Dawn Patrol: Metra increases fares today; Hawks lose in OT
Fare hikes take effect
As of today, riding Metra is going to cost you — quite a bit more. Higher fares are now in effect for the suburban commuter rail system. While the average rate increase is 15.7 percent, 10-ride and monthly pass holders carry bigger hikes of 30 percent and 29 percent, respectively. ="http://dailyherald.com/article/20120131/news/701319611/">Full story.
Where are DuPage's $28 million emergency radios?
Six years and nearly $17 million later, DuPage County's public safety departments still don't have radio equipment that will allow them to communicate with one another during emergencies. It's one of several Homeland Security communication projects in the suburbs that have been plagued by delays and controversy. Full story.
Blackhawks fall in OT
The Blackhawks suffered their third straight loss late Tuesday night. Daniel Sedin scored at 3:37 of overtime to lift the Vancouver Canucks to a 3-2 victory. ="http://dailyherald.com/article/20120131/sports/701319446/">Full story.
Teen struck and killed
Mount Prospect police continue to investigate a collision Tuesday night that claimed the life of pedestrian Matthew Svedman, 19, of Mount Prospect. The crash occurred about 8:25 p.m. near Rand Road and Prospect Manor Avenue. ="http://dailyherald.com/article/20120131/news/701319444/">Full story.
Deliberations resume today in murder case
A jury will resume deliberations this morning in the trial of Mario Casciaro, a McHenry man who is accused of first-degree murder in the 2002 death of Brian Carrick of Johnsburg. The jury mulled over the case for about eight hours Tuesday before being sent home for the night. ="http://www.dailyherald.com/article/20120131/news/701319748/">Full story.
Plass Appliance closing in Arlington Heights
Plass Appliance Furniture is closing its Arlington Heights store after 25 years, according to a letter sent to customers. The company's other stores, including seven in the suburbs, will remain open, the letter said. Full story.
Romney rebounds to win Florida primary
Mitt Romney routed Newt Gingrich in the Florida primary Tuesday night, rebounding smartly from an earlier defeat and taking a major step toward the Republican presidential nomination. Gingrich vowed to press on despite the one-sided setback. Next up for Romney, Gingrich, Ron Paul and Rick Santorum: Saturday's caucuses in Nevada and Maine. ="http://www.dailyherald.com/article/20120131/news/701319835/">Full story.
Drug probe starts at Stevenson High
Stevenson High School is in the midst of an ongoing probe into student misconduct that involves the use, possession and intent to distribute drugs, an official confirmed Tuesday night. The primary drug at the center of the investigation is marijuana, but it may expand to include other kinds.="http://www.dailyherald.com/article/20120131/news/701319564/">Full story.
Candidate ineligible to serve in Congress
A Daily Herald investigation has revealed Aloys Rutagwibira, 53, of Hainesville hasn't been a U.S. citizen long enough to serve in Congress, should he win his election. Records show the Rwanda native became a naturalized American citizen on July 6, 2006. But he won't be eligible to serve until July, 2013. Rutagwibra is running for the 10th District seat now held by Republican Bob Dold. ="http://dailyherald.com/article/20120131/news/701319649/">Full story.
Dist. 53 teachers ready to resume contract talks
Teachers in Oak Brook's Butler Elementary District 53 said Tuesday there's still room in their negotiations with the school district and are eager to return to the table for face-to-face talks with the school board. ="http://www.dailyherald.com/article/20120131/news/701319589/">Full story.
Carbon monoxide sends 13 workers to hospital
Thirteen workers at a Wheeling manufacturing plant were hospitalized Tuesday after an apparent carbon monoxide leak left dangerous levels of the poisonous gas inside the facility. The workers, from the Durable Packaging International plant, were in stable condition as of Tuesday. ="http://www.dailyherald.com/article/20120131/news/701319701/">Full story.
Weather
What a difference a year makes. Last year, we were preparing to have 22-inches of snow fall on us, but today, 45 degrees and not a cloud in the sky. The low temperature is 36 degrees this morning, and the pesky snow on the ground that hasn't disappeared will have melted by the end of the week. Full weather.
Traffic
Highways are running wide open this morning with no accidents or major delays to report. People should remember to avoid taking Benton Street in Aurora this week. It's been shut down until Monday, Feb, 6, due to the Downer Place Bridge Project. Full traffic.
Illinois edges No. 9 Michigan State
Brandon Paul scored 18 points, including two free throws with 45 seconds left that gave Illinois the lead in a 42-41 victory by the skin of its teeth over Michigan State on Tuesday night. ="http://www.dailyherald.com/article/20120131/sports/701319573/">Full story.