Weekend in Review: Kirk back in action; election looms

Kirk returns to public eye with Willis Tower ascent

A smiling U.S. Sen. Mark Kirk crossed the threshold of the Willis Tower Skydeck Sunday making an impressive stair climb less than a year after suffering a serious stroke. With a brace on his left leg and little use of his left arm, the Highland Park Republican climbed 37 flights from the 66th floor to the 103rd during the Rehabilitation Institute of Chicago's fourth annual urban climb, Skyrise Chicago. Full story.

West Chicago fire leaves residents homeless

Fire swept through a 24-unit West Chicago apartment building Sunday, leaving its residents temporarily homeless and without their belongings, but injuring none. the president of the company that owns the Timber Lake Apartments said arrangements were being made to house the residents on available apartments elsewhere. Full story.

Toxicology may determine cause of NIU student's death

The cause of death of a 19-year-old Palatine student found dead Friday at an off-campus fraternity house at Northern Illinois University won't be determined for at least 10 days while authorities await toxicology results. An autopsy was performed Saturday on the body of David R. Bogenberger, a freshman at the school who was found unresponsive in a bed at the Eta Nu Chapter of Pi Kappa Alpha fraternity. Full story.

Suburban races key to national outlook

With a congressional map drawn by Illinois' Democrats, national party leaders months ago proclaimed the road to a Democratic House majority in 2012 went right through Illinois. As election day draws near, most political experts believe Republicans will maintain control of the House majority Tuesday, but Democrats still hope to make inroads. And the suburbs remain the battlegrounds for a number of those targeted seats. Full story.

Funeral set for slain Naperville boy

The family of Justin Plackowski has announced funeral services for the Naperville 7-year-old, who authorities say was stabbed to death by his mother in a horrific double murder last week. A notice posted on the website of Justin's school, Scott Elementary in Naperville District 203, invited members of the school community to the services saying, “It is the family's hope that you will be able to attend services and remember Justin with them.” Full story.

Man charged in Huntley High bomb threat

A 25-year-old Union man is facing a felony disorderly conduct charge alleging he made a bomb threat Saturday against Huntley High School. Derek M. Habbley, of he 10000 block of Ridge Lane, was arrested in the school's parking lot by police responding to the threat, which forced the evacuation of the building and several nearby homes. Full story.

Authorities investigate Elgin infant's death

Child welfare agents are investigating the death of a 9-month-old Elgin girl but say it could be weeks before they're able to determine whether abuse charges should be considered. The girl was found unresponsive at her home on the 700 block of Lyle Avenue in Elgin on Oct. 29 and was taken to Advocate Lutheran Hospital in Park Ridge, where she died about 4:45 p.m. Friday, the Cook County medical examiner's office said Saturday. Full story.

Naperville man charged with firing gun near U. of I.

A Naperville man was arrested in Champaign early Sunday morning on allegations he fired a gun during an intoxicated fight with his roommate, leading to their apartment building being evacuated and a SWAT team response. Daniel J. Chang, 22, of 1416 Stonegate Road in Naperville, faces charges of unlawful use of a weapon and aggravated discharge of a firearm, police said. Full story.

Three charged in Hanover Park holdup

Three Hanover Park men, including two brothers, were charged on Saturday with felony counts of armed robbery and residential burglary for a holdup and home break-in that occurred in late October, police said. Full story.

Smashing (and launching) pumpkins

Mundelein's annual pumpkin drop combines physics with environmentalism.

It also offers children the pure pleasure of beating a pumpkin to a pulp with a baseball bat and the thrill of seeing pumpkins catapulted down a sled hill. Full story.

World & Nation

Cold weather and new storm add to victims' misery. Full story.

United's first Dreamliner touches down in Chicago. Full story.

Apple paid only 1.9% tax outside on earnings outside of US. Full story.

‘Wreck It Ralph' tops box office. Full story.

Penn State looks ahead but scandal lingers. Full story.

Election

Talking to kids about the election. Full story.

Obama vs. Romney on the issues. Full story.

A final factcheck as election looms. Full story.

A look at the most competitive states in the race. Full story.

Economy better off four years later? Mixed bag of answers. Full story.

Sports

Bears in complete control of Titans. Full story.

The real fun begins now for Bears. Full story.

Bears won't need to remember these Titans. Full story.

Tillman's amazing season continues. Full story.

Belinelli feeling more at home with Bulls. Full story.

Does Bettman really care about the NHL? Full story.