Dawn Patrol: Vigil for teen killed in Mexico, Wheaton bank holdup
Teens hold vigil for slain Rolling Meadows teen
Dozens of suburban teens gathered last night to stand vigil for a classmate found slain Christmas Eve in Mexico. They brought bouquets of flowers, balloons, signs and candles to honor 18-year-old Alexis Marron of Rolling Meadows, whose body was among three discovered in the trunk of a torched car Saturday. Full story.
Bank inside Wheaton supermarket held up
Police are seeking information after a TCF Bank branch inside a Wheaton supermarket was robbed last night. No one was injured in the 7 p.m. stickup at the Jewel Food Store, 2031 N. Main St. The thief implied he was armed but a weapon was not seen, Wheaton police Lt. Tom Heidank said. The robber demanded money, got it and fled. Full story.
Aurora tot's death wasn't crash-related, officials say
A 3-year-old Aurora girl whose mother was rushing her to a hospital during the child's asthma attack died after her mom's car collided with another, but Kayla Bell's death was blamed on a medical issue and not the crash, authorities said yesterday. Full story.
Des Plaines' top cop to retire Jan. 1
Des Plaines Police Chief Jim Prandini will retire Jan. 1 after 31 years on the job, the city announced yesterday. He's been recovering from back surgery. Deputy Police Chief Mike Kozak was named acting police chief until a permanent appointment can be made, which could take months, the city said. Full story.
Quinn defends tax breaks for Sears after it says it's closing 120 stores
Some aren't pleased with Sears Holdings Corp.'s decision to close up to 120 Sears and Kmart stores just weeks after the retailer was promised tax incentives to keep its headquarters in Illinois, but Gov. Pat Quinn and others said the goal of the tax breaks was to keep Sears' HQ and the employees there in the state, and that's been accomplished. Sears would not say yesterday where they're closing stores. Full story.
Aurora postal facility could close
The Fox Valley Processing and Distribution Center in Aurora is one of about 230 U.S. Postal Service facilities targeted for closure. A public forum on the proposal is set for tonight. Full story.
Tammy Duckworth files to run for Congress
Surprising no one, Tammy Duckworth yesterday filed to run in the Democratic primary for the 8th District of Congress, the final day for U.S. House candidates to get on the 2012 ballot. Full story.
Bob LeGere announces his 2011 NFL awards
Which coach is the biggest windbag in the NFL? Read the Daily Herald's 2011 NFL Year-End Awards, by Bob LeGere, to find out.
Weather
Expect a partly sunny day with temperatures rising from 22 overnight. Forecasters predict a high of 34 and a low of 31 today before a chance of a rain or snow shower Thursday morning. Full weather: http://www.accuweather.com/en/us/chicago-il/60666/weather-forecast/26514_pc
Traffic
Commuters will hit a slow spot on the inbound Elgin-O'Hare expressway between Roselle Road and I-290 this morning, but most other major roads are delay-free to start the morning. Full traffic: http://www.traffic.com/chicago