Dawn Patrol: Supersized snowfall, Super Bowl roundup
Breaking News: Busse closed at Algonquin
A downed light pole has closed Busse Road at Algonquin. All lanes are blocked.
Snow cancels events, makes roads treacherous
The season's first major snowstorm pounded the suburbs yesterday, burdening those brave or fool-hardy enough to venture out and forcing everyone who needs to be somewhere this morning with the task of digging out snow that is up to 16 inches in some places. Luckily, the National Weather Service forecasts only mild snowfalls for the rest of the week, but because temperatures are set to stay below freezing the snow may be piled up for a while. Full story.
Snowy Super Shuffle in Geneva draws dedicated runners
Blizzard, shmizzard. The Geneva Park District plowed ahead with its Super Shuffle 5K race yesterday morning, despite blizzard conditions and inches of snow piling up on the course. “We have had a lot worse,” said Traci Wicks, the park district's marketing and public relations director. “Last year we had a foot of snow on the ground already, and it was very cold.” Full story.
Woman in labor during blizzard rushed to hospital
A woman in labor whose car ran off the road during blizzard conditions last night was rushed to the hospital in an ambulance with a snow plow escort. Full story.
Frigid charity dip in store for Aurora police, residents
Aurora police officers, dispatchers and residents will have a little frigid fun next month in an effort to raise money for the Illinois Special Olympics when they dress up as judges and jump in a Yorkville lake. Aurora police raised $5,100 last year and hope to top that March 8 in the 12th annual Special Olympics Law Enforcement Torch Run Polar Plunge at Loon Lake inside Silver Springs Park. This year's theme is “Brr-randa Rights,” a play on Miranda Rights read to each suspect in an arrest. “We're going to be dressing up as judges this year. That should be interesting,” Aurora Police Officer Lisa Carter said. “We're actually getting more citizens to join our team this year.” Full story.
Weather
Mostly cloudy and 13 degrees this morning. Temperatures will only reach a high of 16 degrees this afternoon, then dip to 9 degrees overnight tonight. Full story.
Traffic
Expect heavy congestion this morning in numerous areas due to the heavy snow. Resurfacing work will cause restrictions on Rand Road between Lake-Cook and Ela roads until June 15th. Full traffic.
Patriots best Seahawks 28-24 in Super Bowl
Tom Brady threw four touchdown passes, Malcolm Butler intercepted Russell Wilson in the end zone and the New England Patriots rallied from a 10-point fourth-quarter deficit to beat the Seattle Seahawks 28-24 in the Super Bowl last night. Full story here, and photo gallery here.
LeGere: What the Bears can learn from Super Bowl
Bob LeGere says the Bears could learn a lot about the importance of defense, balanced offense, efficient quarterbacking and developing an identity from Super Bowl XLIX. Full story.
Imrem: Why we keep coming back for more
Mike Imrem says games like Super Bowl XLIX are why the NFL remains so popular despite suffering the self-inflicted scandals that are supposed to kill it. Full column.
Technology gives Perry's Super Bowl show a boost
She roared loud, possibly because there was a jungle behind her. Katy Perry's Super Bowl halftime show Sunday with its eye-popping, stunning and colorful visual effects, illusions and lights was a success mainly because of others — including the energetic Missy Elliott — and high-tech effects. The pop star kicked off the performance atop a robotic tiger, her outfit covered in a flame design. She seemed confident and ready to take the big stage, her voice strong over what sounded like a pre-recorded track. Full story.