Weekend in Review: South Elgin leader dies; Puppy sale causes stir
Wanted Antioch man captured in North Dakota
The manhunt is over for an Antioch man wanted for questioning regarding the suspicious death of two women nearly one week ago. Antioch Police Chief Craig Somerville confirmed Sunday that Billy Varner, 54, was arrested by the North Dakota State Police after he reportedly robbed a church Saturday. Full story.
Medals a long time coming for Des Plaines World War II vet
Des Plaines resident and World War II veteran Frank Andrews, 94, received six medals, including the Purple Heart, during a special ceremony Sunday at Cantigny Park in Wheaton. Andrews, with Mary, his wife of 72 years, by his side, said he views the medals as an honor not just for him, but for all U.S. veterans. Andrews fought in the D-Day invasion at Omaha Beach and also during the Battle of the Bulge. Full story.
South Elgin's Hansen dies at 53
Longtime South Elgin Village President Jim Hansen has died at age 53 after a nearly five-month battle with lung cancer, village officials said. “We all considered him a friend,” said Police Chief Christopher Merritt. “He's a pretty important guy for all our lives. He's going to be missed. We're all devastated by the loss.” Full story.
'Butterfly child' finds strength
Known as one of the “butterfly children” because her skin is as delicate as a butterfly's wing, Caroline Provost of Palatine spends two hours being wrapped in bandages so she can attend school each day. Her disorder, known as epidermolysis bullosa, is so rare, most people have never heard of it. “She brings a smile on her face when she walks in the door every day,” says teacher Kristine Plazyk. Full story.
Runners ready for inaugural Naperville marathon
In 10 days, Naperville's running community will let loose its pent-up demand for a 26.2-mile race as roughly 3,500 people run in the Inaugural Edward Hospital Naperville Marathon and Half Marathon. “The running community here is so excited. They're really pumped,” race director Bob Hackett said. “Being the first-time event for the city, we're seeing just so much enthusiasm.” Full story.
Suburban LAX shooting victim may need 2nd shooting
A Lake Forest native injured during Friday's shooting at Los Angeles International Airport is in fair condition and likely will need an additional surgery, officials at the hospital where he's being treated said Sunday. Brian Ludmer, 29 and a 2002 graduate of Lake Forest High School, was waiting for a flight to Boston for a family wedding Friday when he was shot twice in a leg by a man who opened fire inside a security checkpoint. Full story.
Cameras allow cops to scan license plates
Mundelein police are adding a new piece of sophisticated — but controversial — investigative equipment to their inventory. Called an automated license plate recognition system, the gear scans auto tags and runs the images through local, state and federal databases. Full story.
Puppy sales out of pickup cause stir
An animal-welfare activist is making an issue of an instance in which a man was videotaped selling puppies out of the bed of his pickup truck this summer in downtown Elburn. The puppy sale occurred in the parking lot of a restaurant, according to Elburn-area resident Steve Hindi. Full story.
Graduated tax would be “a disaster,” McSweeney says
Opponents of a graduated state income tax spoke out against it during a session of the conservative Restore Illinois Summit that took place Saturday at the Donald Stephens Convention Center in Rosemont. Full story.
Sheriff: McHenry man abused minors
A McHenry man faces charges after sexually abusing two minors, according to a news release from the McHenry County Sheriff's Office. Thomas R. McAuliffe, 55, was arrested Oct. 30 and charged with two counts of aggravated criminal sexual abuse after the minors reported to police that he had sexually abused them on numerous occasions between 2009 and 2012. Full story.
Arlington Hts. woman was “heart and soul” of NBC5
Carol Cooling-Kopp worked behind the scenes of NBC-TV, Channel 5 and earned multiple Emmy Awards, but few viewers knew her name. She passed away on Wednesday at her Arlington Heights home after a yearlong battle with lung cancer. She was 56. Full story.
Hundreds celebrate Mundelein's pumpkin drop
A crowd of hundreds gathered at Keith Mione Community Park on Sunday to see pumpkins launched by “Big Red,” a 600-pound device reminiscent of something you might see on an oil field, during the 6th annual Pumpkin Drop. Mundelein Park and Recreation District spokeswoman Mary Priller said about 300 or 400 people attended the event, which seems to be growing in popularity. “It's a great fun event,” Priller said. “In fact, it's very hard when it's over to get them off the hill.” Full story.
World & Nation
Police: Gunman said he acted alone in LAX shooting. Full story.
Alligator found under the escalator at O'Hare. Full story.
Report: Global warming likely to make bad things worse. Full story.
'Ender's Game' beats out 'Grandpa' at box office. Full story.
Obama's health law gets real for America. Full story.
White House, lawmakers: no clemency for Snowden. Full story.
Sales of small businesses finally make big gains. Full story.
FedEx: Cyber Monday will be busiest for shipping. Full story.
Sports
Numbers not a pretty game to play for Bears against Packers. Full story
Life sure is good... if you're a Packers fan. Full story.
New goalie too hot for Blackhawks. Full story.
Hawks' Crawford gets back-to-back starts. Full story.
Bears' Mills gets plenty of encouragement from his cousin. Full story.