Weekend in Review: Animal stolen from pet store; 'Hustle' tops Globes

Warning: Coyotes view your pets as intruders

It's coyote season in the suburbs: Young males separate from their families and search for their own place to live in preparation for the beginning of mating season. As a result, coyote attacks on pets are more likely. A Wheaton family had a coyote snatched their dog in the front yard, no more than 10 feet from its owner. “What scares me most is that they just don't seem to have the fear of human presence,” said Carol Cincinello, who lost her dog Daisy in the attack. Full story.

‘King of Nerds' contestant already pioneer in new economy

A TBS TV reality show competition starting this month will decide if Josh Wittenkeller has what it takes to be crowned “King of the Nerds.” But the Graylake native already qualifies as a pioneer in the post-Internet economy with his YouTube business that draws millions of fans who watch him play and talk about video games. Full story.

Fatal accidents raise safety questions on Oakton Street

Two deadly accidents within six months on Oakton Street near Elk Grove Village have caused some people to question whether safety measures couldn't be installed. The fatal accidents — a 4-year-old boy hit by a semi-truck last July and a 66-year-old man struck by a car two weeks before Christmas — were in an area with a mobile home park on the north side and businesses on the south side. “They need a crosswalk out there,” said Mary Swieca, the wife of the second victim. Full story.

Friends: Lombard woman charged in murder delusional

A Lombard woman who reportedly suffered from delusions is being held on $3 million bond in DuPage County jail after being charged with killing her husband early Thursday morning. Anka Miscevic, 48, appeared in DuPage County bond court Saturday morning after she admitted to authorities that she stabbed her husband Zeljko Miscevic, 53, in the chest and hit him in the head with a baseball bat, prosecutors said. Full story.

Suburban Santas award Warner Bros. lump of coal

About 30 Santa Clauses and a few Mrs. Clauses sat down at the Orchard Valley Golf Course restaurant in Aurora Saturday morning to give a “Lump of Coal Award” to Warner Bros. studios for demanding that local groups cease holiday “Polar Express” rides unless they pay for licenses to use the name. Full story.

Carol Stream seventh-grader lived full life despite health problems

A serious heart condition never put a damper on Tilak Patel's winning smile, kind nature and passion for sports, several friends and family members said at the 13-year-old boy's funeral Friday morning. His resolve to smile and live his life to the fullest despite his health issues, was an inspiration to everyone who loved him. “Even though he was 13 years old, it seemed like he had 70 or 80 years of experience under his belt,” said his cousin, Kunal Patel. Full story.

Health of dead baby's twin concerning, Barrington fire chief says

The surviving twin sister of a 7-month-old Barrington girl who was reported dead Wednesday was hospitalized herself after police and paramedics arrived, authorities said Friday. “I would say her physical status was concerning,” Barrington Fire Chief Jim Arie said. Full story

Four charged in robbery, home invasion in Carol Stream

Four people were arrested and charged in relation to an aggravated robbery and home invasion that took place Thursday night in Carol Stream, authorities said. Johnnie Haymore and Javonte Hilton, both 21 and residents of Carol Stream, and Arthur Kirby, whose age and hometown were not immediately available, were charged with home invasion and aggravated robbery. Ashley Lawrence, 18, of Hanover Park, was charged with aggravated robbery. Full story.

Expansion coming to Lake County juvenile justice center

A long-proposed expansion of Lake County's juvenile courthouse near Vernon Hills finally is moving forward. A $10.5 million addition to the north side of the Robert W. Depke Juvenile Justice Complex is the centerpiece of the project's proposed first phase. “The current facility operates beyond capacity in virtually all areas,” County Administrator Barry Burton told the Daily Herald. Full story.

Baby sugar glider stolen from pet shop

A South Elgin pet store is hoping for the return of a baby sugar glider taken from the store last week. The baby has not been weaned and will not survive long separated from its mother. “It still needs her milk. Bottom line, it's going to die without its mom,” said Critters Pet Shop employee Diana Reed. Full story.

Five people shot in Elgin

Elgin police are investing a shooting early Sunday morning that left five people injured on the 300 block of North Street. None of the injuries were life-threatening. Full story.

Patients get a day to be just kids

For many of the roughly 50 kids who partied Sunday afternoon at Dave & Buster's in Addison, it's not unusual to spend a lot of time visiting doctors or undergoing chemotherapy or radiation treatments. But for a few hours on this day, at least, they just got to be kids, playing video and arcade games, dressing up for a photo booth and maybe tackling an arts and crafts project. Full story.

World & Nation

Iran, world powers reach deal on nuke program. Full story.

Court weighs president's recess appointments power. Full story.

Partisans divided over fallout for Gov. Chris Christie. Full story.

Loss of jobless aid leaves many with bleak options. Full story.

The hottest gadgets of CES. Full story.

‘American Hustle,' ‘12 Years a Slave,' top Globes. Full story. For photos, see gallery.

Sports

Bears going the wrong way? Full story.

Hawks win despite Kane's head-scratching goal. Full story.

Bears fire 2 assistants, but Tucker will be back. Full story.

Augustin a big part of Bulls' push to .500. Full story.

Highland Park native second at skating nationals. Full story.