Teacher, 53, Missing | Gas Station Robbed At Gunpoint | Murder Charge For Man, 21 | $2M Stolen Goods Haul

Miss a day, miss a lot. Catch up on the Southland's top stories for Tuesday, Jan. 6.

Teacher Reported Missing In Bronzeville, May Be In Need Of Medical Attention: Police

Linda Brown, 53, a special education teacher at Robert Healy Elementary School, may be driving a blue Honda Civic with IL plate CX57470.

Gas Station Robbed At Gunpoint, Suspects On Lam: Tinley Park Police

The armed robbery happened at 2:20 a.m. Monday, police said.

Chicago Heights Man, 21, Charged With Murder In 2025 Shooting Death Of Dolton Man

The shooting happened May 15, 2025, during an altercation between the two men, who police said knew each other.

$2 Million In Stolen Nike Shoes, Dyson Products & More Found Inside Oak Forest Warehouse: Sheriff

Stolen merchandise was from retailers including Amazon, Kohl's, Macy's, Ninja/Shark, Old Navy, TJX, Ulta, Victoria's Secret and Walmart.

Man Charged With Murder, Killed 2 In Ford Heights Shooting: Police

He was arrested on New Year's Day and charged with murder in connection with the killing of two people in Ford Heights, police said.

500 Flu, Respiratory Illness Cases In 2 Weeks As Flu Spreads Fast In Will County: Silver Cross Hospital

The New Lenox hospital detailed how many they've seen for flu and respiratory illnesses, noting 100 of those have been hospitalized.

Ski-Masked Robber Knocks Off Burbank Liquor Store At Gunpoint: Police

The ski-masked robber held up the Oak Park Liquor Store at gunpoint, then fled on foot, Burbank police said.

GoFundMe Started To Cover Funeral Costs For Man Who Died In Mobile Home Fire

The family of Bob Umecker, who died over the weekend in a mobile home fire, have started a fundraiser to cover funeral costs.

Bodycam Video Shows Missing Man Dan Davis At Crash Scene Before Going Missing

"We believe whatever happened to him before the crash was well-masked, either on purpose or with adrenaline from the crash," daughter says.

Business Owner's Check Intercepted In Mail, Rewritten To $10K, Cashed By Stranger: Police Report

The business owner reported the check washing incident to police on Jan. 2.

Chicago Man, 30, Charged With Attempted Murder In Robbins Stabbing: Sheriff

The man is alleged to have stabbed another man multiple times during a fight Dec. 26, 2025.

Amazon Wants In To Orland Park, Eyes Former Petey's II Parcel For Massive Development

The proposal goes before the Plan Commission on Jan. 6. It would still need to go before the Village Board for final approval.

South Suburban GameStop Stores To Close

• Orland Park, Tinley Park GameStop Locations To Close
• New Lenox GameStop To Shutter, With Two Other South Suburban Locations

Preliminary 2025 Statistics Show Drop In Opioid Overdoses, Homicides: Cook County ME

For the first time since 2014, Cook County recorded fewer than 600 homicides in a year. The medical examiner handled 541 homicides in 2025.

Fort Frankfort Playground Expected To Finish Renovations Soon

Several components of the project required remanufacturing.

New Year's Babies!

• 10 Babies Born Jan. 1 At Silver Cross Hospital, Joliet Boy Is The First
• 'Isn't She Lovely:' Baby Winona First Baby Born in 2026 At Advocate Christ Medical Center
• Yorkville Couple Welcomes First Baby Of 2026 At Bolingbrook Hospital

Abbey Murphy Returns For Second Shot At Olympic Gold For Team USA Women's Hockey

Evergreen Park native Abbey Murphy makes second trip to Olympic Winter Games next month for Team USA Women's Hockey.

Homewood Police Chief To Retire After Three Decades With Department: Village

Police Chief Denise McGrath's last day is Friday, Jan. 9.

• Homewood Names Next Police Chief Ahead Of Current Department Leader's Last Day
  • Deputy Chief Thomas Johnson will be sworn into the role of Chief at the Village Board's Jan. 27 meeting.

ABC7's Great Chicago Blood Drive Coming To Mokena

The drive will be held Wednesday, Jan. 14.

Applications Open For Tinley Park Veterans Banner Program 2026

The banners are $150 each and honor local veterans with banners displayed in Veterans Plaza and along Veterans Parkway.

Free Groceries At Will County's Mobile Food Market In Crete

Eggs, milk, fresh produce, meat, and non-perishable items available at the drive-through food distribution event Jan. 14.