Weekend in Review: Bull riding, search for Gacy victims
Thousands audition for 'The Voice' in Rosemont
Melissa Hallman, a self-taught singer from Barrington, was among some 4,000 people who auditioned Saturday for “The Voice” at the Donald E. Stephens Convention Center in Rosemont. “I really just want to make it past the first round,” said Hallman, 25, a Barrington High School graduate. A similar crowd was expected Sunday as the talent search continued. Full story.
Bartlett native refuses to be cancer's victim
As a teenager who watched both her parents die of cancer, Bartlett native Colleen McGrath managed to defeat the pancreatic cancer that hit her at age 13. Now 27 and dedicating her life to helping other kids cope with cancer, McGrath is once again battling her old nemisis after being diagnosed with Stage IV colon cancer.
Grayslake school strike closer after Friday bargaining fails
Grayslake Elementary District 46 has made provisions to help parents with child care if teachers strike as planned Wednesday. Two schools would be available for children to spend their days with adult supervision. A six-hour bargaining session Friday failed to produce much movement toward a settlement, officials said. Full story.
St. Charles student, bullying victim, lives modeling dream
Daniela Kapusta spent the past three years at St. Charles East High School in the depths of depression, a product of frequent bullying by her female classmates. Stripped of her self-confidence, she was probably the last person anyone would picture as the showstopper at a fashion show. But a lucky break spawned a career as a model with a face you can find on the Vogue Italia website. Full story.
Local dogs a comfort to Sandy Hook students
George Schiestel of Arlington Heights was one of six local comfort dog handlers and seven golden retrievers to travel to the scene of last month's deadly shooting for the reopening of school after the holidays. “We were the only outside organization allowed inside the buildings,” says Schiestel, part of the K9 Comfort Dogs Ministry, developed by Lutheran Church Charities in Addison. Full story.
Full speed ahead on pensions, or a stalemate?
Some top Democrats say that the missed deadline Wednesday to approve vast cuts to teachers' and state workers' retirement plans doesn't have to mean they start from scratch. The state's financial problems will keep the pressure on legislators to agree on a solution to the funding shortage. Full story.
Naperville developer mum on Water Street plans
After three failed attempts, Marquette Companies is preparing to return to the Naperville City Council next month with yet another plan for a proposed Water Street Development that could change the face of one of the region's most successful downtowns. The Naperville-based developers say they've reworked their proposal for a large-scale project that would include a hotel, restaurant, retail shops, office space and parking garage. But several council members say it's too early to say if the latest proposal will garner enough support, especially because as of late Friday, none of them had seen it. Full story.
Bensenville man accused of stealing vehicle with child inside
A Bensenville man was charged Friday with stealing a running vehicle in which an 18-month-old girl was seated in the back. Adan Ozuna, 34, of the 1000 block of Argyle Street, was arrested in Mount Prospect and charged with unlawful possession of a stolen motor vehicle and unlawful possession of a converted motor vehicle. Full story.
Naperville business closes after 120 years
Kreger's Central Foods, a family-run business that started serving Naperville residents in 1893, closed its doors for good over the weekend. Bill Kreger, the fourth-generation owner, said closing the store was not an easy decision to make. “It's time for me to do something new,” he said. Full story.
World's best bull riders compete in Rosemont
The struggle lasts only a few seconds, but to the cowboys riding the bulls, it must seem like an eternity. A cheering crowd watched 35 of the world's best bull riders compete Sunday during the Professional Bull Riders Chicago Invitational at the Allstate Arena in Rosemont. The riders took turns riding, 2,000-pound bucking bulls for eight seconds while holding a rope that's wrapped around the bull's waist. Full story.
Kane County gun show draws crowd of buyers
Don Moran, president of the Illinois State Rifle Association, was at Sunday's Kane County Sportsman's show, noting how little ammunition was left even at 11 a.m., hours before the event wrapped up. The gun show ran from 7:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. at the Kane County Fairgrounds in St. Charles. When Moran left, he stopped by the Geneva Gander Mountain and found the same empty shelves. Moran said gun sales on any type of semi-automatic firearm are up, whether it's a handgun or a rifle, and the corresponding ammunition is selling quickly as the nation prepares for possible gun control legislation.Full story.
World & Nation
Colin Powell says GOP having an identity problem. Full story.
Thousands march to protest Russia's adoption ban. Full story.
Questions and answers about the inauguration. Full story.
NRA says Congress will not pass weapons ban. Full story.
Lone gunman theory doesn't work for JFK nephew. Full story.
Hitting the debt limit: What bills would be paid? Full story.
6 ways to put those unwanted gift cards to use. Full story.
Prosecutors approve search for Gacy victims. Full story.
New fuel leak reported in Boeing 787. Full story.
Entertainment
'Argo,' Affleck annointed by Golden Globes. Full story.
View photos from the Golden Globes here and from the red carpet here.
Vintage vibe at the Golden Globes. Full story.
'Zero Dark Thirty” is No. 1 at box office. Full story
'American Idol'-mocking website to shut down. Full story.
Sports
Bears GM should be right not rushed. Full story.
Hawks start camp with Bolland centering second line. Full story.
Hawks will be on the road again and again and again. Full story.
Kelly set to return to Notre Dame next season. Full story.
Marshall, Tillman named to All-Pro Team. Full story.