Dawn Patrol: Walsh running in new 8th; will Sears deal happen?
Walsh announces switch to 8th, promised $3.5 million from Boehner
Congressman Joe Walsh decided to run for election in a Northwest suburban congressional district, rather than face fellow freshman Rep. Randy Hultgren in the redrawn 14th, he announced last night in Chicago. GOP officials confirmed Walsh was promised $3.5 million in fundraising help from House Speaker John Boehner to make the move to the 8th. Walsh, who had been campaigning in the 14th, made the announcement at the Cubby Bear in Chicago. Full story.
House leaders agree on Sears tax breaks; will lawmakers follow?
Top House lawmakers have agreed on a tax-breaks package that would include incentives to keep Sears in Hoffman Estates, they said yesterday, but the test could come Monday when lawmakers return to Springfield for a full vote. Although House Republican and Democrat leaders agreed, rank-and-file state officials and Gov. Pat Quinn would need to hop on board. The proposal would extend Sears' property tax breaks with Hoffman Estates and add up to $150 million in income tax help over 10 years. The question remains whether lawmakers will agree to the breaks as the General Assembly raised income taxes on all Illinoisans earlier this year. Full story.
AG: Blagojevich not eligible for state pension
Former Gov. Rod Blagojevich will not be eligible to receive a state pension after his corruption convictions, according to Illinois Attorney General Lisa Madigan. Blagojevich would have been eligible to receive a $64,500 annual pension starting this year when he was to become eligible tomorrow on his 55th birthday. The former governor will be able to recoup the $129,167 he contributed toward his pension, but he could lose some of that due to the $20,000 imposed as part of his sentence. Full story.
Trial begins in 2008 murder of Elk Grove woman
Cook County prosecutors said yesterday Jonathan Wood, charged with the 2008 murder of his mother in Elk Grove Village, put his mother through “a difficult and tortured life.” Prosecutors on the first day of the trial said Marilyn Wood twice took out orders of protection against her son and obtained the last order about a month before police found her beaten body in the home's basement. The public defender argued there was no physical evidence linking Jonathan Wood to the crime. Full story.
Man robs Geneva Game Stop at gunpoint
Geneva police are looking for a masked man who robbed Game Stop employees at gunpoint inside the store at 1492 N. Randall Road last night. Police said the man had a dark ski mask and a winter hat on when he entered the store at 7:50 p.m. with a silver-barreled handgun and demanded the money. Full story.
Gunman kills police officer at Virginia Tech, locks down campus
Just five years after the deadliest shooting rampage in U.S. history shook Virginia Tech
University, a gunman yesterday shot a police officer to death before killing himself there yesterday. The shooting put the campus on lockdown for four hours yesterday afternoon, as law enforcement officers thought the gunman may have remained at large. As the shooting took place, Virginia Tech officials were in Washington fighting a government fine over their alleged mishandling of the 2007 massacre, where 33 people were killed. Full story.
Hossa scores 400th goal in Hawks OT victory
Marian Hossa notched his 400th career goal and set up Patrick Sharp's game-winner in overtime in last night's 3-2 victory over the New York Islanders. Hossa, who had 400 goals and more than 450 assists, also set up Sharp's second-period goal. “I was hoping 400 would look better, but I'll remember it,” said Hossa, who claimed he was trying to feed Jonathan Toews in front when the puck went in off the Islanders' goaltender. Ray Emery played another strong game in goal for the Hawks, stopping 31 shots. Full story.
Poll Vault: Sick of those Christmas songs yet?
Michelle Holdway likes Christmas songs, but she didn't need the radio stations to start playing them nonstop as early as Nov. 1. Which carols are you already tired of? Check out Michelle's ideas and pitch in with a comment.
Breaking news
It took longer than usual, but the area was finally bathed in a blanket of snow overnight. The average first measurable snowfall is routinely recorded closer to Nov. 21, meteorologists claim, but the late arrival this year ties it for fifth as the latest snowfall recorded in the Chicago area. The latest snowfall ever recorded took place on Dec. 16 in 1965. Meteorologists say that, routinely, a snowfall this late means a milder winter than usual.
Weather
The area recorded its first measurable snowfall of the season after a light snow started falling overnight. The flurries will continue until about 9 a.m. before it moves out of the area. The highs will only be about 29 degrees before dropping to about 16 degrees overnight. Full weather.
Traffic
The snow, of course, has caused the roadways to be slick, and people are being asked to slow down. Accidents have already been recorded on Route 59 in Naperville, Roosevelt Road in Oakbrook Terrace and Lake Street in Hanover Park. Full traffic.