Weekend in Review: Charges in Elgin homicide, infant's stabbing

Charges filed in death of Elgin man

A 28-year-old woman has been charged with first-degree murder in the killing of a 61-year-old Elgin man whose body was found inside a burning apartment Saturday morning, according to police. Full story.

Woman charged with stabbing infant

Bail was set at $2 million Saturday for a Harvard woman accused of stabbing a baby in the head. Claudia Mejia, 36, will need to post $200,000 bond before she can leave McHenry County jail in Woodstock, where she's being held while her case moves through the courts, jail officials said. Full story.

Police auctions going online

Police auctions #8212; traditionally a great place to find bargains on items from bicycles to electronics -- are going the way of the garage sale. They're migrating toward an online auction site. Starting next month, the Elgin Police Department's collection of seized, found and surplus items will be auctioned online at propertyroom.com, a site named for the place police departments keep those items. Full story.

Sears deal helps Dist. 300 but not by much

The additional funding Community Unit District 300 will collect when a new tax deal between the state and Sears Holdings Inc. takes effect may not be the light at the end of the financial tunnel the district was hoping for. But district leaders know the future is brighter. While District 300 will receive about $6.2 million per year in property tax revenues from the Sears Economic Development Area, district officials say the real benefits will be seen once the Economic Development Area is wrapped up. Full story.

Sending out some holiday cheer

The Illinois Center for Broadcasting is putting its video recording and editing technology to charitable use this month, allowing people to record free greetings for family members or friends in the military. Families or individuals stand in front of a green screen at the center's Lombard campus, get mic-ed up and have up to a minute to wish happy holidays to their relative or friend in the armed forces. Full story.

Clearbrook provides a respite

Who benefits more when volunteers step in to give parents of special needs children a break? Respite workers and parents involved with Arlington Heights-based Clearbrook's respite program say it's a toss-up. The unique program targets parents of special needs children up to age four. A staff member will visit the home to care for the child, giving the parents a needed break. Full story.

Meijer clerk saves woman from #8216;Grandparent Scam'

A quick thinking clerk at the St. Charles Meijer store helped save an 82-year-old woman from losing nearly $3,000 from what law enforcement has dubbed the #8220;Grandparent Scam.#8221; The Dec. 8 theft of $2,913 was prevented after a store clerk suspected the 82-year-old woman was being taken advantage of by a con artist. Full story.

Fire causes $125,000 damage to Naperville home

Naperville authorities are investigating a fire that started in an attached garage early Sunday morning, causing an estimated $125,000 in damage and leaving the home uninhabitable. Full story.

Barrington peace activists reflect on end of Iraq War

When we began the war in Iraq to find WMDs in 2003, Paul and Patricia Vogel of Barrington were early critics. They planted flags outside their busines in memory of each of our dead soldiers and organized a huge memorial/peace rally in Barrington. Now that our nation's part of that war is officially over, the costs of war and the lessons learned from this one remain. Full story.

World Nation

N. Korean leader Kim Jong Il dies. Full story.

Last U.S. troops out of Iraq. Full story.

House leader wants new payroll cut tax bill. Full story.

Pope heads into busy Christmas season tired, weak. Full story.

U.S. holiday online sales climb 15 percent. Full story.

Sports

Bears lose Knox, then the game. Full story.

Bears going nowhere fast. Full story.

Bears WR Johnny Know expected to make full recovery. Full story.

Hawks hope Seabrook OK after another blow. Full story.

Hamilton addition perfect move for Bulls. Full story.

Packers finally lose #8212; to Kyle Orton. Full story.