Dawn Patrol: Minivan slams into house; Navy recruits get Christmas
Minivan rolls through 3 rooms of Bloomingdale house
No one was injured after a minivan slammed into a Bloomingdale home, breaking through three rooms before coming to a halt last night. Battalion Chief Chris Wilson, of the Bloomingdale Fire Protection District, said there was no one in the house at the time of the crash because the family was celebrating Christmas with their relatives in a different town. But the family had 40 people in the house the night before. Full story.
Great Lakes recruits treated to Christmas in Arlington Heights
Early yesterday morning, Alexxis Garcia and about 50 other recruits from Great Lakes Naval Base in North Chicago enjoyed a warm meal, a day of relaxation and time to connect with their families while being hosted at Christian Liberty Academy in Arlington Heights. Dozens of volunteers lined the hallways to wave, clap and thank them. Full story.
Police: Bloomingdale residents not in danger after fatal shooting
Bloomingdale police worked through the holiday to find out who shot and killed 37-year-old Nate Fox outside a townhouse on Monday night, and why. Police Chief Frank Giammarese said yesterday they have no new leads in the case but are looking at every possibility. Full story.
Small kitchen fire at Wildfire in Lincolnshire
No one was injured, but many Christmas dinner plans were altered by a small kitchen fire at Wildfire Steaks, Chops & Seafood restaurant in Lincolnshire around 1:30 p.m. yesterday. Greg Nemeth, a manager at Wildfire, said the restaurant wasn't able to reopen after the fire. Full story.
No problems at sold out 'Interview' screenings
Moviegoers seeking laughs or looking to make a political statement rushed to two of the suburban movie theaters that elected to show "The Interview" yesterday. So many people came to see "The Interview" at midnight on Christmas that owner Debbie Benjamin had to open an additional screen at Buffalo Grove Theatres. Full story.
Elgin firefighter - ahem, Santa - surprises kids at Advocate Sherman
Santa arrived at Advocate Sherman Hospital on Christmas Day via fire truck ladder, surprising two children at the hospital yesterday. Santa - actually John Botkin, the father of Elgin firefighter/paramedic Nate Botkin - carried on a tradition that Assistant Fire Chief Tim Maroder began four years ago when he was captain at Station 3, after a visit to the pediatric ward one November made some firefighters wonder what it would be like for a child to have to spend Christmas Day in the hospital. Full story.
Bulls unwrap Christmas victory over Lakers
When it came to power forwards playing against their old teams, the Bulls got the best of this matchup. Pau Gasol produced 23 points and 13 rebounds as the Bulls cruised past the Los Angeles Lakers 113-93 last night at the United Center. Full story.
Illini to open Big Ten bowl slate today
Illinois needed to win its last two games to become bowl eligible, then had to wait another week before finding out if there would be more football. Louisiana Tech knew after winning six of seven at the end of the regular season that it was going to a bowl. Now the Illini (6-6) of the Big Ten and the Bulldogs (8-5), both coached by the sons of coaches, meet today in the Heart of Dallas Bowl that is played at historic Cotton Bowl Stadium. Full story.
Weather
Mostly clear and pleasantly mild for the season Friday with temperatures well above normal. Highs are expected to reach the mid-40s. Saturday will be a bit cooler and breezy, with a little rain. Full story.
Traffic
Area roads are clear and it looks smooth sailing in the Chicago area. Road work is reported on Grand Avenue between Kilbourn Road and Milwaukee Avenue in the Gurnee area. Full story.
Did you hear that?
After the Bears 55-14 shellacking in Green Bay earlier this season, broadcaster and former Bears linebacker Doug Baffone said he would rather watch soccer. Read Bob Frisk's column for many more notable quotes from the sports world in 2014. Full story.