Dawn Patrol: Union-backed pension plan; Brady stepping down
Illinois Senate strikes pension deal with union
Illinois Senate President John Cullerton said yesterday that he’s pushing forward with a pension plan that has the support of the state’s unions — something he says is critical to the survival of any pension reform legislation. Without that support, he says House Speaker Michael Madigan’s plan could be found unconstitutional if contested. Full story.
GOP’s Brady stepping down
Pat Brady, the Illinois Republican party chairman, is expected to announce his resignation this morning. Brady, of St. Charles, has been under fire since making comments in support of same-sex marriage, but sources also cite his wife’s battle with ovarian cancer. Party officials will hold a conference call to discuss the matter on Wednesday. Full story.
Des Plaines seats youngest mayor, new aldermen
Face flushed with emotion, former 3rd Ward Alderman Bogusz, 26, took the helm as Des Plaines’ youngest mayor. “I truly, truly am blessed. I have been blessed to serve the 3rd Ward. I’ve learned a lot,” he said of his former post. Full story.
Argiris gets right down to business in Wheeling
New Wheeling Village President Dean Argiris plans one meeting to explain trustees’ priorities to the village plan commission and another to make peace over Chicago Executive Airport with Nick Helmer, mayor of Prospect Heights. Full story.
St. Charles begins new era under Mayor Ray Rogina
The weight of goodbye hit outgoing St. Charles Mayor Don DeWitte last night shortly after he began his parting words. “This is a tough job,” DeWitte said. “We make a lot of friends, and we make a lot of enemies. Everything that we’ve accomplished, we couldn’t have done it without each other.” And with a handshake and a pat on the shoulder, he passed the gavel to his successor, Ray Rogina. Full story.
U-46’s changing of the guard
The Elgin Area School District U-46 said goodbye to old school board members and welcomed in new at a meeting last night. Board President Donna Smith retains her seat, as well as Amy Kerber and Traci O’Neal Ellis. Longtime board members Joyce Fountain and Dale Spencer opted not to run for re-election. Veronica Noland and Frank Napolitano join the board. Full story.
New mayors in Lake Zurich, Round Lake
Two new mayors were among those sworn in last night in Lake Zurich. Thomas Poynton, a trustee, took over in Lake Zurich. In Round Lake, political newcomer Daniel MacGillis takes over as mayor. Full story.
Towns cleared in flood dispute
Prospect Heights and Mount Prospect did not illegally close a gap in Levee 37 along the Des Plaines River, causing flooding to be even worse in Des Plaines. The Illinois Department of Natural Resources said the jersey barriers placed along the gap did not equal a complete closure. Full story.
Carol Stream cop among injured in 4-vehicle crash
An off-duty Carol Stream police sergeant was one of three people hospitalized after four vehicle crash in Hanover Park that happened over the weekend. The officer rear-ended a vehicle at about 7 p.m. Sunday. Full story.
Weather
It will be around 48 degrees and clear when you head out this morning. Temperatures will climb to 75 degrees before dipping back to 50 degrees tonight. Full story.
Traffic
Roadwork continues in Elmhurst at IL Route 83/Frontage Road between Fay Avenue to Babcock Avenue. The work will continue through June. Full story.
Bulls defy all odds, pull South Beach stunner
With less than a minute remaining in Game 1 of this second round playoff series — the home fans staring in disbelief as the Bulls led the Heat by 2 points — Nate Robinson assessed the situation. He was matched up against 37-year-old Ray Allen, a childhood hero and former teammate in Boston. Robinson knew what to do. He emphatically waved off a screen from Joakim Noah, blew past Allen and hit a scoop in the lane that essentially clinched the Bulls’ stunning 93-86 victory over Miami at American Airlines Arena. Mike McGraw reports.
Mike Imrem: Who was the rested team here?
The Bulls were supposed to be the team that was tired last night, right? Instead, they caught the well-rested Heat napping in Game 1 of their NBA East semifinal playoff series. Mike Imrem’s full column.