Dawn Patrol: Rutherford defends himself; Mt. Prospect fire aftermath
Rutherford defends accusations during visit to suburbs
Republican candidate for Governor Dan Rutherford spent yesterday in the suburbs defending himself from allegations made in a recent lawsuit filed by a former staffer. The Illinois treasurer denies sexual harassment claims and says the allegations are politically motivated. Full story with video.
Long haul for Mt. Prospect businesses damaged by fire
A fire that destroyed Sakura Japanese Restaurant has business owners and chamber of commerce leaders unsure of what comes next after the blaze also damaged neighboring businesses and apartments above. Full story with video.
Transit leaders defend themselves to lawmakers
Lawmakers grilled transit leaders at a hearing in Hoffman Estates last night about a report that touched on last year's allegations of low morale, racially offensive language and sexual innuendos from former leaders, as well as the response to problems during the polar vortex. Full story.
2nd life term for Aurora man who killed wife
A 58-year-old former Aurora man was sentenced to another life term yesterday for killing his wife in 1990. Aurelio Montano is already serving a life sentence for the 1996 murder of two people in a drug deal gone bad. Full story.
Water main fixed, but odd 'speed bump' remains in Palatine
A broken water main that lifted a section of Northwest Highway in Palatine has been fixed, but the odd bump in the road it spawned might not be going away soon, according to the village's public works department. Full story.
Hoffman Estates parks consider gambling
The Hoffman Estates Park District meets tonight to discuss a proposal that would allow video gambling in the clubhouse bar of Bridges of Poplar Creek Country Club. The district's Recreation Committee is expected to make a recommendation at the meeting. Full story.
Four times legal limit in fatal crash with train
A man who drove in front of a Metra train in a crash that killed himself and his daughter had four times the legal limit of alcohol in his system, Round Lake Park police said yesterday. Full story.
Weather
Cold to start, but temperatures will start to climb out of the deep freeze this afternoon. It's four degrees below zero right now, but temperatures will reach 14 degrees this afternoon. Temperatures will dip back to three degrees tonight. Full story.
Traffic
Construction work continues on Walnut Lane between Bode Road and IL Route 58. People should be prepared for delays. Full traffic.
Rozner: Sam's landmark declaration easy compared to childhood
Missouri senior defensive lineman Michael Sam could be the first openly gay player in the NFL, but for the athlete, coming out is nowhere near the hardest thing he's ever experienced. Sam witnessed siblings gunned down and jailed. He could begin his historical journey in the NFL with the Chicago Bears should they draft him. Full story.