Dawn Patrol: Fatal Aurora crash; donation boxes out

Romney wins double Republican primary victory

Mitt Romney scored a hard-won, home state triumph in Michigan and powered to victory in Arizona last night, gaining a two-state primary sweep over Rick Santorum and precious momentum in the most turbulent Republican presidential race in a generation. The two other candidates, Newt Gingrich and Ron Paul, made little effort in either Michigan or Arizona, pointing instead to next week's collection of contests in all corners of the country. Full story.

Woman dies in one-car crash in Aurora

A woman was killed yesterday afternoon when she apparently lost control of her car, which crossed the median, struck two trees and then rolled over at Liberty Street and Enterprise Drive on Aurora's far east side, authorities said. The victim has been identified as Jessica Glover, 26, of North Aurora. Full story.

Schaumburg bans donation boxes without protest

Without an ounce of the protest that was anticipated from affected companies, Schaumburg trustees last night unanimously approved a ban on donation boxes in the village. Though notifying box owners and property owners will start almost immediately, there will be a period of a few weeks before fines and forced removal of the boxes begins, Schaumburg Economic Development Coordinator Matt Frank said. The unsightliness of the boxes in commercial parking lots was cited as the primary reason for the ban. Full story.

Naperville cops start over in hunt for ‘possible' missing boy

Naperville police called off their search yesterday but are still investigating reports of a young boy who was seen late Monday afternoon being led into a wooded area. Sgt. Gregg Bell said officers were re-interviewing witnesses and checking with area schools in the wake of a six-hour search of Country Lake Park, 736 Genesee Drive, that didn't turn up anything unusual. Full story.

Attorneys try to block confession in Vernon Hills slaying

The first law enforcement officials to come in contact with murder defendant Daniel Baker after his arrest in Montana said yesterday that Baker was “in something of a confused state” and “spacey.” The hearing continues today as Baker, 23, of Deerfield, is charged with killing Marina Aksman, 50, by beating her to death with a baseball bat inside her Vernon Hills home April 1, 2010. The hearing is on a motion to bar prosecutors from using any statements Baker may have made to police about the crime during a trial of the case. Full story.

You can weigh in on townships at annual meetings

Last year, the Daily Herald investigated township government spending and found part-time trustees getting pension benefits, more than $1 million being spent on free health insurance for elected officials, and highway commissioners receiving substantial salaries while maintaining only a few miles of road. Some township officials were quick to make changes that prioritized spending, eliminated perks and saved taxpayers money. At upcoming annual township meetings, residents have the chance for a direct say in how their township operates. Full story.

Mom thankful son is alive, unhurt after pond rescue

Four-year-old Julian Holland nearly drowned Saturday in the frozen pond in the yard behind his grandparents' home in unincorporated Kane County near West Dundee, his family said yesterday. It was only through the efforts of his mother, Angela Cassidy, who swam to his aid, that Holland was able to emerge unscathed by frostbite or hypothermia or any physical injuries. His mother can't claim the same, sporting two staples in her head for her efforts. Full story.

Weather

It'll be a decent day today temperature wise, but too bad the wind and rain will mostly keep you to inside. Right now, it's about 45 degrees, but feels like 35 degrees because of wind and rain falling. Temperatures will increase to 55 degrees today, but with sustained winds of about 15 mph that can gust up to 41 mph. Temperatures will dip back down to 32 degrees tonight. Full weather.

Traffic

Heavy fog is causing delays throughout the system and people should take care to give themselves plenty of room through the dense areas. Police are on the scene of a crash at W. Roosevelt Road and S. County Farm Road in Wheaton, and at Grand Avenue and Rolllins Road near Gurnee. Be prepared for construction delays on Randall Road between Ackman Road and McHenry Avenue near Lake in the Hills. Full traffic.

Rose rescues Bulls again

With Richard Hamilton back in the lineup, the Bulls rolled to an early 20-10 lead over the New Orleans Hornets at the United Center. Then the Hornets erupted for a stunning 13-0 run and took a 95-91 lead with 1:26 remaining. That's when everything boiled down to a familiar story line: Derrick Rose rescuing the home team. He rallied the Bulls for a narrow 99-95 victory. Full story.