Dawn Patrol: Strong early filings for local, state, congressional races
Early filing for Illinois attorney general, Congress
A crowd of Democrats lined up Monday in hopes of succeeding longtime Illinois Attorney General Lisa Madigan as petition filing opened for the March 20 primary election. Full story.
Why you might soon need passport for domestic flights
Kane County Clerk Jack Cunningham is sounding the alarm about a looming barrier to air travel in a couple of months. Illinois residents may need a passport to board even domestic flights as the federal government weighs an extension for Illinois to comply with the Real ID Act of 2005. Full story.
Preckwinkle files to keep Cook County Board presidency; challengers wait
Democratic Cook County Board President Toni Preckwinkle - a magnet for criticism since she pushed for a sweetened-beverage tax - was among the politicians who filed petitions Monday to get on the March primary ballot. Full story.
Two cops seeking DuPage sheriff's seat in GOP primary
DuPage County Sheriff John Zaruba isn't going to be a candidate for the first time in more than 20 years, but he's expected to loom large over the 2018 election to pick his replacement. Two supervisors with the sheriff's office - Undersheriff Frank Bibbiano and patrol Cmdr. James Mendrick - entered the Republican primary Monday to launch their bids to replace Zaruba, who is retiring next year. Full story.
Curran to face challenge for Lake County sheriff
A retired federal agent from Zion filed nominating petitions Monday to challenge Lake County Sheriff Mark Curran in next year's election. Full story.
Contested races expected in Kane, McHenry counties after first day of filing
Kane County will see its most competitive election season in recent history, given the number of candidates who lined up for the first day of filing Monday. Full story.
Harper College calls on Congress to give legal status to 'Dreamers'
Harper College officials are calling on federal legislators to enact legal protections for undocumented youth brought to the United States illegally as children - a group that includes students who attend the Palatine-based community college. Full story.
Weather
Clear and 49 degrees this morning. Rain is expected to move in to the area later this afternoon when temperatures reach a high of 57 degrees. It will dip to 37 degrees overnight. Full story.
Traffic
No major delays to report early Tuesday. Bridge reconstruction has caused reductions on Route 132 between US 41 and Waveland Avenue in Gurnee. Full traffic.
Blackhawks pour on the offense
After a head-scratching 7-7-2 start to the season, the suddenly smoking-hot Chicago Blackhawks are beginning to look a lot like a team nobody wants to face. The Hawks absolutely blitzkrieged the Anaheim Ducks on Monday at the United Center, scoring 6 goals in the first two periods - 3 coming off the stick of rookie Alex DeBrincat - en route to a 7-3 victory. Full story.