Weekend in Review: More diversity in area schools; Bears need a win

The new majority: Schools seeing more diversity

Diversity is a reality for more suburban school districts each year, as percentages of students from Hispanic, Asian, black and other minority backgrounds continue to grow. Educators such as Mary Zarr in Palatine District 15 see the face of these changes every day but wonder if the broader community is taking notice. “I don't think people have fully grasped the fast-changing demographics of the school district,” she said. Full story.

Anti-religion sign, Nativity coexist in Arlington Hts. park

A year after controversy in Arlington Heights about whether to allow a Nativity scene on public property, both the Nativity and a sign with views against religion are coexisting — mainly peacefully — in North School Park this holiday season. Full story.

Author tells how a Naperville man gave her a second chance at life

Rachel Louise Snyder says she writes about survival. Snyder, whose first novel “What We've Lost is Nothing” comes out Jan. 21, says she owes a great deal of her own survival to a man in Naperville who gave her a second chance. “Everything I write is about how we survive the (stuff) the world throws at us, and the fact that we do survive is the important take-away.” Full story.

Wheaton financial adviser's $100 bills come with nice catch

In her annual Thanksgiving letter to clients, Wheaton financial planner Theresa Hannon included a $100 bill and a request to use that money for a good cause. It proved to be a good investment in human nature. “It's so heartwarming,” Hannon says. “People say, 'Oh, what you've done is great,' and I haven't done anything. They did it.” Full story.

Batavia restaurant sues Target over security breach

The owners of a Batavia restaurant are suing the retail giant Target on behalf of themselves and 40 million customers who recently were affected by debit and credit card security breach. Chicago attorney Thomas A. Zimmerman Jr. said he filed a lawsuit seeking class-action status Friday in Cook County on behalf of Due Fratelli Inc., which owns Aliano's Ristorante in Batavia, claiming breach of contract, unjust enrichment and more. Full story.

Inverness couple seek Santa stories

Frank Sesko and his wife, Mary Ann love Christmas. They are soliciting people's Christmas memories for a book. Not that they don't have a lot of their own. Frank has been “bringing Santa Claus” to friends, relatives, nursing homes and schools for 50 years. And they have 18 Christmas trees in their house, “all decorated with different themes,” he said. Full story.

Antioch studies streamlining emergency services

Residents in Antioch and Antioch Township have what might be considered an embarrassment of riches. Four fire or rescue agencies provide services to about 28,000 residents over a 37-square-mile area. A committee has been formed to streamline the system and make it less confusing. “The overall goal is to deliver the highest quality fire and medical services to the community of Antioch and Antioch Township,” Antioch Fire Chief John Nixon said. Full story.

Man hit by train in Glen Ellyn dies

The man who was hit by a Metra commuter train in Glen Ellyn Friday afternoon died of his injuries that night, according to a police report. A news release from Glen Ellyn Deputy Police Chief William Holmer identified the victim as Daniel J. Carrillo, 25, of Tucson, Ariz. Full story.

Police shoot man in Bensenville

Bensenville police said charges are pending against a 24-year-old man who fired on an officer before being wounded himself by gunfire and disarmed. The identity of the man is being withheld, as are the identities of the police. The man was taken to Alexian Brothers Medical Center in Elk Grove Village. Full story.

Man gets 33-year prison term in child abuse case

A 40-year-old Carol Stream man was sentenced to 33 years in prison Friday for sexually assaulting a 12-year-old girl. A jury found Antonio Penaflor guilty Oct. 31 of four counts of predatory criminal sexual assault of a child and two counts of criminal sexual abuse. Full story.

Suburban friends create politically incorrect Cards Against Humanity

Cards Against Humanity — a game created by a group of suburban friends — is the #1 best-selling toy on Amazon.com this holiday season. The edgy card game makes humor of politically incorrect topics, with potential to offend every nationality, religion and common sensibility. It's become wildly popular at colleges, in bars and for adult parties. “It's an inside joke that's gotten out of control,” says Max Temkin, 26, the Highland Park native who created the game with childhood friends Josh Dillon, Daniel Dranove, Eli Halpern, Ben Hantoot, David Munk, David Pinsof and Eliot Weinstein. Full story.

Dogs rescued from North Chicago apartment up for adoption. Full story. Algonquin teacher wins national math and science honor. Full story.

North Aurora teacher wins agriculture award. Full story.

Mt. Prospect pulls Jake's Pizza liquor license. Full story.

Rauner wins Cook County GOP backing. Full story.

Durbin, Kirk part of political-party crossing bromance. Full story.

World & Nation

Wealthy avoid taxes by moving assets to no-tax states. Full story.

Three U.S. military aircraft hit in South Sudan, 4 wounded. Full story.

Weak U.S. security made Target a juicy target. Full story.

Health plan sticker shock for some buyers. Full story.

Amazon warehouse are the new factories. Full story.

Beyonce talks surprise album, success. Full story.

'The Hobbit' holds off 'Anchorman 2' with $31.5 million. Full story.

Miami Heat star Dwyane Wade and actress Gabrielle Union engaged. Full story.

Sports

Bears dismantled by Eagles. Full story.

So fitting that it comes down to Bears-Packers. Full story.

NFC North does Bears big favor. Full story.

Bears' Melton arrested in Texas bar dispute. Full story.

Blackhawks' Crawford closer to returning. Full story.

Pretty much all systems go for Blackhawks. Full story.

Big offensive night snaps Bulls' losing streak. Full story.