Dawn Patrol: New taxes in Bartlett; new TIF district in Carpentersville
Bartlett approves two new taxes
Now that the Bartlett village board has approved a pair of new utility taxes — one on electricity and the other on natural gas — residents can expect to pay about $85 more per household annually. However, the village approved a partial rebate for senior citizens on those same new taxes. And it eliminated the vehicle sticker program. Full story.
Bail set at $750,000 in Batavia murder
A 24-year-old Batavia woman is being held in lieu of $750,000 on charges that she stabbed Gerald J. Jackson to death because she thought he was “involved” with another woman, according to prosecutors. Latoya Baines is accused of stabbing the Jackson in the chest in a Batavia apartment complex stairwell. Police said Jackson, 25, was the father of one of Baines’ two children. Full story.
Carpentersville OKs TIF district
The Carpentersville village board approved its biggest TIF district in the village last night, in a move that officials hope will revitalize a blighted section on the east side of town. The village will launch a $6,000 marking campaign to announce the 156-acre district, which is roughly bounded by Lake Marian Road, Northlake Parkway, Route 25 and Meadowdale Drive. Full story.
Madigan says don’t put off pension reform
Illinois House Speaker Michael Madigan reiterated Gov. Pat Quinn’s call to address the state’s troubled retirement system before lawmakers finalize the state’s budget this month, and not put it off until after November’s election. The budget deadline is May 31. Quinn’s proposal includes having teachers pay more toward their pensions and raising the retirement age. Madigan noted that teachers’ salaries aren’t set by the state, and he said the state shouldn’t pay pension amounts based on salaries the state doesn’t control. Full story.
Riverwoods family, firefighters escape injury
Fire investigators continue to probe a Tuesday morning blaze that ravaged a Riverwoods home. Firefighters inside in the burning home in the 100 block of Hiawatha Drive felt the first floor giving way and escaped before it collapsed. The family also escaped unscathed after a smoke detector woke them. Full story.
Weather
Showers and storms are approaching from the west, but they are bringing warmer weather with it. The line of showers should arrive by noon today, but temperatures in the mid-80s are expected to fall in right behind it. The showers and storms will hang around through the evening, and into tomorrow. Full story.
Traffic
Travel times are slow due to the weather, but few accidents to report early this wet Wednesday. Police and rescue workers are on the scene of a crash at Gary and Fullerton avenues in Carol Stream, while another is taking place at St. Charles Road and Main Street in Lombard. People should also avoids construction traffic in Deerfield at Lake Cook Road between Wilmot and Pfingsten roads. Motorists can expect periodic daytime lane closures due to roadwork through May 11. Full story.
Bulls go flat in second half
Although the Rose-less Bulls held a lead at halftime of Game 2 at the United Center, the 76ers outscored the team 62-37 in the second half and shot 64.3 to win 109-92. “I’m not shocked. I’m a little disappointed and I’m embarrassed we played like that on our home court,” Luol Deng said. “Now we’ve got to get the job done on the road.” Mike McGraw has the full story.
Beckham breaks out of slump to lead Sox to win
Second baseman Beckham had been mired in a month long slump, batting .153 in the month of April. But the Sox second baseman broke out with three hits, including a home run and an RBI single, to lead the Sox to a 7-2 win over Cleveland Tuesday night. Read Scot Gregor’s full story.
Four stars for “Marvel’s The Avengers”
Daily Herald film critic Dann Gire gave the much anticipated superhero-action flick “Marvel’s The Avengers” four stars, equating it with comic book based blockbusters such as “Spider-Man 2,” “Superman 2,” and “Iron Man.” Gire says “Avengers” is a worthy payoff for Marvel fans who’ve patiently waited through mediocre films (“Thor,” “Captain America,” “Iron Man 2,” “Hulk”) for a truly super superhero experience. The film opens Friday. Full story.