Dawn Patrol: Judy Baar Topinka dies; Cubs get Jon Lester
Judy Baar Topinka dies after suffering stroke
Illinois Comptroller Judy Baar Topinka died early this morning at age 70, less than 24 hours after having a stroke, according to her office. Spokesman Brad Hahn told The Associated Press that Topinka reported discomfort Tuesday morning and was admitted to a hospital in Berwyn. After undergoing tests she appeared to be doing well overnight before falling unconscious. Full story.
Cubs reportedly land Jon Lester in 6-year, $155 million deal
The Jon Lester wait apparently ended early this morning when reports came out that the prized free agent agreed to terms with the Cubs. The ace left-hander, who played his entire career with the Boston Red Sox before being traded to the Oakland Athletics this past season, reportedly has agreed to a six-year, $155 million deal with the North Siders. The Cubs hadn't yet confirmed such a deal. Full story.
Public funding request kills downtown Buffalo Grove plan
A controversial plan to build a sprawling downtown project on Buffalo Grove's municipal campus and golf course has come to an abrupt end. CRM Properties Group President Charles Malk has withdrawn the proposal, citing higher-than-anticipated costs and a lack of public funding, the village announced yesterday. Full story.
Third defendant gets 22 years in killing of widower
The third of four defendants charged in the 2011 murder of 55-year-old widower George Nellessen in his Arlington Heights home pleaded guilty to armed robbery yesterday and was sentenced to 22 years in prison. Marlon Green's guilty plea was part of an agreement with prosecutors which required that he testify against co-defendant Matthew Nellessen, George Nellessen's son. Full story.
Kane prosecutor pleased with new suspect lineup law
Kane County State's Attorney Joe McMahon says he's pleased with a new law going into effect Jan. 1 setting forth new requirements for police to handle suspect lineups - whether it's a sequential or simultaneous photo lineup or an in-person lineup like on movies and TV. McMahon said requirements to record the lineups and have a neutral person conduct the lineup will help ensure authorities arrest the correct person, eliminate unintentional cognitive bias, and preserve the rights of defendants. Full story.
Ukrainian journalists visiting suburbs as part of Palatine trip
Ukrainian journalist Oleksandr Akymenko treated his competitors like partners in the days after popular protest felled the nation's president. Their mission: poring through tens of thousands of waterlogged documents left behind on former President Viktor Yanukovych's compound. The journalists are visiting the suburbs until Saturday through the federally funded Open World Program, which sponsors trips to the U.S. for young political and civic leaders from nine post-Soviet countries. Full story.
Kenyon elected Kane forest president amid political wrangling
Kane County Forest Preserve District commissioners Tuesday selected Mike Kenyon as district president. The vote ended the reign of the longest-serving president in the district's history and signaled the start of a friendly partnership between two heated political rivals, but it surprised the apparent previous front-runner, Barb Wojnicki. Full story.
Objection filed against Hoffman Estates candidate
An objection has been filed to the candidacy of first-time Hoffman Estates village trustee hopeful Prajesh "Pat" Patel, claiming his nominating papers contain invalid signatures and that he is not a registered voter at his listed address. Patel is one of five candidates running for three seats on the village board in the April 7 election. The others are incumbents Anna Newell, Gary Pilafas and Gary Stanton, and former Trustee Cary Collins. Full story.
Three targeted men via escort ads in Carpentersville
Three people were arrested in Carpentersville after robbing one man - and possibly more - who had responded to escort ads, police said. Kristin Robson, 19, of the 600 block of Indigo Lane, Woodstock, and Joshua Hampton, 25, of the 9200 block of South Throop Street, Chicago, were charged with aggravated robbery; Hampton was also charged with armed robbery with a firearm, court records show. Full story.
Weather
Cloudy and 30 degrees to start the day. Temperatures are expected to climb to 35 degrees this afternoon, before dipping back to 26 tonight. Full story.
Traffic
Resurfacing work will cause restrictions on Rand Road from Lake-Cook Road and Ela Road. The work will continue through June 15th, 2015. Full story.
Samardzija, White Sox a perfect fit
In Chris Sale, the White Sox already have one of the best left-handed starting pitchers in the game. Another Sox lefty, Jose Quintana, has thrown 200 innings in each of the last two seasons while posting a combined 3.42 ERA. Finding a dominant right-hander to pitch between Sale and Quintana was the obvious goal for a White Sox team looking to contend after six straight years of watching the playoffs from afar, and the missing piece has been found. Jeff Samardzija is coming back to Chicago. Full story.