Dawn Patrol: Madigan’s pension plan; Itasca schools undo cuts
Itasca District 10 reinstates some cuts
Officials in Itasca District 10 have scaled back plans to lay off teachers and eliminate programs to address next year’s budget shortfall. Last night the school board voted to reinstate five of the teachers and several programs including art, music and middle school band. Full story.
Madigan’s legislation could break pension deadlock
Legislation introduced yesterday by Illinois’ powerful speaker of the House, Michael Madigan, has the potential to break the state’s pension deadlock. It would raise the retirement age for public employees, cut retirees’ annual pension raises and cap how much of a worker’s pension could count toward calculating a pension. Full story.
Darien gunman wanted to be found insane
Jacob Nodarse told jurors yesterday that he pursued an insanity defense in the hopes of avoiding prison after he fatally shot three members of a Darien family. Nodarse was testifying in the trial of his co-defendant Johnny Borizov, who he says conned him into the slayings. Testimony continues today. Full story.
Carpentersville raises motor fuel tax
The motor fuel tax in Carpentersville will now be two cents higher effective July 1 after a vote last night. The increase is set to expire in three years. Money from the tax will go toward replacing needed equipment in the village, including squad cars, ambulances and dump trucks. Full story.
Lisle dad pleads guilty to harassing coach
A Lisle man pleaded guilty yesterday to a federal charge of harassment for threatening to kill a high school volleyball coach who benched his daughter. John Kasik, 61, was sentenced to 24 months of probation and 20 days in the DuPage sheriff’s work alternative program, and is banned from the Lisle High School grounds, other than to see one daughter graduate. Full story.
Daily Herald wins awards for public service reporting, more
The Daily Herald won five Illinois Associated Press Editors Association awards in the areas of public service reporting, news innovation, page design and photography. The winners were announced yesterday and will be presented at the IAPEA banquet June 13 in Springfield. Full story.
Weather
Another gorgeous day today with a high of 84 degrees. There will be some clouds this afternoon, and temperatures will drop back to 52 tonight. It will start at 67 degrees this morning. Full story. Traffic
Roadwork continues in South Elgin on McDonald Road between the west village limits and Robin Glen Road. The work will continue through June. Full story.
Blackhawks begin playoffs with thrilling OT win
Johnny Oduya’s perfectly placed bank shot off the glass late in overtime set up Bryan Bickell’s winning goal in the Hawks’ thrilling 2-1 victory over the Minnesota Wild last night at the United Center. Full story.
Last month made Cubs, Jackson April fools
April wasn’t much of a month for the Cubs overall. One guy who’d like to put it in his rearview mirror is pitcher Edwin Jackson. In last night’s 13-7 loss to the San Diego Padres at Wrigley Field, Jackson saw his April record fall to 0-4 and his ERA rise from 4.76 to 6.72. Full story.