Dawn Patrol: PARCC test shortened; Blackhawks drop game 3
State's PARCC test will be shorter next year
After much consternation from educators, parents and students, state education officials have decided to shorten the state's standardized test next year. The new Partnership for Assessment of Readiness for College and Careers (PARCC) assessment debuted this spring. Statewide third- through 10th-graders took the exam — divided into two parts measuring different types of knowledge and skills — in mathematics and English language arts/literacy in March and April/May. Next year's test will have a simpler format to improve the testing process for students and educators. Full story.
Man charged after third attempt to rob same Hoffman Estates bank
A Hoffman Estates man is facing a federal bank robbery charge after authorities say he was arrested trying to hold up a village bank for the third time since December. Shelton R. Brooks, 52, of the 1900 block of Kenilworth Circle, is charged with the robbery of approximately $11,916 from the Hoffman Estates Community Bank at 2200 W. Higgins Road on Jan. 13. That was the second of the robberies in which Brooks is a suspect, the first having occurred on Dec. 15, according to the criminal complaint filed in U.S. District Court. Full story.
Bill to decriminalize small amounts of marijuana goes to Rauner
People caught with fewer than 15 grams of marijuana would be slapped with a fine instead of possible jail time if Gov. Bruce Rauner approves. State Sen. Mike Noland, an Elgin Democrat, won approval in the Illinois Senate Thursday to decriminalize small amounts of marijuana. Full story.
Villa Park police: Husband, wife found dead in apparent murder-suicide
A Villa Park couple who died in an apparent murder-suicide in their home are being described by neighbors as nice people who largely kept to themselves. Villa Park officers were dispatched at 1:18 p.m. Wednesday to the white-brick house on the 200 block of Julia Drive, police said Thursday. Full story.
Man charged in child porn case moving away from public park
A youth group leader from Buffalo Grove facing charges of possession of child pornography is selling his house because it is within 500 feet of a public park, attorneys said Thursday. Harry O. Jones, 44, is leaving his home on the 1300 block of Green Knolls Drive and moving to a different location, attorney Barry Sheppard said in court. Full story.
Weather
Sunny and 51 degrees this morning. Temperatures will climb to 66 degrees this afternoon before falling to 49 degrees overnight. Full story.
Traffic
Work will cause restrictions on Arlington Heights Road in Buffalo Grove from Lake-Cook Road and Route 83 until September 18th. Full traffic.
Ducks beat Hawks 2-1 in Game 3
The Anaheim Ducks beat the Blackhawks 2-1 in the Game 3 of the Western Conference finals Thursday night at the United Center. The Ducks now lead the best-of-seven series 2-1 with Game 4 on Saturday. Patrick Maroon and Simon Despres scored for Anaheim, while Patrick Kane tallied for the Hawks. Despres' goal came with 55 seconds left in the second period to give the Ducks a 2-1 lead. The Ducks had moved the puck around the Hawks' defensive zone beautifully, then Ryan Getzlaf passed to Despres, who easily beat Corey Crawford. Full story.
Hendricks goes all the way in 3-0 Cubs victory
Kyle Hendricks hadn't thrown a complete game or shutout in his two-year big league career. He didn't have a win yet this year. That all changed Thursday night, when he dominated the San Diego Padres with a five-hitter that carried the Cubs to a 3-0 victory. Kris Bryant, who starred at the University of San Diego, hit a two-run homer on the game's seventh pitch. Full story.
White Sox' rally vs. Indians falls short
After going 5-1 on a road trip to Milwaukee and Oakland last week, the White Sox reached the .500 mark for the first time since Opening Day and were seemingly positioned for continued success. But the White Sox have taken two steps back, dropping consecutive games to Cleveland. At U.S. Cellular Field Wednesday night, the Sox fell to the Indians 4-3. Scoring runs has been the big problem in the first three games of the series. The Sox won Monday 2-1 in 10 innings before falling 3-1 Tuesday. Full story.