Dawn Patrol: Hail, floods in suburbs; lawsuit against Grayslake school
Storms pound suburbs
Baseball-sized hail up to 2.75 inches in diameter were reported in southern Cook County and reports of 1- to 2-inch hail were common elsewhere, said Mike Bardou, meteorologist with the National Weather Service. Heavy rain totaling 2 to 3 inches pelted Naperville and Woodridge in DuPage County. Flood advisories were issued late last night. Full story.
Suit filed to block charter school
Gurnee-based Woodland Elementary District 50 has filed a lawsuit seeking to overturn a state agency's recent decision allowing Prairie Crossing Charter School in Grayslake to continue for another five years. The suit contends Prairie Crossing violated its last charter renewal in 2009 and should not have received state approval to continue. Full story.
Minimum wage question on ballot?
The Illinois House decided yesterday to place an advisory question on the November ballot to ask voters about raising the minimum wage, now $8.25 per hour. "It's clear we need to do more to reduce economic inequality," House Speaker Michael Madigan said. Full story.
Legislative pressure on IHSA continues
State lawmakers Tuesday questioned the pay, pensions and practices of the Illinois High School Association during a tense hearing led by state Rep. Linda Chapa LaVia, an Aurora Democrat. Chapa LaVia has tried to raise pressure on the sports organization this year, arguing that a private group that gets a lot of public money from schools needs to be more open with lawmakers. Full story.
Security to be upped at high schools
Parents and guests to Libertyville and Vernon Hills high schools will encounter more stringent and visible security measures beginning this summer. Full story.
Police: Elgin man caught with 2 pounds of marijuana
A 21-year-old Elgin man was arrested on charges he possessed more than 2 pounds of marijuana, according to authorities and court records. Christian A. Rodriguez was arrested at his residence by members of the North Central Narcotics Task Force, a unit of the state police. Full story.
Weather
Sunny and clear with a high of 83 degrees this afternoon. Temperatures will be about 68 degrees this morning. Full story.
Traffic
Construction continues on Henning Road between Freeman Road and Cameron Drive near Carpentersville. People are urged to expect delays in the area. Full story.
Shaw eager to be back on the ice tonight
That Andrew Shaw is about to return to the ice after an apparent knee injury Game 1 against Minnesota is impressive, but even more so is that the high-energy forward somehow survived these past few weeks of having to sit on the sidelines and watch. Full story.
St. Edward, Rosary graduations
St. Edward and Rosary high schools joined our collection of picture galleries last night from graduations in the suburbs. Take a look, order reprints.