Dawn Patrol: Kane losing lucrative prisoner deal? District 214 anger
Kane Co. could lose $2.5 million if federal prisoner deal ends
Since 2009, Kane County has made $2.5 million a year holding federal prisoners awaiting trial, but the deal could be in jeopardy with the U.S. Marshal's office poised to move about half the inmates. Some county leaders confirmed they had heard Sheriff Don Kramer planned to end the six-year-old agreement. "I can't tell you why the sheriff made that move," county board member Drew Frasz said. "It would have been standard protocol to have a lengthy discussion about a decision like this." Full story.
District 214 decision to stay open angers parents and students
The decision to keep school in session in Northwest Suburban High School District 214 on Thursday prompted a number of complaints from students and parents, but Superintendent David Schuler said he stood by his decision. "We are always in constant conversations with surrounding elementary districts and high school districts, but each individual superintendent has to make the decision they feel more comfortable with." Full story.
Rosemont man killed by cop got settlement with Illinois Tollway
The Rosemont man shot and killed Wednesday who previously made headlines for sleeping on a state job reached an out-of-court settlement last year after suing the Illinois Tollway, officials said yesterday. Joseph Caffarello was fired three times by the tollway. He agreed to dismiss his remaining claims in a federal lawsuit in exchange for the tollway reimbursing some of his attorneys' fees. Caffarello, 31, was shot and killed by an off-duty Rosemont police officer, who was Caffarello's brother-in-law. Full story.
Ex-trustee once banned from library objects to 5 candidates
Former Gail Borden Public Library Trustee Randy Hopp - who must check in with security to enter the library - is not only running for a seat on the library board but is trying to have five other candidates tossed from the ballot. For nearly four years until 2013, Hopp was banned from the library, other than for board meetings, after staff members complained of harassing behavior. Full story.
Weather
Wind chills could dip as low as -11 degrees this morning, prompting the National Weather Service to issue a wind chill advisory until noon. Highs today should be around 4, with windchills of -20. Another wind chill advisory is scheduled to start at 6 p.m. and end at noon Saturday. Full story.
Going outside?
What if you had to work outside in this cold weather? We found some people who did. Story, pictures and video.
Traffic
Bridge and interchange work reduces Route 25 in Elgin to one lane in each direction over the Jane Addams Tollway. Work is expected to finish sometime in 2016. Full traffic.
Bears hire new GM, the youngest in NFL
Ryan Pace, hired yesterday as the sixth general manager in Bears history, will be introduced this morning during a news conference at Halas Hall. Pace, 37, who was the New Orleans Saints' director of player personnel, beat out Chris Ballard, who was considered a front-runner for the Bears job in some circles. Full story.
Hawks hang tough for 4-2 win over Wild
The Hawks jumped out to an early lead for the first time since Christmas and held on for a hard-fought 4-2 victory over the Minnesota Wild. Patrick Sharp opened the scoring five minutes into the first period, and Patrick Kane finished the period with a power-play goal. Bryan Bickell scored twice in the third period. Full story.