Weekend in Review: Girl gets her novel wish; Bears prep for Cowboys

Wintry mix makes for dangerous driving

Authorities reported numerous minor crashes and spinouts across the suburbs Sunday as a wintry mix of snow and ice made travel hazardous in some areas. Full story. But the suburbs weren't alone as the cold weather brought with it flight delays, cancellations. Full story.

A special trip to the North Pole

A very special Metra train spreading a whole lot of holiday cheer — think jolly firemen, impish elves and a rambunctious Mrs. Santa Claus — carried more than 60 children and families on a one-of-a-kind ride Saturday morning from Des Plaines to Crystal Lake and back. The children, all of whom suffer from terminal or life-threatening illnesses, laughed and squealed. Full story.

Pearl Harbor survivors honored in Des Plaines

Some estimates suggest there are only about 1,000 Pearl Harbor survivors still living, which makes Friday's ceremony in Des Plaines, which honored three suburban men who lived through the attack, even more poignant. “We can't let current and future generations forget,” said Bob Miller, who organized the commemoration ceremony Friday in Des Plaines. Full story.

Early retirement might not be wise

Big changes to Illinois' pension plans come with talk of teachers and other state workers considering retiring early to try to avoid cuts, potentially leaving schools and agencies short of seasoned help. But it's not clear retiring early would be such a good idea for many of them. Full story.

Suburban girl's novel wish

Instead of using her Make-A-Wish wish for a vacation or a chance to swim with dolphins, Ravina Thakkar wanted to realize her dream of becoming a published author. The eighth-grader will be signing copies of her new book Sunday at Anderson's Bookshop in Naperville. Full story.

Wheeling High stands by STEM program

Wheeling High School and its innovative math-and-science-based approach to education have drawn praise far and wide. Despite that, its standardized test scores remain flat. Educators say that hardly makes the program a failure. Full story.

Mt. Prospect robbery suspect charged

A Hazel Crest man has been charged in Tuesday night's armed robbery at Sprint wireless store in Mount Prospect. According to a news release from Mount Prospect police, Marvin L. Jones Jr., 25, of the 16000 block of Anthony Street, was arrested Friday. Full story.

S. Elgin mom guilty of filing bogus abuse report

Kimberly Carlyle, 47, of the 200 block of Nicole Drive in South Elgin, was convicted Friday of two counts of disorderly conduct in a bench trial before Circuit Judge Susan Clancy Boles. Carlyle falsely reported her young child had been bruised during a visit with the child's biological father and his wife. Full story.

Hanover Park man arrested in child solicitation sting

A Hanover Park man who authorities say offered to have sex with a girl while a member of her family watched faces indecent solicitation charges. Andrew Kozar, 27, was ordered held on $250,000 bond Friday after a hearing at the Maywood courthouse. Full story.

Former inmate sues Kane County sheriff

A 33-year-old Elburn man has sued the Kane County sheriff, arguing that jail officials refused to give him medication for anxiety, seizures and depression for nearly a week in December 2012, causing him to attempt suicide. Full story.

Collection for tornado victims ends today

People who still wish to help the victims of the tornado that struck Washington, Ill., last month, have through 5 p.m. today to participate in a collection co-sponsored by the city of Geneva. Full story.

Santas show some speed

Some 1,600 runners dressed in Santa suits trotted through the streets of downtown Arlington Heights as part of the Rotary Santa Run. “It's fun to see a crowd of Santas running down the street,” race director Ron Crawford said. “It brings people into downtown for the holidays.” Full story.

Panelists discuss consequences of Obamacare

A few dozen people turned out Saturday afternoon to share their concerns with the health care overhaul known as Obamacare and find out what the future might hold for them in terms of insurance costs and coverage. The forum was held at College of DuPage. Full story.

Accident halts finale of St. Viator festival

An offstage accident forced St. Viator High School to halt the finale of its Winter Arts Festival on Sunday afternoon.

St. Viator President Fr. Corey Brost said a minor accident occurred in a storage area when the dance moderator either fell into a locker or the locker fell onto her. The moderator, whose name has not been released, injured her head around the eyelid area, resulting in some bad bruising, and was taken to a hospital, where she received stitches before being sent home. Full story.

World & Nation

Friend: Mandela not on life support in final hours. Full story.

Cold weather brings flight delays, cancellations. Full story.

Insurance agents feeling left out of 'Obamacare.' Full story.

Gay partner benefits growing at Fortunee 500 companies. Full story.

Food-tech startups aim to replace chicken and eggs. Full story.

Illinois could ban drivers from using Google Glass. Full story.

Police say newlyweds killed man from Craigslist. Full story.

Not so justified: Justin Timberlake's Grammy snub. Full story.

'Frozen' tops box office. Full story.

Joel MacLaine, Santana receive Kennedy Center honors. Full story.

Sports

Bears need to step up the short game. Full story.

Will Maddux eclipse Hall's highest vote? Full story.

Dunleavy sees hope for Bulls. Full story.

Crawford injured in Hawks' win. Full story.

Kruger weighs in on Hawks' penalty-killing woes. Full story.

NIU going to Poinsetta Bowl. Full story.

Illinois builds early lead, beats Auburn. Full story.

Florida State, Auburn to play for BCS title. Full story.