November 2009

Stocks extend November gains

By Admin on November 30, 2009

NEW YORK (AP) — Stock futures are pointing to a modest decline Monday as investors try to balance concern about fallout from Dubai’s debt crisis against encouraging signs from U.S. consumers.

Clinton daughter, Chelsea, engaged to longtime boyfriend, who is son of former lawmakers

By Admin on November 30, 2009

NEW YORK (AP) — Turns out those discredited rumors of a possible Chelsea Clinton wedding last summer were mostly just premature: The 29-year old daughter of former President Bill Clinton and Secretary of State Hillary Rodham Clinton has become engaged to her longtime boyfriend, 31-year old investment banker Marc Mezvinsky.

Oklahoma’s Stoops again denies interest in ND job

By Admin on November 30, 2009

‘New Moon’ clings to top spot with $42.5M

By Admin on November 30, 2009

LOS ANGELES (AP) — Vampires and werewolves continued to howl at the box office with a $42.5 million weekend for “The Twilight Saga: New Moon.”

Push on for faster mortgage help

By Admin on November 30, 2009

WASHINGTON (AP) — Faced with sluggish progress in its foreclosure-prevention effort, the Obama administration will spend the coming weeks cracking down on mortgage companies that aren’t doing enough to help borrowers at risk of losing their homes.

63-year-old man found dead in Fox River

By Admin on November 30, 2009

An autopsy is under way this afternoon on the body of a 63-year-old man who was pulled from the Fox River near Port Barrington this morning, officials said.

The man, whose identity will not be released until his family is notified, was found near the shoreline of the Fox River near the 26000 block of Roberts Road, at about 10:10 a.m., Lake County Sheriff’s Sgt. Christopher Thompson said.

The body does not appear to have been in the water for a long time, Lake County Coroner Richard Keller said. Suicide is a possibility, the coroner said.

There were no signs of foul play, however alcohol is believed to be a factor, Thompson said.

The body was reported to authorities by a boater who was out duck hunting, according to Thompson, who added that the body was recovered by Wauconda Rescue on the shoreline northwest of the Fox River Marina.

– Ruth Fuller

Aldermen balk at proposal to limit dogs in Chicago homes

By Admin on November 30, 2009

Aldermen today balked at a proposal to limit the number of dogs kept in Chicago households following opposition from veterinarians, animal advocates and pet owners. The proposal from Ald. Ray Suarez, 31st, would restrict homes to no more than five dogs and require people with more to get rid of some of their pets.

Evanston cops investigate two violent robberies

By Admin on November 30, 2009

Evanston police today were investigating two violent weekend street robberies in which one victim was knocked unconscious and the other was assaulted and robbed at gunpoint, authorities said.

On Sunday night shortly after 1 a.m., a 27-year-old man was walking near the intersection of Darrow Avenue and Emerson Street when two men in a red Buick stopped. One got out and pointed a handgun at the victim before ordering him to the ground, kicking him, taking his wallet and driving away, according to police.

On Friday night a man, 23, was walking to work near the intersection of Church Street and Hartrey Avenue shortly after 10 p.m. when two men walked past him and punched him in the face, knocking him unconscious, said police.

A resident found the victim unconscious and bleeding from the mouth and nose and called police. The victim, a Northwestern University student, was treated for minor injuries at a local hospital and released. He told police that the suspects stole his wallet and cell phone.

Police today were investigating, but said they do not believe the crimes are related.

– Brian Cox

Cops: No foul play in death of custodian at Naperville Central

By Admin on November 30, 2009

Naperville police at Naperville Central High School this morning after a body was found on a construction site at the school (Chuck Berman / Chicago Tribune)

A 16-year employee of Naperville Community Unit School District 203 was found dead at a construction site at Naperville Central High School this morning, and police said there was no sign of foul play.

Zeina M. Alva, 45, of the 2100 block of Walcott Road in Aurora, was a member of the school’s custodial staff, according to a release from the Naperville Police Department. Police said there was no indication of foul play but the investigation into her death continues.

“The Naperville Central High School community was shocked and saddened this morning by the loss of long time staff member, Zeina Alva. Zeina was loved by staff and students alike and will be dearly missed,” Naperville Central High School Principal Bill Wiesbrook said in a statement from the school.

“The entire Naperville School District echoes the sentiments of Principal Wiesbrook,” said District 203 Superintendent Mark Mitrovich, also in a release. “We extend our heartfelt condolences to Ms. Alva’s family and friends.”

Police said an iron worker supervisor saw the body on the foundation floor of an addition of the main school building that is currently under construction. The supervisor called the site supervisor, who in turn called 911 at 7:47 a.m.

It was clear when police arrived that the person was dead, according to a police statement posted to the school Web site.

Cmdr. Mike Anders, a police spokesman, said investigators are awaiting the results of an autopsy to see if Alva suffered from any health conditions.

Anders said it was not yet known if Alva had direct access to the construction site, though as a school employee, she had access to the campus.

Classes were held as scheduled, District 203 officials said.

The school has been undertaking a construction project for more than a year. The school Web site has details about the construction. The Web site also has cameras showing the construction.

– Staff report