Weekend in Review: Fatal hit-and-run, pension fix and Bears burn out

Family, Schaumburg High mourn student killed in hit-and-run

Schaumburg police officers stopped traffic and handed out fliers late Saturday and early Sunday morning as they continued their hunt for a hit-and-run driver who struck and killed a popular high school student this weekend. “We believe in the justice system and we would like to see justice served and we trust that will happen,” said the father of 18-year-old Mikias Tibebu. “We believe that will give closure to the family.” Full story.

Missing Griffin; mother copes with death of son

A year ago, Britt Steinhoff was busy getting ready to celebrate the holidays with her 10-year-old twin sons. This year, she is trying to rebuild her life with one of her sons and dealing with the frustrating criminal case resulting from the crash that killed her other boy, Griffin. Full story.

Bensenville grants 'Golden Wishes'

Bensenville's Golden Wishes program grants the wishes of seniors and disabled residents, often for requests many people take for granted. And the fairies who make them come true are local residents and businesses who donate to the cause. “You're thankful someone has that kind of consideration for you,” said one recipient. Full story.

Walsh mulling another political run?

Having started his successful campaign three years ago with a rousing town hall meeting, recently defeated Congressman Joe Walsh of McHenry vowed to go out the same way. At his final public gathering Saturday at the American Legion post in Wauconda, Walsh hinted that his political career might not have ended with his loss to Democrat Tammy Duckworth of Hoffman Estates in November. Full story.

Naperville Central investigates cheating

Officials at Naperville Central High School are investigating cheating allegations involving a new technology program that allows students to use their cellphones and tablets in the classroom. Naperville Central Principal Bill Wiesbrook sent a letter to parents on Friday acknowledging the cheating, but did not say how many students were involved or in what classes. Full story.

Deadline could force pension flip flops

A review of what suburban lawmakers said during their campaigns suggests many of November's winners either opposed having local schools take on some of the state's costs for teachers' pensions or supported the idea only with significant caveats. Yet, that remains part of several key proposals to fix pensions, suggesting a deal might depend on whether any of those lawmakers are persuaded to change those positions. Full story.

How would new pension system work?

Under the newest Illinois retirement plan laid out by state Rep. Elaine Nekritz this week, all newly hired teachers would be put into a system that isn't quite a the same pension they have now and isn't quite a 401(k). State Rep. Daniel Biss, an Evanston Democrat who conceived of the idea, explained to the Daily Herald how it would work — an important thing to know for thousands of would-be suburban teachers if it's eventually approved. They're calling it a cash-balance plan. Full story.

Wheeling man charged in Lake Zurich stabbing

A Wheeling man faces three counts of aggravated battery in connection with a stabbing last week outside a Lake Zurich McDonald's, police said Sunday. Maxwell S. Younger, 21, of the 600 block of Cherrywood Drive, was taken into custody Friday night by authorities investigating the Dec. 5 stabbing in the restaurant's parking lot. Full story.

Fired principal keeps up legal battle

Brian Greene is continuing his legal fight with Prairie Crossing Charter School in Grayslake, where he was the focus of public meetings about a year ago before he was fired. Greene, 42, filed a lawsuit against Prairie Crossing in March, roughly three months after board members fired him. He seeks more than $50,000 in damages from the Grayslake public choice school for claims including breach of contract, defamation, civil conspiracy and intentional infliction of emotional distress. Full story.

Geneva chef sets candy cane record

Geneva pastry chef Alain Roby broke his third Guinness World Record Saturday night by creating the world's longest candy cane, measuring at 51 feet long. Roby, who already holds world records for the tallest cooked sugar building and tallest chocolate sculpture, pulled sugar starting at the Geneva Courthouse and stretched it to the intersection in front of his All Chocolate Kitchen, at 33 S. Third St., on Saturday. Full story.

World & Nation

Daley nephew accused in Mt. Prospect man's death in court today. Full story.

Wreckage of Mexican-American singer's plane found. Full story.

Obama, Boehner to meet on “fiscal cliff.” Full story.

Hope and fear in gay marriage cases at high court. Full story.

Israel jittery over new Palestinian uprising. Full story.

Former Illini charged after another Illini dies in car crash. Full story.

Gasoline prices fall once again. Full story.

Sports

Bears' season coming apart at the seams. Full story.

See images from Bears vs. Vikings here.

Bears, Smith in serious trouble now. Full story.

Receivers let down Bears in big test on the road. Full story.

The day Cubs tossed Maddux out the door. Full story.

'Johnny Football' wins Heisman. Full story.