Dawn Patrol: 15,000 pages on priest sex abuse; sexting at Warren
Church releases sex abuse files to put scandal behind it
The Archdiocese of Chicago released some 15,000 pages of documents yesterday that reveal details of child sex abuse by 36 priests, as it moves to put the long-running scandal behind it. It's one of the final actions of Cardinal Francis George, who promised to release the documents before his impending retirement Nov. 18. Full story, with more details on priests in the suburbs attached.
Palatine parish was home to three accused priests named in new files
St. Thomas of Villanova Catholic Church in Palatine was home from 1984 to 1994 to three priests accused of sexually abusing children in the newly release archdiocese documents. In each case, the alleged abuses happened before the priests worked at the Palatine parish. Allegations against a fourth priest were revealed in January. Full story.
Polar vortex returns next week
"Polar vortex" - two words that sent Chicago-area residents hiding under the blankets last winter - might creep back into the weather forecast next week as low temperatures are predicted to hit, and stay for most of the week. Full story.
Cyberbullying, sexting investigated at Warren High School
Three male freshmen in Warren Township High School District 121 in Gurnee are being investigated in connection with cyberbullying and sexting of a female student, authorities said yesterday. Lake County State's Attorney Mike Nerheim confirmed the juvenile division of his office has reviewed the case with Gurnee police and it has been determined to be appropriate for referral to juvenile court. Full story.
Santa's in town - already!
One down, lots of Santas to come. Santa made his debut appearance for the holiday season at Woodfield Mall in Schaumburg last night after parading through the shopping center accompanied by the Conant High School marching band. Find out when Santa is coming to a mall near you. Full story.
1-year-old chokes to death in Arlington Heights
Arlington Heights police last night reported the accidental death of a 1-year-old earlier this week. Police responded to the child's home after they were told the child was choking. The child was pronounced dead at the hospital. Full story.
McHenry County man charged with soliciting a minor
Crystal Lake police this week arrested a Lakewood man accused of soliciting sexual conduct with a minor, officials said yesterday. Tyler J. Whitfield, 24, was arrested Monday and charged with a misdemeanor count of sexual exploitation of a child and a felony count of grooming, Crystal Lake police said. Full story.
Weather
Only 34 degrees this morning, but temperatures will climb to 44 degrees this afternoon. Lows tonight should be in the upper 30s. Full story.
Traffic
Construction continues on the Elgin-O'Hare Expressway between I-290 and Rohlwing Road. Lane blockages are possible in the area. Full traffic.
Sharp sidelined for three weeks or more
Blackhawks coach Joel Quenneville yesterday made official what had been rumored for the past couple of days: Patrick Sharp will be sidelined "3 or 4 weeks" with a lower body injury after an apparent knee-to-knee collision with Alexei Emelin on Tuesday night in Montreal. Full story.
Bears tired of talking about problems
The down side of a bye week in the NFL - at least for teams that are 3-5 - is the overabundance of analysis and criticism. It's been almost two weeks since the Bears were pummeled 51-23 by the Patriots, their fourth loss in five games. That has opened them up to the musings of armchair quarterbacks, coaches and psychologists, spewing opinions about self-motivation and leadership. Full story.
Images: Bears-Packers rivalry through the years
As the two prepare to meet again this weekend, see moments from through the years of games between the Chicago Bears and Green Bay Packers. From the 1921 meeting through the 2011 NFC title game, colorful characters and classic moments have defined one of the best rivalries in all of sports. Full story.