The Journal & Topics was founded in 1930 by William O. Lipinski, a local businessman and community leader in Des Plaines, Illinois. Lipinski started the newspaper to provide comprehensive local news coverage for the growing suburban communities northwest of Chicago. The idea was to create a publication that would focus on the specific interests and concerns of these suburban areas, which were often overlooked by larger Chicago-based newspapers. Today, the Journal & Topics is still family-owned and operated, with Todd Wessell, Lipinski's grandson, serving as the publisher and editor. Based in Des Plaines, Illinois, the Journal & Topics covers local news for several suburban communities in the northwest Chicago area, including Des Plaines, Park Ridge, Mount Prospect, and Glenview, among others. The newspaper provides reporting on local government, community events, schools, sports, business, and entertainment. While primarily focused on local issues, the Journal & Topics also includes coverage of broader topics that affect the region, such as state politics and Chicago-area news. The publication maintains a strong emphasis on community journalism, often featuring stories about local residents, businesses, and organizations that might not receive attention from larger media outlets. One interesting fact: A unique aspect of the Journal & Topics is its commitment to print journalism in an increasingly digital age. While many local newspapers have shifted entirely to digital platforms or significantly reduced their print presence, the Journal & Topics continues to publish multiple print editions each week for different communities in its coverage area. This dedication to traditional print media, combined with its online presence, allows the Journal & Topics to serve readers who prefer physical newspapers while also reaching a digital audience, demonstrating a balanced approach to modern local journalism.