’s Water University aims to head off looming global crisis May 16, 2019

The United Nations estimates there could be a 40 percent global water shortfall by the year 2030, a shortage that will not only impact potable drinking water but that which is used by agriculture and industry. A demand for solutions is what has prompted Ecolab and its subsidiary Nalco Water to create its new Naperville-based Water University.


​Jewish Naval officer shares stories of maintaining her faith in Iraq, Afghanistan June 2, 2018

Wherever Laurie Lans goes, she makes a point of trying to meet other Jews. That’s what she does when she goes to a grocery store, a new city or a war zone. In 2001, just weeks before the Sept. 11 terrorist attacks, Lans left her career as an executive producer for the nationally syndicated Dennis Prager radio show for the United States Navy. Within two years, Lans, like so many others, found herself thrust into a combat theater in Iraq. She served a tour and rotated out of Iraq, only to return again as a naval intelligence officer in 2005.


10-year-old Naperville student wants to sell you her rotten slime May 17, 2018

Like a mad scientist bent on creating a new atrocity, 10-year old Rosie Grimaldi loves to bend her mind and talents when coming up with Rotten Slimes.


Former CIA agent says Syrian unrest rooted in drought, politics and fight for survival April 28, 2017

Although he spent decades in and around Syria, former Central Intelligence Agency operative Robert Baer said he still has trouble figuring out the problems in that country.


College of DuPage Employees Call on Board to Get Back to Business, Jan. 15 2016

College of DuPage faculty and staff are calling on the school's board of trustees to take care of business as elected officials boycotted a third meeting Thursday.


DuPage Sets Record With Nearly 50% Turnout, March 17, 2016

Nearly 50 percent of DuPage's registered voters cast ballots in Tuesday's election, setting a new county record.


Wheaton’s Cantigny Museum to Close in Fall for $7 Million Renovation, April 1 2016

A planned renovation of the 1st Infantry Division Museum at Cantigny Park in Wheaton will provide a more complete history of the military organization, developing a new permanent exhibit focused on the infantry's mission since the end of the Vietnam War.


‘Duck Dynasty’s’ Missy Robertson Talks to Naperville Women About Christian Faith,
April 30, 2016

Having one of the top reality television programs provides a large platform for the Robertson family of Louisiana to speak about their religious faith, which "Duck Dynasty" star Missy Roberston did Saturday when addressing more than 700 women gathered at Calvary Church in Naperville for the Tenacious Faith Women's Conference.


Islamic Center Open House Draws Crowd of 1,000, March 15 2016

For almost four hours, Mansoor Syed shared information about his Islamic faith and the Prophet Muhammad with hundreds of people who attended an open house at the Islamic Center of Naperville on Sunday afternoon.


Music, STEM Rooms Added to Downers Grove Library, Oct 20, 201
After six months of construction and renovations Downers Grove Public Library officials unveiled an updated facility promising 21st century services to the community.

Infection Suspected in Death of Suburban Dogs, Oct. 26, 2014
Mac was a spirited and energetic 4-year-old Golden Retriever full of zest for life. But all that changed just over a week ago when the dog began to vomit and could no longer urinate. Within a few days Mac was dead.


Glen Ellyn Firefighter Honored for Bravery in Apartment Fire, Nov. 4, 2014
Chris Guare, a Glen Ellyn volunteer fire fighter, received a Medal of Valor from The 100 Club of DuPage County for his attempt to save a man’s life during a May 10 apartment fire in Glen Ellyn.


Naperville Marathon Raises Money for Charities, Nov. 10, 2014
A crisp and chilly morning did not dampen the spirits of more than 6,000 runners taking part in the second annual Edward Hospital Naperville Marathon and Half Marathon.

I freelanced for The Chicago Tribune from 2014-2020, covering local government, education and general news across suburban Chicago.