Dawn Patrol: Chicago classes resume; salmonella in Batavia
Chicago Public Schools back in session today
Students at Chicago's public schools are headed back to the classroom this morning more than a week after teachers walked out to strike. Union delegates voted overwhelmingly to suspend the strike after discussing a proposed contract settlement that had been reached days earlier. Mayor Rahm Emanuel called the settlement “an honest compromise.” A vote on the contract itself still must come. Full story.
Arlington Heights mayor retiring next year
Arlene Mulder, the longest serving village president of Arlington Heights, will not seek re-election when her term is up in 2013.Mulder, first elected to mayor in 1993, told the village board during executive session Tuesday night of her plans to retire in May. http://www.dailyherald.com/article/20120919/news/709199921/">Full story.
Batavia restaurant closed due to salmonella outbreak
A Batavia Italian restaurant remained closed last night after six cases of salmonella appeared to be linked to the restaurant, according to county health department officials. Aliano's Ristorante has been closed since Friday. Officials said one person who ate there ended up seeking treatment at a hospital, but all six have since recovered. Full story.
School funding debate goes to Illinois Supreme Court
An attorney argued before the Illinois Supreme Court yesterday that the way Illinois pays for schools is unfair and illegal because taxpayers in less wealthy districts often pay higher property tax rates than homeowners in wealthier districts. The attorney, of Business and Professional People for the Public Interest, asked the court to let his lawsuit proceed at a lower level, as it had been previously thrown out. Full story.
Great America's giant inflatable spider sees her last day
Tiny, a 40-foot giant inflatable spider that hung annually from the side of the American Eagle roller coaster, perished this week while stuffed inside a shed at Six Flags Great America in Gurnee, authorities said. Employees setting up for the park's Fright Fest attempted to revive the spider, but she couldn't hold air. The spider, considered to be an icon of Fright Fest, has overlooked the Tri-State Tollway since 1991, and at one point way spider-napped in 1994. Full story.
Dist. 204 board president accepts seat on state board of education
Indian Prairie School District 204 is looking to fill a vacant seat on its school board after yesterday's resignation of its president, Curt Bradshaw, who has accepted an appointment to the Illinois State Board of Education. Bradshaw's vacant seat must be filled within 45 days. Bradshaw said he was not seeking a seat on the state board but was asked by Gov. Pat Quinn and accepted the position Tuesday. Full story.
McHenry Co. puts moratorium on electronic billboard permits
Electronic billboards are under fire in McHenry County, and the county board established a moratorium last night on issuing permits for the billboards. Board member Peter Merkel called the billboards #8220;an eyesore#8221; disliked by residents. #8220;When they see this thing pop up, they're calling us (and saying), #8216;How did you let this happen?'#8221; he said. Opponents say the billboards decrease property values, cause accidents and add to light pollution. Full story.
Weather
Crisp start to the morning with some places showing temperatures in the 30s as you head out the door. Temperatures are expected to climb to 72 degrees this afternoon, before dipping back to 54 degrees this evening. Full story.
Traffic
Construction continues at the intersection of IL-31 and IL-176 in Crystal Lake. The work will require intermittent closures for the start of the project but will eventually reduce lanes. Full story.
Ventura appears to know what he's doing with Sox
Sox manager Robin Ventura was taking it on the chin last week for his bullpen decisions. But Ventura lets criticism roll off his back. This week Ventura pushed all the right bullpen buttons in Monday's 5-4 victory over the Tigers in a big makeup game at U.S. Cellular Field. And Ventura was at it again last night in Kansas City, where the White Sox emerged with a gritty 3-2 win at Kauffman Stadium. Scot Gregor reports.
Cubs lose 3-1 to Reds
The Reds are working toward clinching the N.L. Central, reducing their magic number to 4 during a win at Wrigley Field on Tuesday. Full story.
Climactic golf weekends end in Medinah
The golf season is reaching a climax, with The Tour Championship concluding the PGA Tour's FedEx Cup playoffs this weekend and the 39th Ryder Cup coming next week to Medinah Country Club. Medinah, though, will open its gates to the public on Saturday; spectators can check out the Ryder Cup merchandise offerings and watch the conclusion of the PGA Youth Skills Challenge. Len Ziehm reports.