Dawn Patrol: Gire on the Oscars; suburban Ukrainians speak out

Gire, suburban film fans celebrate Oscars in Wheaton

Though Daily Herald Film Critic Dann Gire called this year's Academy Award nominee field one of the "tightest, toughest" he's ever seen, it turned out pretty much the way he thought it would. That includes his prediction that "12 Years a Slave" would win Best Picture over eight other films. Full story. Full list of Sunday's winners.

Suburban Ukrainians worried about Russia's actions

Members of the suburban Ukrainian community said yesterday they are sad, angry and fearful about the escalating political and military tensions between the Ukraine and Russia. "I cry," said Mary Jaresko, a Ukrainian immigrant who attends St. Andrew Ukrainian Orthodox Church in Bloomingdale. "For days I have cried about this. Americans need to know what's going on there." Russian forces seized Ukraine's Crimean peninsula over the weekend, igniting fears across Europe and North America that war could break out between Russia and Ukraine. Full story.

Palatine plungers endure icy "needles" for a good cause

Around 350 people plunged into an icy hole in the water at the Twin Lakes Recreation Area to benefit the Special Olympics on the Polar Plunge yesterday. Chicago resident Lisa Musialowicz, dressed as Batgirl, was there to support the Arlington Heights police team. "Jimmy Fallon, you have nothing on us," she said. The plunge feels like "needles shooting into your body," Musialowicz said. In the past, she said, "I have been climbing out like a cat in water." Full story.

Suburban teams dance their way to wins at big competition

Trophy cases at high schools across the suburbs are a little brighter this morning after eight area dance teams won shiny prizes at the Team Dance Illinois Championships Sunday in Peoria. Teams were grouped together based on the size of their high school and could choose to perform in one of six dance categories: open dance, hip-hop, poms, open poms, lyrical and kick. Full story.

17-year-old trapped in machinery at Algonquin snowboarding park

A 17-year-old employee was injured yesterday afternoon when his arm became tangled up in the machinery that operates a ski lift at the Raging Buffalo Snowboard and Ski Park in Algonquin. Algonquin-Lake in the Hills Fire Protection District responded to the park at 19N475 Route 31 at 1:46 p.m. after a co-worker discovered the teen entrapped in the conveyor lift, officials said. John Greene, the Algonquin Fire Department battalion chief, said more than 30 rescuers worked for about an hour to remove the young man who was then airlifted to Advocate Lutheran General Hospital in Park Ridge. Full story.

Weather

It will be right at zero degrees as you head out the door this morning, and temperatures should climb to the midteens this afternoon. It will be 8 degrees tonight. Full weather.

Traffic

Construction continues on Route 173 near Antioch between US Route 41 North Hunt Club Road. Delays are anticipated. Additional traffic.

Hawks' Toews: We had a blast out there

All that's left for the Blackhawks to do now is to play outdoors at U.S. Cellular Field. And don't think Hawks president and CEO John McDonough wasn't trying to plant that seed with NHL Commissioner Gary Bettman over the weekend. Saturday's Stadium Series game at Soldier Field was a rousing success on every level, starting with the fact that the Hawks won 5-1 behind 2 goals and an assist from Jonathan Toews. Yes it snowed a lot, making for some comical moments, but that only added to the atmosphere and made it even more special for the players and crowd of 62,921. Full story.

No stopping Bulls' Joakim Noah

The Bulls are turning the basketball world upside down right now. Center Joakim Noah is now the best distributor on the team. While collecting his fifth career triple-double against New York yesterday, Noah also set a franchise record for assists by a center with 14. Noah added 13 points and 12 rebounds, leading the Bulls to an easy 109-90 win over the Knicks at the United Center. The outcome was never in much doubt after the Bulls jumped to early leads of 16-1 and 25-6. Full story.