Christmas-Light Surprise / 'Miracle Baby' on Oprah / McD Value-Meal Ripoff / Murdered After Gift Shopping

Thank you for reading Patch. We hope your holidays were merry and bright. Let’s catch up on your week in headlines across the Illinois Patch network.

» TOP STORIES

'Christmas Ninja' Surprises Heartbroken Family with New Christmas Lights

The Weckler family had their projection unit stolen. But someone in New Lenox wouldn't let the thief ruin their holiday.

'Miracle Baby' Appears on Oprah

Zoe Koz was the size of a Barbie doll and weighed less than a pound when she was born at Edward Hospital in Naperville. 12 years later she got to go on Oprah Winfrey's "Where Are They Now?"

McDonald’s Owner Sued for Charging Extra for 'Value' Meal

Des Plaines man says customers are overcharged when choosing a value meal over a la carte.

Teen Blogger Detained at O'Hare As He Seeks Asylum in United States

Amos Yee, who served time in a Singapore prison for hurting the feelings of Christians and Muslims, arrived in Chicago on Dec. 16.

4 Who Tortured Student from Northbrook in New York Sentenced

Majority of group accused of kidnapping and sexually assaulting two Rochester University students from Illinois to get prison time.

Semi Driver Killed in Multi-Vehicle Crash on Tri-State Tollway Friday

A tire came off a semitrailer early Friday, causing a multi-vehicle crash that killed the driver.

Gunned Down After Christmas Shopping: Young Man Was Heading Home When Killed

The police are still searching for the Joliet man’s killer.

Package Thief Got Cold Feet, Brought Back Ill-Gotten Gains: Homeowner

A package-picking crook caught on video stealing a neighbor’s FedEx delivery came creeping back wearing a mask to put back what he stole, the victimized homeowner told Patch.

Petition Calls For Jewel Supermarket Boycott

An Oswego man has launched an effort to boycott Jewel-Osco supermarkets.

New Life at Lurie: 5-Month-Old Baby Gets Life-Saving Christmas Miracle

Young Daniel McCabe's condition had taken a turn for the worse at the hospital, and was in need of a life-saving miracle - and fast.

Man Shot Dead While Warming Car for Wife

Darius Minter, 36, was waiting in driveway in Midlothian to drive his wife to the train.

Moms of Palos Stand Up to Bully Who Took Special Needs Boy's Treasured Cards

A mom's Facebook post about Pokémon cards swiped from a boy with Down Syndrome led to a show of kindness the family never expected.

2 Expelled Marist Girls Will Still Get Diplomas

Seniors who were expelled amidst racially charged text message won't be back at school, but will still get diplomas from Marist.

I-55 Crash: Driver Killed When Semis Collide on I-55 in Southwest Suburbs

Two semi trucks and several cars collided on I-55 early Tuesday morning in a fatal smashup that claimed one life and blocked the interstate for hours during the morning commute. As of 9 a.m., all inbound lanes were re-opened to traffic, but the backup stretched for miles.

Last Week to Check Out Many Holiday Lights Displays at Zoos, Arboretums, Parks

Many popular holiday lights displays will be shutting off their lights for the season on NYE or at the beginning of the New Year.

Man Who Stabbed His Date Outside Movie Theater Sentenced to Prison

A 20-year-old Des Plaines man was sentenced to 27 years in prison in the brutal stabbing a co-worker outside a Deer Park theater while the two were on a date in January 2015.

Phony Navy SEAL Hit With 3 Years of Real Prison Time for Scamming Crystal Lake-Based Nonprofit

A California man was sentenced to three years in prison Monday after he admitted his claims of being a highly decorated U.S. Navy SEAL capable of rescuing kidnapped aid workers overseas were part of a scheme to scam a Crystal Lake-based nonprofit group out of thousands of dollars.

Rod Blagojevich Asks for Presidential Commutation

Hey, brother, can you spare a "get out of jail free" card?

» WOW! HOUSES

Lots of Space in Lake Bluff Beauty Near Lake

This Lake Bluff home is on the market for just under $1.2 million.

French Manor in Kenilworth Combines Old Traditions with Modern Features

Architectural gem on Warwick Road has in-ground pool, bluestone patio and three-car garage.

Pro Golfer Breaks Record For Priciest House Sale in DuPage County

Jeff Sluman sold his and his wife's mansion for $4 million.

» ACROSS ILLINOIS

Grandson Guilty of Killing Grandma to Collect Inheritance

A Texas man who grew up in East Dundee drove up from his home to murder his grandmother in her home.

Lockport Firefighter Recognized for Heroic Rescue

Last week, Lockport firefighter Phil Hutto was awarded the Liberty Mutual Insurance Firemark Award for saving a Joliet man trapped after a gas explosion in October.

Alleged Mobster Said He Would Use Blowtorch to Force Lawyer to Open Safe: Feds

"They always open for me," Charles "Chuckie" Russell allegedly admitted on tape. He's accused of planning to rob a lawyer's home.

Obama's Last National Address Will Be in Chicago

The president is coming home to deliver a major address in January, reports Politico Illinois.

Christmas Party Shooting: Angry Boyfriend Opens Fire: Police

After he was asked to leave, the man returned and shot one of his girlfriend's relatives around 9 p.m. Saturday.

Woman Found Dead on I-57 Median: Police

The 30-year-old woman had apparently been struck by a vehicle, Illinois State Police said

Search Suspended for Possible Second Victim in Lynwood Pond

Sonar equipment was used to search the body of water. ALSO: Authorities ID Man Found Dead Inside Car in Lynwood Pond

Former Mayoral Candidate Threatened to Kill City Administrator: Lawsuit

A former mayoral candidate threatened to kill the erstwhile Braidwood city administrator, according to a lawsuit filed in Will County court.

Wanted Man: Gunman Who Attacked Trooper Remains at Large

Police release sketch and detailed description of the man who attacked an Illinois State Police trooper on I-294 last month.

101-Year-Old Woman Dies in House Fire

The fire broke out in Maywood late Friday night.

Ald. Willie Cochran Pleads Not Guilty; His Lawyer Calls Actions 'Stupid or Careless,' Not Criminal

Cochran faces wire fraud, extortion and bribery charges, according to a 15-count federal indictment handed down last week.

Authorities Searching for Caller Who Claimed He Killed His Parents

Several agencies responded to a home in Hawthorn Woods on Thursday morning after a person called and reported he’d killed his parents and planned to detonate a bomb. The call, police later learned, was a hoax and authorities are now searching for the person who placed the call.

» FIND A JOB

• Best & Worst Cities in Illinois for Jobs: Report
• These 25 Jobs Make the Most Money in Illinois
• The 25 Lowest-Paying Jobs in Illinois
• New: List Your Job on Patch!

» ALSO WORTH A LOOK

• Firefighter Hurt on Christmas Morning
• Drug Court Poster Girl Skips Court, Now Has Warrant Out For Her Arrest
• Man Found Dead in Washing Machine at Evanston Apartment Building
• Unclaimed $1 Million Powerball Ticket in Glenview Nears Expiration
• Teen Assaulted and Killed on Christmas Eve Morning in Markham
• Woman Carjacked at Gunpoint in Arlington Heights
• DCFS Investigates Death of 7-Day-Old Boy
• Driver Accused of Not Using Required Breath Alcohol Ignition Lock Device in Car
• DuPage Coroner Rejects Claim of Unidentified Bodies
• New Year's Eve: Where to Ring in 2017 in Chicago

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