The briefs

Murder trial set to start

The trial of a man accused of luring a pizza delivery driver to her death near a West Chicago strip club is expected to begin next week. Former DeKalb County resident Bradley Justice, 30, is accused of ambushing, beating and killing 41-year-old Karen Hassan with a hammer after requesting a pizza be delivered to a secluded parking lot in November 2006. Justice was caught by U.S. marshals with the victim's cell phone and credit cards a few days later at a downstate hotel. Prosecutors are not seeking the death penalty.

Trial date pushed back

The trial of the man accused of causing an accident that killed a West Chicago man has been delayed until Aug. 26. Jury selection for 24-year-old Wheeling resident Eric W. Townsend's trial was expected to begin next week. The trial was delayed Thursday. Townsend is charged with causing the collision by failing to stop and fleeing the scene of the accident. Townsend is accused of driving through a red light at an intersection near the DuPage Airport, which caused 28-year-old Jason D. Johnson of St. Charles to collide with a car driven by 41-year-old Timothy Lambert. Lambert suffered head and chest injuries resulting in his death. Johnson was later charged with driving under the influence of drugs after lab tests showed he had marijuana in his system at the time of the collision.

Grief resources available

A variety of resources are available for West Chicago residents coping with the death of Adrianna Victoria-Chew, the 3-year-old who was killed by a train Saturday. West Chicago Elementary District 33 school psychologists and social workers are helping students and ask parents to be aware of signs of stress or fear in their children regarding this situation. Online resources include http://wgtk.wegoed33.site.eboard.com. The West Chicago Public Library has set aside books on loss for parents to use with their children. Marjory Lewe-Brady director of WeGo Together for Kids is also available at (630) 293-6000, ext. 225. Another resource is Rosie Valencia, of West Chicago Police Department social services, at (630) 293-2751.

Benedictine's tuition raised

Students at Benedictine University in Lisle will pay 4 percent more in tuition for the 2008-09 academic year, an increase recently approved by the board of trustees. Starting this fall, full-time undergraduate students will pay $10,800 in tuition per semester or $21,600 for the school year. Fees will rise to $710 from $510. Since 2001, annual tuition increases at Benedictine had averaged 5 percent.

Shops, restaurants opening

The new Springbrook Prairie Pavilion at 75th Street and Fort Hill Drive in Naperville will welcome its first occupant today when Road Runner Sports opens in the new 270,000-square-foot center. Other shops and restaurants will follow, including Buffalo Wild Wings Grill and Bar on June 20 and Whole Foods Market on July 16. The center will also eventually include Loehmann's, Cost Plus World Market, Nordstrom Rack, Bank of America, Chase Bank, Home Goods, Relax-the Back and Charles Ifergan.