Dawn Patrol: Defendant admits 'wildly slashing'; Cary motorcyclist killed
Triple-murder defendant admits to 'wildly slashing' family
D'Andre Howard admitted yesterday while testifying in his own defense that he began "wildly slashing" four members of his fiancee's family while a loud siren-like noise took over in his head. Three of the Engelhardt family died in the 2009 attack, while another was seriously injured but lived. Full story.
Cary man dies in motorcycle crash
A Cary man died Sunday after he was struck by a vehicle while driving his motorcycle in an unincorporated area near Marengo, police said yesterday. William G. Hurley, 55, died from injuries after hitting a truck that pulled out in front of him, police said. Hurley was wearing a helmet. Full story.
Two juveniles charged in Aurora car burglaries, police say
Two Aurora teens were charged with multiple car burglaries after a spree Memorial Day weekend. Police say they arrested the juveniles after finding them sleeping by a retention pond with backpacks full of stolen items nearby. Full story.
Wheaton school evacuated after students sickened
Edison Middle School in Wheaton was evacuated yesterday afternoon for more than an hour and 30 students were taken to area hospitals when a gas leak and burning smell caused them to feel sick, officials said. Almost all were treated and released later in the afternoon, hospital officials said. Full story.
Gurnee mayor says don't encourage panhandlers
Gurnee Mayor Kristina Kovarik wants residents to stop giving money to panhandlers who have increased their presence within the village limits recently. She posted a recent Facebook message encouraging people to donate to the PADS Lake County homeless assistance agency rather than to panhandlers. Full story.
Hoffman Estates beer garden pitched for 2015
A proposal for a German-style beer garden hoped to be fast-tracked for the use of Hoffman Estates' Village Green this summer has been delayed for at least a year. In a letter sent to village officials yesterday afternoon, DasBier Garden LLC President Andrew Hartman asked to postpone the conversation planned to take place at last night's village board meeting until the fall. Full story.
Arlington Heights Ace welcomes new owner
Sherwin Ace Hardware in Arlington Heights recently welcomed a new owner - a familiar face to customers. Former owner Bob Ward sold the store to the first stock boy he hired in 1988: Matt Hanson. Hanson began working there as a 15-year-old high school sophomore who lived in the neighborhood. Full story.
Weather
Mostly sunny today with a high of 80 degrees. Temperatures will be about 68 degrees when you head out the door this morning. Tonight, temperatures should be around 60 degrees with showers moving into the area after midnight. Full weather.
Traffic
Construction continues on Route 20 between North and Oak avenues in Bartlett. People are urged to use alternate routes. Full story.
Blackhawks 'shocked' by overtime loss
"Shocked" seems like a good word for Chicago Blackhawks players who were stunned in an overtime loss in game 7 Sunday night. To make it so deep into the playoff season and then lose - it's a tough fact to grapple with as they head into the off-season, players say. Full story.