On the second anniversary of a fatal shooting, Northern Illinois University has planned a memorial wreath presentation and candlelight vigil, Chicago Breaking News reports. Two years ago today, a lone gunman entered a geology lecture and killed five students before turning the gun on himself. The wreath presentation, scheduled at 3 p.m., and the vigil at 6 p.m. will be held at the DeKalb campus' Martin Luther King Commons. Both can be viewed via Webcast. more ›

The body of Private Francheska Velez returned home today, and a procession from Midway, past Kelvyn Park High School where she had attended school, was held. Velez was one of the thirteen people killed in the November 5 Fort Hood shooting rampage. Last week, a vigil was held for the 21-year-old in her home neighborhood of Humboldt Park. Adding to the tragedy was the fact Velez was a little over two months pregnant at the time of her death. She had served in Iraq but had been transferred to Fort Hood after she became pregnant and was awaiting a December return to Chicago. Visitation for Velez is scheduled for Wednesday at Montclair Lucania Funeral Home; the funeral is scheduled for Thursday followed by a burial at Mount Olive Cemetery. more ›

After three teens were charged yesterday in last week's beating death of 16-year-old Derrion Albert, a fourth teen was also charged: 16 year-old Eric Carson. Neighbors also held a vigil yesterday, attended by around 250 people, that got a bit heated at times. An activist going by the name Queen Sister shouted through a bullhorn, "The mayor is out fighting for the Olympics, and our youth are here fighting for their lives!" more ›