Dawn Patrol: Fatal Aurora shooting; Bears, Blackhawks win
'Family was everything' to slain Aurora teen
A pair of Aurora men appeared in court yesterday facing charges in connection with the fatal Nov. 7 shooting of a 19-year-old man in what police are describing as a botched robbery. Leon D. Williams, 21, of the 2400 block of North Farnsworth Avenue, and Keyonn S. Lovelace, 18, of the 400 block of North Union Street, each face three counts of first-degree murder, as well as armed robbery charges, in the slaying of Daniel Sanchez, Aurora police said. Sanchez's mother, Adriana Cervantes, described him Sunday as the life of the party, someone who was always dancing, smiling and trying to make others happy. But "to him, family was everything," she added. Full story.
What's wrong with West Chicago housing? Tell experts Tuesday
West Chicago residents who want to provide their opinions on what the future of housing should look like in the city are invited to attend a meeting Tuesday night at city hall. The workshop, which runs from 7 to 8:30 p.m. at 475 Main St., is part of a project called Homes for a Changing Region. "It's trying to see how the housing and residential needs of the community will be best served in the future, and to try to anticipate what those needs might be," said John Said, the city's director of community development. Full story.
Youth is served at 'Ace of Cakes' appearance in Schaumburg
The Food Network's "Ace of Cakes," Duff Goldman, began his professional career at a bagel shop when he was just 14. So he probably could identify with the youngsters who flocked to the stage and eagerly raised their hands to ask him questions yesterday during America's Baking and Sweets Show at the Renaissance Schaumburg Convention Center. When he took the stage, Goldman, owner of Charm City Cakes, shared it with a number of young bakers, working with them to prepare some of the recipes from his new book, "Duff Bakes." Full story.
Huntley mulling alternative school for struggling students
Huntley schools officials are considering creating an off-site alternative school for at-risk students who need extra academic and social or emotional support. Huntley Community School District 158, with roughly 9,400 students, already offers a variety of interventions for students for whom the traditional high school model is not working. Yet, those interventions are not intensive enough to support the needs of some middle and high school students who are slipping through the cracks, said Danyce Letkewicz, Huntley High School associate principal for student services. Full story.
Former Elburn cop faces life in prison
A former Elburn cop accused of raping and sexually abusing a girl he knew for more than a decade could spend life in prison if convicted of all charges. Kane County prosecutors recently filed court papers arguing the nearly three dozen counts of predatory criminal sexual assault, aggravated criminal sexual assault and aggravated criminal sexual abuse against David Wright, 54, of Campton Hills, should be considered as separate acts and eligible for consecutive sentences. Full story.
Weather
Mostly cloudy and 48 degrees to start the day this morning. Temperatures will climb to 57 degrees this afternoon, before falling to 49 degrees overnight tonight. Full story.
Traffic
Intersection widening and reconstruction work is scheduled to cause restrictions in all directions at Algonquin and Barrington roads in South Barrington until May. Full traffic.
Big plays propel Bears over Rams
It was an unprecedented day of big plays by the Chicago Bears' offense, including another big day for backup tight end Zach Miller and for rookie running back Jeremy Langford. Miller and Langford each had TD receptions of more than 80 yards in the 37-13 rout of the Rams, as the 4-5 Bears won for the fourth time in six games after an 0-3 start. Read beat writer Bob LeGere's take here.
Imrem: Maybe it's time for Broncos, Packers to squirm
The Chicago Bears were supposed to be in a precarious position with consecutive tests against St. Louis, Denver and Green Bay. But after the Bears beat the Rams 37-13 Sunday, the Broncos and Packers might be the ones squirming now, Mike Imrem writes. Read his full column here.
Blackhawks win 4-1
It has been an uneven start to the season for Blackhawks backup goalie Scott Darling, but he certainly impressed last night at the United Center as he turned away 25 of 26 shots in the Hawks' 4-1 victory over the Calgary Flames. Read beat writer John Dietz's take here.