Dawn Patrol: Suburbs react to pope; Roskam meets with Obama
Local religious leaders, faithful see pope as heart of humility
Even Pope Francis' request of a blessing first from the faithful before he blessed them signaled the essence of the saint's name he had chosen — simplicity and humility, said the Rev. John Trout, pastor of St. Joseph Catholic Church in Libertyville. “He is representing the voice of the people,” Trout said. “The cardinals have chosen well.” Full story.
Roskam, Obama exchange less jovial in Capitol meeting
House GOP Chief Deputy Whip Peter Roskam told the Daily Herald yesterday he tried to “teasingly translate” the “reluctance” heard in House Republicans' voices in dealings with the White House during a closed-door meeting with President Barack Obama this week. “When they hear the president talking about how he approaches the economy, they fear he's leading in the same direction Illinois is now,” Roskam said he told the president. Full story.
Construction revs up on Jane Addams
Jane Addams Tollway (I-90) drivers will see some dividends this year — right? — on higher tolls instituted in 2012 as construction to widen and reinvent the road kicks off. The Illinois tollway is spreading the $2.2 billion project over four years. The eastbound section of I-90 between Elgin and Rockford is the first to be rebuilt, with work starting this spring and finishing later in 2013. Full story.
Committee passes pension reform plans, but they compete
A three-hour debate in the state Senate yesterday resulted in a committee approving two competing pension reform plans. Without agreement to pick one, there's still doubt that after years of talks lawmakers will be ready to send legislation to Gov. Pat Quinn anytime soon. Full story.
Negro league veterans talk to Woodland students
Two former Negro league ballplayers entertained fifth-graders at Gurnee's Woodland Intermediate School yesterday with stories about their careers in professional baseball. Hank Presswood, a 91-year-old ex-shortstop, and Ray Knox, an 81-year-old ex-catcher, talked about their starts in baseball, dugout camaraderie and even meeting the great Leroy Satchel Paige. Full story.
DuPage County Forest Preserve may revise horse adoption policy
Amid worries some horses set to leave the Danada Equestrian Center could end up in the hands of unscrupulous owners, DuPage Forest Preserve commissioners are considering revising the district's horse adoption policy. The district is giving Danada volunteers until the end of the month to submit applications to adopt five horses that no longer participate in programs. Full story.
Kane County wants piece of Prairie Parkway cash
The Prairie Parkway project fell dormant when the Federal Highway Administration rescinded its funding for the proposed link between I-88 and I-80. But not all of the cash associated with the project vanished. Kane County, Yorkville and Sugar Grove are now uniting to fight for $51 million of the leftover money. Full story.
Algonquin teen guilty but mentally ill in dad's death
An Algonquin teen was sentenced to 18 years in prison yesterday after pleading guilty but mentally ill to second-degree murder in his father's death. David W. Szalonek, 19, of the 1400 block of Westbourne Parkway, shot his father, Brian, in the head with a 20-gauge shotgun on Feb. 8, 2010. Full story.
Weather
Clear and cool with a high of 23 degrees this morning. It will turn mostly cloudy with highs of 36 degrees with some snow possible this afternoon, before dipping to 28 degrees overnight tonight. Full story.
Traffic
Construction continues in South Elgin at McDonald Road between the west village limits and Robin Glen Road. The construction is expected to last through June.
New additions two big plusses for Bears
New Bears left tackle Jermon Bushrod and tight end Martellus Bennett were introduced yesterday in Lake Forest. “We've got two quality guys, two guys that are ascending at their work at this stage,” coach Marc Trestman said. “We got our team better.” Full story.
Coach Q finds it's not easy to replace Sharp
Patrick Sharp has missed the last two games with a sprained left shoulder, and the Hawks have lost both of them. Coach Joel Quenneville said yesterday replacing Sharp isn't easy. Bryan Bickell was given the first opportunity to take Sharp's spot, but that meant splitting up the highly successful third line of Bickell, Andrew Shaw and Viktor Stalberg. Full story.
Deadline for Winter Photo Contest tonight: Win 2 nights at resort
It's not too late to enter our Winter Photo Contest, but time is running out. The deadline for entries is midnight. Then voting begins Friday. The entry with the most votes will win a two-night stay for two and $100 gift certificate at the Abbey Resort in Wisconsin. Full story, and see the contest page.