Mom Fights Grief of Daughter's Suicide : Patch PM

Mom Battles Back Against Grief by Helping Others

Marcelle Gerald first attempted suicide after Roger Denson winked at her in the courtroom. The 15-year-old was so traumatized by seeing the man later convicted of brutally beating and sexually assaulting her in January 2014, she fell into a downward emotional spiral from which she never recovered. Her mother Elizabeth said “Marcie” was never the same. “The sexual assault turned her whole world around,” says Elizabeth Gerald as what would have been her daughter’s Sweet 16 Birthday approaches. » read more

Lawyer Looted $1 Million From WWII Vet’s Living Trust: Cops

• The lawyer stole the money over the course of two years, police said.

Watch the Lost Scene from ‘Rudolph the Red Nosed Reindeer’

• Official Rankin/Bass historian Rick Goldschmidt recounts the behind-the-scenes story of the beloved holiday special. Check out the video.

Thousands of People Moved to Help Oak Forest Family Win Car

• On Christmas Eve, Dawn, Ramon, Taylor, Joselyn and Liv Ferralez were handed the keys to their brand new Chevrolet Sonic.

Husband Accused of Killing Young Wife in 1973 Held on $4 Million Bail

• Donnie Rudd appeared in court on crutches. His attorney says he has colon cancer.

Police Radio Calls of Laquan McDonald Shooting Released

• The audio recordings were given to Politico Illinois in response to a Freedom of Information Act request.

Protesters Shut Down Michigan Avenue on Christmas Eve Day to ‘Shop for a New Mayor’

• VIDEO: This is the scene shortly after noon on Thursday.

Also Worth a Look Today

• Telephone Tough Guy Texted Threats About Shooting Up House With AK-47: Cops
• How Windy Was Wednesday Night?
• Secret Santa Gives Fast-Food Workers $500 Each
• Victim of Fat, Smelly Predator Priest Reflects on Death of Sex-Scandal Bishop

Holiday Spirit

• Holiday Travels: Chicago-Area Traffic and Transit Reports
• Where to Get Free Holiday Coffee on the Tollway
• Whether Naughty or Nice, Kids Can Track Santa’s Journey With NORAD App
• VIDEO: Great Christmas Lights for a Great Cause
• How to Make ‘Magic’ Reindeer Dust
• Holiday Hours: Jewel, Mariano’s, Whole Foods, Aldi, Walmart
• 7 Tips to Help You Get Through Christmas
• Check Our Gift Guides for Last-Minute Ideas

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