Dawn Patrol: Ban on cellphones while driving moves; All-Area basketball teams
Statewide ban on talking on phone while driving moves forward
A statewide ban on talking on the phone while driving without a hands-free device is inching closer to a reality, having passed in the House yesterday. Supporters said the ban would cut down on distracted driving and reduce accidents, but opponents slammed the idea as nanny-state legislation. The plan moves to the Senate, where Senate President John Cullerton has expressed support for the idea. Full story.
Daily Herald All-Area basketball teams announced
With the girl's high school basketball season finished, and the boy's coming to a close, the Daily Herald is proud to announce our all-area teams. For the girls: DuPage County all-area, Fox Valley all-area, Lake County all-area, Northwest all-area and Tri-Cities all-area. For the boys: DuPage County all-area, Fox Valley all-area, Lake County all-area, Northwest all-area and Tri-Cities all-area.
Man shot dead outside Waukegan Burger King
Waukegan police were searching for a suspect last night who shot dead a 29-year-old man in a Burger King parking lot. Police said the shooting was not gang-related and did not have a description of the shooter. The victim, whose name is expected to be released this morning, was shot in the head after an altercation escalated in the parking lot, 3140 W. Belvidere Road. Full story.
Lake County sheriff reviewing jail after 2 inmate deaths
After the deaths of two recent Lake County jail inmates since Jan. 3, sheriff's office officials have launched a review of jail procedures. Although criminal charges will not be filed in either case, a top-to-bottom review of jail operations is under way, officials said. Jail officials are considering additional training or revised training for officers, and possible technology upgrades such as additional cameras in the jail. Full story.
Dems in 10th race chide Schneider's donations to GOP
Democratic candidate for the 10th Congressional District Brad Schneider's past donations to Republican candidates came under question from fellow candidates on WTTW last night. Schneider said only “a handful” of his more than 70 contributions since 2000 have been to Republican candidates because of their strong U.S.-Israel support. Full story.
Cops: Man beat woman with hammer, assaulted 8-year-old daughter
A Carpentersville man is being held on charges accusing him of beating a woman's head with a hammer, sexually assaulting her 8-year-old daughter and stabbing the woman's dog. Daniel J. Happ will need to post $300,000 in cash to be bailed out. Police believe Happ was invited in the home, but the elder victim was unable to tell police what happened at the hospital. Full story.
Grayslake man buys $600 in scratch-offs, wins $1 million
A Grayslake resident who normally buys a few lottery tickets every week or so was feeling lucky late last month and bought an entire book of 30 tickets for $600. One of the $20 tickets was a strike, landing DeCount Bell Sr. a cool $1 million. Bell said he knew the time to strike was when new games came out. Bell and his wife decided to take a lump $600,000 payout. Full story.
Weather
Chillier than you are probably used to because of the warmer temperatures this week as you head out the door. It's 32 degrees as you step out this morning, and temperatures will only increase to about 40 degrees later today. But, it'll be mostly sunny and clear throughout the day. Full story.
Traffic
Things are moving along just fine early this Friday morning with no major delays or accidents to report. People should be prepared to see break lights on Glenview and Greenwood avenues in Glenview due to construction delays. Full story.
Jonathan Toews out on the ice again
It may have been one small step for Jonathan Toews, but it's potentially one giant leap for the Blackhawks' playoff hopes down the stretch. For the first time since Feb. 19, Toews, who is recovering from a concussion, hit the ice before practice at Johnny's Ice House yesterday morning, skating on his own under the watchful eye of strength and conditioning coach Paul Goodman. Full story.
No Bulls magic last night
The Bulls' good luck seemed to continue as their game against the Magic began last night. Then Kyle Korver hit a sudden shooting slump, Derrick Rose couldn't get a big shot to fall and a couple offensive rebounds by the Magic clinched a 99-94 victory at the United Center. Full story.
Speaking of lost magic: NU and Illinois out
Iowa overtook Illinois and Minnesota beat Northwestern in overtime, so it's no Big Ten title for the Wildcats and the Illini.
Mike North, Dan Jiggetts and 20 years of memories
The memories were flowing last night at Arlington Park's Million Room restaurant before a sold-out live show. Mike North and Dan Jiggetts have been talking sports on WSCR 670-AM radio and other local outlets for 20 years, and the duo hooked up one more time for an anniversary broadcast. Full story.