A soldier was killed Thursday evening after getting food at a restaurant with his cousin, the Sun-Times reports. Simeon Sanders, 21, was shot while crossing the street to avoid men arguing on the sidewalk in the south suburb of Harvey. Sanders was visiting his family during his furlough. Harvey police are currently investigating the incident, according to the Sun-Times. Funeral arrangements are to be determined. more ›

Our condolences to the family of Bartlett's Sgt. Kevin Grieco, 35, who was one of two soldiers killed by a suicide bomb Monday in in Baghlan, Afghanistan. Sgt. Grieco was part of the 2nd Battalion, 122nd Field Artillery, Illinois Army National Guard, Sycamore. It was that unit's third death this fall. Kevin is survived by his wife and two young children. more ›

With all the talk over the economy, wiretaps, and the election, it's easy to forget there's still a war going on in Iraq. Residents of Mundelein knew that all too well as yesterday they welcomed home Patrick Madison. Madison, 20, was serving with the Delta Company 164 out of Fort Stewart on May 23 when the tank he was driving burst into flames. Madison suffered injuries to his head, chest, and eyes as well as severe smoke inhalation. His family and the town of Mundelein were all smiles yesterday, though, as Patrick returned home. On his way home from the airport, a procession of police cars and fire trucks followed Patrick home where a celebration, including several veterans, awaited his return. Patrick's older brother, Mark, is also serving in Iraq and was able to join his injured brother for a time immediately after the fire. Patrick spent time recovering in Germany and at Walter Reed. In a response to Chicagoist's request for an update on Patrick's condition, his sister Jamie Madison Vasquez says, "He is doing much better, although he is still dealing with post traumatic stress and will be undergoing treatment" at Walter Reed for his head injury at a later date. [CBS 2, Fox] more ›