Dawn Patrol: Supporters rally behind suspended professor; Maine East classmates recall 'Harry' Ford
Supporters rally around suspended Wheaton College professor
Supporters rallied Wednesday for Wheaton College political science instructor Larycia Hawkins, a day after she was put on administrative leave by the evangelical Christian school for saying on Facebook that Christians and Muslims worship the same God. Hawkins, who is Christian, said this to explain why she chose to wear a hijab, a Muslim head scarf, during Advent. She is suspended through the spring semester. Full story.
Maine East classmates recall 'Harry' Ford before 'Star Wars' fame
Before the days of YouTube, DVDs or even VHS, a shy teenage boy who went by the name of
Harry Ford rolled a film projector cart up and down the hallways of Maine Township East High School in Park Ridge. It was some two decades later when the Class of 1960 graduate - by then a struggling-actor-turned-carpenter in Hollywood - got his big break in front of the camera in 1977's "Star Wars." Full story.
College of DuPage put on two years' probation
The College of DuPage has been placed on two years' probation by the Higher Learning Commission for failing to act "with integrity in its financial, academic, personnel and auxiliary functions." The school, which is the largest community college in the state, also is out of compliance with criteria for accreditation and core components, according to details made public by the school Wednesday. Full story.
COD trustee decries legal fees
College of DuPage Trustee Dianne McGuire said Wednesday the school has spent more than $3.5 million in legal and financial consultant fees the past seven months "chasing a manufactured crisis." Full story.
'Mad Max: Fury Road' wins best picture from Chicago Film Critics
The Chicago Film Critics Association has named "Mad Max: Fury Road" best picture of 2015. The long-awaited continuation of George Miller's post-apocalyptic action saga (following a 30-year hiatus) claimed five prizes: picture, director, cinematography, editing and art direction/production design. Other notable winners include Brie Larson, who earned the best actress award for her performance in "Room," and Leonardo DiCaprio, who was named best actor for his performance in "The Revenant."
Military families receive holiday meals
Children colored pictures of reindeer and visited with Santa Claus during Wednesday's Holiday Meals for Military event at the Gurnee Holiday Inn. Almost 100 families were treated to gifts, school supplies and meals during the Operation Homefront program. Full story.
Weather
Cloudy and 33 degrees this morning. Temperatures will reach 37 degrees this afternoon before falling to only 25 degrees overnight. Full weather.
Traffic
The ongoing I-90 widening and reconstruction project closes McCornack Road between Route 72 and Big Timber Road from Elgin to Gilberts until the end of the year. Full story.
Rozner: Frazier a good start for White Sox
The White Sox made a very good deal Wednesday morning by bringing in power-hitting third baseman Todd Frazier in exchange for three prospects, columnist Barry Rozner writes. "But beyond the trade itself remain many questions about what the Sox will be in 2016 and what they intend to be going forward. Considering the misery of 2015, you have to think the Sox are not done shopping or dealing, with Alex Gordon particularly appealing for a team that was so bad at the actual playing of baseball last season." Full column.
Rose goes retro in Bulls' victory
The Bulls celebrated 1970s Night with a Village People concert at halftime, but Derrick Rose treated it more like 2011 Night, leading his team to a 98-85 victory over the Memphis Grizzles. In a flashback to his MVP season, Rose started fast, turned on the jets a few times and piled up 19 points Wednesday. Read beat writer Mike McGraw's take here.