Dawn Patrol: Strike may end, casino a boost for state
Breaking news
A tentative agreement has been reached between nearly 300 teachers and support staffers and the administration of Zion-Benton Township High School in Zion. Teachers are expected to meet this afternoon and vote to ratify the contract. The school remains closed today because the agreement wasn't reached until the really early morning hours this morning, but officials plan for the schools to reopen tomorrow if the contract is approved by teachers, thus ending the five day strike.
Rivers Casino pumps up state tax dollars
Despite being open for just half the year, the Rivers Casino's $177 million in receipts since opening in July helped raise the state's casino revenue for the entire year for the first time since 2007. The state received more than $401 million in casino taxes for 2011, up from $384 million in 2010. While the returns are good news for the state and the Des Plaines casino, the Grand Victoria in Elgin saw its take drop about 10 percent from 2010 and about 41 percent since 2007. Full story.
Sergeant accused in sexual assaults was a child porn investigator
The McHenry County sheriff's sergeant accused of sexually assault of a minor was once the agency's lead investigator for child pornography, according to prosecutors. Gregory Pyle, charged over the weekend, specialized in computer forensics and is a member of the Internet Crimes Against Children Task Force. The 10-year veteran of the department is accused of assaulting a child younger than 13 a number of times between September 2006 and September 2010. Full story.
Elburn man, 42, killed in fiery Kaneville rollover
Police continue to investigate a rollover crash that killed a 42-year-old Elburn man last night in unincorporated Kaneville Township. Amien Swift was speeding in a 2001 Toyota SUV on Lasher Road when he was unable to navigate a curve, causing the vehicle to leave the roadway and roll multiple times, police said. The vehicle became engulfed in flames, and Swift was pronounced dead at the scene. Full story.
Naperville smart meter referendum talks begin
The process of deciding whether to allow an advisory referendum question on Naperville's March 20 ballot concerning the city's controversial smart meter program began with six hours of testimony yesterday. The city began installing the meters last week in an initiative to upgrade its $360 million electric network to become more efficient, cost-effective and reliable. Critics are concerned with the long-term health risks of wireless RF meters among other things. Full story.
Lake County lawmakers vow to stop controversial scholarships
Two Lake County lawmakers have announced they will no longer award scholarships — they are allowed eight — to cover tuition at state universities for residents of their districts. Republicans Ed Sullivan of Mundelein and Kent Gaffney of Lake Barrington called the program “an unfunded mandate.” The controversial scholarships have been a source of ethical and legal concern and many have gone to students with ties to campaign contributors. Gov. Pat Quinn pushed lawmakers to kill the program, but no legislation was approved. Full story.
Woman crashes into Hanover Park pond
A woman in her 30s was treated for minor hypothermia last night after crashing her vehicle into the middle of a Hanover Park pond. The driver veered off Barrington Road near Irving Park Road at about 5:30 p.m. and ended up about 40 to 50 feet from the shoreline. “Luckily the water wasn't that high, so the car was not fully submerged,” said Hanover Park Fire District Batallion Chief Eric Fors. Full story.
Lincolnshire latest to ban fake pot
Lincolnshire became the latest suburban town to ban the sale, manufacturing or possession of fake marijuana, although the state's law went into effect Jan. 1. The local version will allow greater flexibility for enforcement. The Lincolnshire law states the village “has encountered an influx of products ... especially at Stevenson High School.” Possession of the fake weed would bring a minimum $250 fine. Full story.
Weather
What happened to that "above average snowfall" the Farmer's Almanac said would be coming this winter? Another gorgeous day is on tap with a high of 54 degrees today. It'll be about 32 degrees as you head out the door, but clear and warming up. Full weather.
Traffic
An accident has been reported on E. North Street and N. Grace Street in Lombard. Police are on the scene, along with rescue personnel. People should avoid Walkup Road from Route 176 to Nurning Bush Trail. Construction crews are widening the roadway through November. Full traffic.
Alabama's ‘D' shuts out LSU in BCS title game
Alabama's defense in last night's BCS title game dominated the LSU Tigers, leading to the first shutout in the history of the title game, and the first blanking of the Tigers since 2002. The Crimson Tide shut down the SEC's top scoring offense in a 21-0 victory that earned Alabama its second BCS championship in three years. Full story.