Dawn Patrol: Suburban Cuban-Americans hope to renew family ties; Bears bench Cutler
Fear wins out as Sony caves to threats
In the end, the boogeyman won. A mysterious, unknown entity from the nether regions of the Internet posted an ominous message threatening the lives of all who might see Sony Pictures' Christmas comedy "The Interview." Read Dann Gire's take here.
Suburban Cuban-Americans hope to renew family ties
Suburban Cuban-Americans greeted the news of normalized relations with happiness, optimism, anger and worry on Wednesday. "There are going to be changes. Big changes," anticipates 21-year-old Naivy Gonzalez of West Chicago. Full story.
Gold dropped in Libertyville Salvation Army kettle
An anonymous "Guardian Angel" has extended a giving streak to four consecutive years with a deposit of seven valuable gold coins in a Salvation Army kettle in Libertyville. Full story.
Naperville theater owner released on $25,000 bail
The owner of the Hollywood Palms movie theater in Naperville, accused of owing the state more than $1.37 million in underreported taxes, was released Wednesday afternoon from the DuPage County jail. Full story.
Two Elgin men accused of armed violence
Two Elgin men have been charged with armed violence and other crimes after another 19-year-old man was struck in the face by a bottle. Full story.
Park Ridge man charged with child porn possession
A 47-year-old Park Ridge man has been charged after authorities said they found more than 1,000 images of child pornography in his possession. Albert Galus, a former tutor for middle school and high school students, was arrested Tuesday. Full story.
Weather
Mostly cloudy to start with temperatures of only 24 degrees. Temperatures will reach a high of 29 degrees this afternoon before dipping back to 25 degrees overnight. Full story.
Traffic
Bridge and interchange work reduces Route 25 in Elgin to two lanes in each direction over the Jane Addams Tollway. Work is expected to finish sometime in 2016. Full traffic.
Bears bench Cutler vs. Lions
In the latest spin on the Halas Hall merry-go-round, the NFL's highest-paid player has been benched. According to ESPN's Adam Schefter, Jay Cutler and his $22.5 million salary will sit Sunday against Detroit in favor of Jimmy Clausen, who hasn't started a game in nearly four years. Read Bob LeGere's take here.