Weekend in Review: Lombard pilot safe after emergency landing; suburbanite wins Emmy

Lombard pilot safe after Lake Shore Drive landing

A pilot from Lombard escaped serious injury Sunday morning after he was forced to make an emergency landing on Lake Shore Drive in Chicago. John Pedersen landed the single-engine RANS S6 plane near Buckingham Fountain shortly after 6 a.m., about 20 minutes after he had taken off from Schaumburg Regional Airport. Full story.

Family tragedy leaves young sisters on their own in Des Plaines area home

Karen and Greta Ramirez lost their mother, Alicia, when she was stabbed by their father, Heriberto, on Valentine's Day 2011 in their Des Plaines area home. Suddenly deprived of parental guidance and financial support, Karen, then 19, was left to raise her sister, Greta, who was then just 9. “We were going to stick together, no matter what,” Karen says. Full story.

Harvest Bible Chapel celebrates 25th with thousands

Thousands of Harvest Bible Chapel members gathered Saturday at Boomers Stadium in Schaumburg to mark the global church's 25th anniversary under its founder and leader, Pastor James MacDonald. A 500-person choir, the church's band, and special guest performers, Paul Baloche and Heather Headley, led the crowd in Christian songs with a rock-star quality as many people reached toward heaven and others swayed to the music. Full story.

ECC president defends Ayers' appearance:

Elgin Community College President David Sam is defending the school's choice of controversial figure William Ayers to speak Thursday as part of its annual Humanities Center Speaker Series as criticism of the selection mounts. “We feel it's important to allow these discussions on college campuses, where issues and topics can be discussed and analyzed in an educational setting,” Sam states. “This does not mean the college endorses the viewpoints of the speakers.” Full story.

Naperville taking comprehensive approach against heroin

Two years after heroin killed seven young people in Naperville, the community has decided a far-reaching problem needs an equally comprehensive solution. Attacking heroin from a unified front is the idea behind the city's revamped social services grant, which is funding three efforts to reach all segments of the community with heroin-prevention messages. “It really encompasses schools, faith communities and businesses,” said IdaLynn Wenhold, executive director of the nonprofit KidsMatter. Full story.

District 95 says at least $20 million for air conditioning at five schools

It could cost more than $20 million to air-condition five schools at Lake Zurich Unit District 95, according to an estimate provided by the superintendent. “I am not opposed to air conditioning our remaining five buildings,” Superintendent Michael Egan wrote, “but I do want people to understand the full cost of such an endeavor compared to the potential benefits.” However, a parent leading an online petition says that estimate is incomplete without seeing competitive bids. Full story.

Kane County truancy numbers at an all-time high

Kane County schools set a dubious record in the 2012-13 school year as a new report shows the number of truant students reaching a new high. “Truancy now is different than it was 10 years ago,” said Regional Superintendent Pat Dal Santo. “The majority of our families are involved with mental health issues.” Full story.

Naperville cops unhappy with council member

Naperville's police union has taken exception to criticism from a city council member regarding behavior that prompted the recent $430,000 settlement of an excessive force civil suit. In a statement released late this week, Naperville Fraternal Order of Police President Vince Clark said council member Robert Fieseler's claim that “police have been overreaching” was both “offensive and ironic.” Full story.

Man charged in Waukegan standoff

Waukegan police said Saturday that Donald O. Palmer was charged with several counts related to firearms after a gas was emitted to force an end of a standoff with police late Friday. Palmer, 37, was charged with aggravated battery with a firearm, aggravated discharge of a firearm, unlawful use of a weapon by a felon, unlawful possession of firearm ammunition by a felon, unlawful possession of a stolen firearm, obstruction of justice, and violation of parole, said Sgt. Dave DeBaufer. Full story.

Round Lake Beach man faces drug charges

A 22-year-old Round Lake Beach man faces multiple drug-related felony charges after authorities say they discovered cocaine, marijuana and other drugs in his possession during a raid Friday night. Full story.

World & Nation

Kenyan forces say they rescued 'most hostages.' Full story.

Obama at Naval Yard memorial: 'Nothing inevitable' about gun violence. Full story.

Attack on Pakistani church kills 78. Full story.

Tests: New iPhones less durable than iPhone 5. Full story.

Catholics cheer pope's remarks on gays, abortion. Full story.

Close ties between White House and NSA spying review panel. Full story.

Good news for 'Breaking Bad' at the Emmys. Full story.

Runway trends arrive on Emmys red carpet. Full story.

Sports

Bears topple Steelers to stay unbeaten. Full story.

White Sox delay Tiger's celebration. Full story.

Jackson's record for Cubs speaks for itself. Full story.

Rose likes his cheering section. Full story.