Dawn Patrol: Cold Halloween weather coming; Neuqua Valley to reopen
Bundle up - there's scary Halloween weather ahead
It's not too late to add a coat to your Halloween costume. The forecast could be more trick than treat for those celebrating Halloween tonight as a major storm with wind, rain, cold temperatures and maybe even snow is predicted to hit the suburbs. Temperatures should be in the mid 30s as you head out the door this morning. Highs this afternoon might reach 40. Full story.
That said, 10 last-minute Halloween ideas for today
If a plastic pumpkin filled with bite-size candy bars is not satisfying you this Halloween, we can help. We've scared up 10 ideas for today - both frightening and family-friendly - that should appeal to a wide range of terror tolerance. Full story.
Naperville school open Friday after bomb threat
After school activities were canceled yesterday due to a bomb threat at Neuqua Valley High School in Naperville, but officials said school will be open today because police do not consider it a "viable" threat. Full story.
Waukegan school district, teachers reach tentative deal
All Waukegan Unit District 60 schools will remain closed today so both parties can review the agreement reached yesterday. But athletics and extracurricular activities could resume today, Deputy Superintendent Mary Lamping said. Representatives for the striking teachers praised Illinois State Board of Education Chairman Gery Chico for intervening and brokering a deal that ended a nearly monthlong walkout. Full story.
Rolling Meadows police looking for hit-and-run driver
Rolling Meadows police are looking for a driver who was racing through a parking lot on Tuesday night when he hit a man and left the scene of the accident. An employee at the business came out to try to write down the license plate numbers and call police when one of the cars hit him, police said. Both drivers fled, Gadomski said. Full story.
Batavia football coach criticized over referendum email
A Batavia resident has complained about Batavia High School varsity football coach Dennis Piron expressing his opinion regarding a referendum about borrowing money for facilities work that would include an artificial turf field in the school's stadium. It was inappropriate, according to the complaint, because Piron used his job title. Full story.
Traffic
Bartlett road remains closed at Shoe Factory Road in Hoffman Estates due to construction of a new bridge. The road is expected to reopen by the end of the year. Full traffic.
Hossa reaches scoring milestone in Hawks victory
Marian Hossa had a goal and an assist in the Blackhawks' 5-4 shootout win over the Ottawa Senators, reaching two milestones in the city in which he started his NHL career back in 1997. Hossa's goal at 13:50 of the third period was his second of the season and his 1,000th career point. It came in his 1,100th NHL game. Full story.
When Maddon smoke clears, hunt for free agents will begin for Cubs
Open season on baseball free agents began yesterday, one day after the World Series ended. The Cubs will jump in right after they solve their managerial situation, which continues to drag on, with many moving parts in play. When the Cubs do get serious about free-agent players, it's going to be interesting because of the nuanced and cautionary terms team President Theo Epstein voiced on more than one occasion earlier in the off-season. Full story.
How to improve high school football's postseason
A lot has changed since the IHSA held its first football postseason 40 years ago. The playoffs have grown from 80 teams competing for five titles to 256 teams chasing eight championships. Marty Maciaszek, who has been covering postseason games for about 25 years, has some perfect-world suggestions that would take something good and make it even better. Full story.