Dawn patrol: Shoppers hit suburban stores early; Elgin murder charges filed
Black Friday gives way to “Gray Thursday”
Shoppers are hitting the malls and big box stores throughout the suburbs this morning, but many couldn’t wait for Black Friday to score some deals. “Gray Thursday” kicked off the holiday shopping season last night, with many retailers deciding to open their doors even earlier this year to lure consumers with deep discounts. Full story.
Suburbanites celebrate Thanksgiving
Thanksgiving was celebrated throughout the suburbs yesterday with a number of community meals for members of the armed forces and others in need, including luncheons in Palatine, Wheeling, Elgin, St. Charles, Villa Park and Gurnee. Others celebrated the holiday with Turkey Trots and pickup football games. Click here for a gallery of images from Thanksgiving celebrations.
Elgin man held on no bond after murder charges filed
A 55-year-old Elgin man is being held on no bond after he was charged yesterday with murdering his 88-year-old neighbor Nov. 22 during a robbery. Matthew L. Stoecklein was arrested Wednesday night in the parking lot of the apartment building in which he and John Poyer lived, police said Thursday. “My Papa was the sweetest man. He was a father figure to me since the day I was born,” said his granddaughter, Lonna Zwerenz. “He gave everything to people.” Full story.
Car crashes into home in Arlington Heights
Arlington Heights building department officials were evaluating the structural integrity of a single-family home after a car crashed into it last night, officials said. The accident occurred at 8:25 p.m. on the 1600 block of Kennicott Court when the car left the street and rammed into a first-floor bedroom. Full story.
Weather
Clear but cold this morning with temperatures at only 17 degrees. Temperatures will climb to 35 degree, before falling to 26 degrees tonight.
Traffic
Construction continues on Rollins Road at the intersection of Route 83 in Round Lake Beach. People should expect heavy delays. Full traffic.
Bears prep for Sunday contest against Vikings and Peterson
The Bears’ run defense had a tough time last Sunday stopping two Rams running backs, and it won’t get any easier come this Sunday, when they take on the Minnesota Vikings and star Adrian Peterson, the NFL’s reigning MVP. “Every time he gets the ball, he’s trying to take it the distance. He’s willing to take the tough yards. He’s always looking to fall forward,” said Bears defensive coordinator Mel Tucker. Full story.
State championship football weekend in DeKalb
Today kicks off the 2013 IHSA football state championship games in DeKalb, with Class 1A, 2A, 3A and 4A games, followed by Saturday’s remaining slate of games in 5A, 6A, 7A and 8A. For the first time, Northern Illinois University’s Huskie Stadium will host the championship games and will continue to do so in alternate years with Illinois’ Memorial Stadium. Full story.