Teen Charged In Murder | Mask Debate | Gunshots At Bus Stop

CHICAGO AREA, IL — The week is finally winding down. And it's time to look back on some of the stories that caught Patch readers' attention in the northern Chicago suburbs in recent days.

Here is a look at what you may have missed:

Missing Antioch Man's Family Believes He Suffered Head Injury

The parents of a 24-year-old man who walked away from a crash on Interstate 94 in Libertyville believe their son suffered a severe head injury that has led to him not returning home. During a news conference Friday, family members spoke about Thomas "Tommy" Howe, who was reported missing on Jan. 22, and announced a $10,000 reward would be offered for information that leads to his safe return home.

Students Hear Gunshots While Waiting For Bus In Mount Prospect

While waiting for the school bus Wednesday morning, four students from Lincoln Middle School heard multiple popping sounds, possibly gunshots, and saw a driver of a car holding what appeared to be a handgun out their window, according to police.

The Good, Bad, Ugly In Renewed IL School Mask Debate

Masks in schools have been a topic of debate for parents since face coverings first became required for kids attending school in Illinois. Parents have stormed school board meetings, put up billboards along highways and gotten into arguments with other parents over the issue. There have been friendships ruined over the debate. Here's what local parents had to say regarding issues of bullying and threats that have been occurring in schools.

McHenry Co. Teen Charged In Wisconsin Murder

An 18-year-old McHenry County man is in custody on murder charges in connection with the shooting death of a 60-year-old man in Twin Lakes, Wisconsin. Josh Grimaldi has been charged with first degree intentional homicide, party to a crime, and hiding a corpse, party to a crime. He remains behind bars in Kenosha County, Wisconsin, according to a news release from the Twin Lakes Police Department.

$1.5M In Grants Launches Lake County Human Trafficking Task Force

A new anti-human trafficking task force in Lake County has been established with the help of a federal grant. Prosecutors, police and providers of services to crime victims will collaborate as part of the task force, officials announced Wednesday. The Lake County State's Attorney's Office and local victim services organization A Safe Place were one of six applications nationwide this year to receive an Enhanced Collaborative Model Task Force to Combat Human Trafficking grant from the Justice Department's Office of Victims of Crime.

More on Patch

Skokie Man Found Shot To Death Outside Park Ridge Home: Police

'McCormick Summer House' Sells For $780,000 In Highland Park

D-39 Board President Takes Flak For Involvement In CTU Election

Ravinia Chief Conductor Marin Alsop Extends Contract Until 2025

Landmark $53M Settlement In Fannie Mae Racial Discrimination Suit

Schaumburg Man Charged With Dissemination Of Child Pornography

Buffalo Grove Village Hall Lobby Reopens to Public Monday

1 Dead After Car Struck By Amtrak Train Near Northbrook

Snow Formations, Brave Firefighters And Duck Family: IL In Photos

Freight Train Crushes Armed Robbers' Getaway Car Near Zion: Cops