Pair Gifts Swift Tix | 'Romantic' Murder | Unwanted Guinea Pigs, Rats

We're nearly halfway through the month of December, and it's time to get caught up on all the top news stories from northern Illinois from the past couple days.

Here is a look at articles that have been getting attention from Patch.com readers:

Police Reports Allowed In Trials For DCFS Workers In AJ Freund Case

Andrew Polovin and Carlos Acosta are expected in McHenry County Court this week. They both face child endangerment charges.

Suburban Couple Giving Away Taylor Swift Tickets

Meg and Mike Whitted are the generous donors of the tickets and are hopeful the giveaway will spark some joy this holiday season.

Murder Charges Filed In Fox Lake Man's Shooting Death

The 77-year-old man was shot while with a woman who he arranged to have a "romantic relationship" with in exchange for money.

Duo Helps Find Homes For Unwanted Guinea Pigs, Rats

In Lost Woods Nature Sanctuary's first year, Mary Pat Hastings and Cat Collins of Crystal Lake have taken in dozens of small animals.

Missing Girl, 15, Found Dead At Holiday Inn, Cause Unknown

The Chicago teen was reported as a missing runaway before she was found dead on the sixth floor of the downtown Evanston hotel, police said.

'Sixteen Candles' House Sold For 43% Higher Than 4 Years Ago

The home of Molly Ringwald's character in John Hughes' 1984 directorial debut sold for more than $1.625 million.

Parolee Convicted Of Murder In 2021 Double Shooting

Juan Garibay — at the time on parole for a 2003 second-degree murder, fatally shot Martin Cervantes and wounded another man, a Lake County jury found.

UpRising Cafe In Lake In The Hills Cancels Drag Show

Cafe owners say the Department of Homeland Security's terrorism advisory bulletin led to their decisions to cancel the Saturday event.

MORE ON PATCH

• Petition Filing For April 2023 Consolidated Elections Begins Monday
• Coats For Refugees: Northbrook, Glenview Civic Organizations Team Up
• McHenry County Funeral Home Seeks Liquor License
• Property Tax Levy Reduced By Over 0.5% By Village Board
• 'Road Rage Incident' Leads To 2 Crashes In Libertyville: Cops
• Deerfield Church Hopes To Help Those Not Finding Joy During Holidays
• Burglars Break Into Drug Store, Flee Before Police Arrive
• Woman Killed After Being Struck By Metra Train