Dawn Patrol: Care packages for prisoners; Bears lose
Willow Creek worshippers make care packages for prisoners
The standard paper bags were packed with a few simple items - Krispy Kreme treats, inspirational books, a journal and a Christmas card with a calendar. But Willow Creek Community Church Senior Pastor Bill Hybels said they contain something more - hope for a population that is often without it, and for whom the journey through the state's penal system will be long and in some cases permanent. Worshippers at Willow Creek in South Barrington and its satellite campuses this weekend helped prepare about 70,000 of the packages - one for every person incarcerated in Illinois. Full story.
Downers Grove man charged after Darien Wal-Mart shooting
A Downers Grove man is facing felony charges related to a Thursday shooting at a Wal-Mart in Darien, authorities said yesterday. Bradley I. Morris, 20, is charged with attempted first-degree murder, aggravated battery with a firearm and aggravated unlawful use of a weapon, DuPage County state's attorney's spokesman Paul Darrah said. He will appear in bond court Monday morning. Full story.
Bail set at $15,000 for Zion man
A Lake County judge set bail Sunday at $15,000 for a Zion man facing felony charges alleging he stole debit and credit cards from a teacher at a Gages Lake school, authorities said. Lavonte M. Murel, 20, of the 1900 block of Jethro Avenue, is charged with burglary to a school, identity theft and unlawful use of credit cards, according to a news release from the Lake County Sheriff's Office. He is being held at the Lake County jail and is scheduled to appear in court Wednesday. Full story.
Police: Elgin deaths a murder-suicide
Police said yesterday the deaths of an Elgin husband and wife whose bodies were found in their home Saturday were the result of an apparent murder-suicide. Detectives determined during an investigation that Donald Stephens, 77, used a handgun to kill his wife, Lynn Stephens, 75, and then himself, authorities said. An autopsy is scheduled for Monday. Full story.
Talks continue on traffic signal at Lake Zurich High entrance
Lake Zurich Unit District 95 board members agree a traffic study is needed to help decide whether improvements are needed for Lake Zurich High School's main entrance. Although a $480,000 federal grant was authorized in 2005 for a traffic signal at the school's driveway on a stretch of Midlothian Road known as Church Street, no work has occurred. "If we're going to try to make an informed decision about what the right course of action should be, we need some information to base that decision on," District 95 board President Doug Goldberg said. Full story.
Weather
Heavy fog this morning with temperatures of only 33 degrees. Temperatures will climb to 46 degrees this afternoon before dipping to 39 degrees overnight tonight. Full story.
Traffic
Intersection reconstruction work is scheduled to cause restrictions in all directions at Fabyan Parkway and Kaneville Road in Geneva until July, 2016. Full story.
Bears lose heartbreaker in OT to 49ers
The Chicago Bears squandered multiple opportunities to defeat a bad San Francisco 49ers team. They missed a chance to get to .500 for the first time under coach John Fox and to insert themselves into the playoff conversation. Instead, the Bears failed miserably when it mattered most in a 26-20 overtime loss. They allowed the 49ers (4-8) to win on the road for the first time all season as they plummeted to 1-5 at Soldier Field. Read beat writer Bob LeGere's take here.
Kane's streak reaches team-record 22 in Blackhawks' win
Patrick Kane extended his points streak to a team-record 22 games when he assisted on Artemi Panarin's empty-net goal during the Hawks' 3-1 victory over Winnipeg on Sunday at the United Center. Kane broke Bobby Hull's 21-game streak, set in 1971-72. Read beat writer John Dietz's full take here.
McDermott gets call as closer
The problem: The Chicago Bulls' offense frequently grinds to a halt late in fourth quarters. They rank a middling 16th in the NBA in both fourth-quarter points (24.8) and field-goal percentage (. 427). The solution: Doug McDermott … maybe? Bulls coach Fred Hoiberg made the move and stuck with his decision. McDermott has played the majority of the fourth quarter in the last three games. Read beat writer Mike McGraw's take here.
Clemson vs. Oklahoma, Alabama vs. Michigan State in playoff
Top-seeded Clemson will play No. 4 Oklahoma at the Orange Bowl and No. 2 Alabama gets No. 3 Michigan State at the Cotton Bowl in the New Year's Eve semifinals of the College Football Playoff. Full story.