Dawn Patrol: Gay marriage, gun control stalled; Kirk climbs Capitol steps
Same-sex marriage stalled for now
The push to legalize same-sex marriage in Illinois has stalled for the moment, as the full state Senate likely won't vote on the issue today. A panel of lawmakers might debate the proposal this afternoon, but full approval would have to wait until Tuesday, the last day of the current General Assembly's term. Full story.
Gambling expansion legislation really stalled
Yet another term of the Illinois General Assembly will come to an end next week without approval of slot machines for Arlington Park and new casinos in Lake County, Chicago and elsewhere, state Sen. Terry Link said yesterday. Link, a Waukegan Democrat, had left the door open for a last-minute deal before new lawmakers take their seats Jan. 9, but he closed it. Full story.
And so is gun control
State gun control plans proposed by Senate Democrats are on hold despite early support this week, chief sponsor Sen. Dan Kotowski of Park Ridge said yesterday. “The votes aren't here,” Kotowski told reporters from the Senate floor yesterday afternoon. “There was significant support in the chamber, but to get through it here we need more votes.” Full story.
A year after stroke, Sen. Mark Kirk climbs Capitol steps
U.S. Sen. Mark Kirk could be seen yesterday methodically counting to himself as he made his way up the U.S. Capitol steps for the first time since he suffered a massive stroke nearly a year ago. In 10 minutes' time and with the help of Democrats including Vice President Joe Biden, he made it up all 45 steps. “Let's go to work, you guys!” Kirk said. Full story. And see a photo gallery and video of Kirk's triumphant return.
Victim speaks publicly about being hazed at Maine West
A former Maine West High School soccer player who says he was sodomized as part of a hazing ritual by members of the varsity soccer team spoke publicly for the first time Thursday about the attack. The victim, who was a 14-year-old freshman at the time the hazing occurred on campus in the fall of 2007, is among four plaintiffs who have filed a lawsuit against Maine Township High School District 207, Maine West High School's administration, coaches and staff for not reporting the hazing to authorities or adequately punishing the perpetrators. Full story, and ABC 7's interview.
Motorola Mobility's Libertyville complex up for sale
Google Inc. is trying to unload Motorola Mobility's expansive Libertyville campus and has hired a company to market the property to interested buyers. Philadelphia-based Binswanger Corp. is in charge of finding a taker for the 84-acre site off Route 45 on Libertyville's far west side. Binswanger announced yesterday it had been named the exclusive agent by Google, the parent company of Motorola Mobility. Full story.
Grease fire damages Fox River Grove restaurant
A grease fire yesterday afternoon caused between $150,000 and $200,000 in damage to the New China restaurant on the 300 block of Northwest Highway in Fox River Grove, officials said. Fox River Grove Fire Protection District Deputy Chief Jim Kreher said the blaze appears to have started in the kitchen about 4:45 p.m. The restaurant owner burned his hand and was treated at the scene, but there were no other injuries. Full story.
Challenge could leave Buffalo Grove board race uncontested
The race for three seats on the Buffalo Grove village board could wind up uncontested. Trustee Andrew Stein is challenging the candidacy of the race's only non-incumbent, Jeffrey Battinus, claiming the newcomer failed to provide a mandatory statement of economic interest receipt by the Dec. 26 filing deadline. Full story.
Report: Bears interested in Colts' Arians
The Bears' search for Lovie Smith's successor is tilting heavily toward offense, at least in the early going. According to NFL Network's Ian Rapoport, the Bears yesterday were the first team to request an interview with Indianapolis Colts offensive coordinator Bruce Arians about a head-coaching position, and they have been granted permission. Full story.
Clear, cold, dry:
A high of 32 expected today, with sunshine. Full story.
Water main break:
Traffic on Hintz Road in Wheeling is down to one lane, as repairs are made to a broken water main. Full story.