Dawn Patrol: 'Hunger Games' hysteria in Aurora; speed cameras?
‘The Hunger Games' hysteria fills Aurora mall
With the latest young adult novel-turned-blockbuster “The Hunger Games” set to hit theaters in two weeks, more than 2,000 screaming fans packed an Aurora mall to catch a glimpse of the stars. Josh Hutcherson, who portrays Peeta in the film, was on hand at the Westfield Fox Valley Mall alongside co-stars Isabelle Fuhrman, who portrays Clove, and Jacqueline Emerson, who portrays Foxface. Full story.
State senator proposes speeding cameras for suburbs
“People are going to go nuts,” was one state senator's reaction to a proposal brought forward Tuesday that would allow suburban communities have cameras that could ticket speeding drivers in school zones. The proposal brought forward by Chicago State Sen. Tony Munoz mirrors a plan approved for Chicago a few weeks ago. Critics called the plan a moneymaking scheme. Full story.
Illinois could see the spotlight in GOP presidential primary
As the GOP presidential primary battle continues, it looks like all eyes might be on Illinois come March 20. Although Mitt Romney has a steady lead in the delegate count, questions remains about his ability to lock in conservative votes. Illinois' 54 directly elected delegates in President Barack Obama's home state could provide a boost in momentum for a winner. The three leading campaigns have plans to visit the area. Full story.
Ramey proposed monitoring device option for DUI offenders
Republican state Rep. Randy Ramey of Carol Stream is pushing legislation to offer more monitoring options for convicted drunken drivers. Ramey, who was convicted of a DUI charge last year, wants someone who is convicted to have the option of wearing an alcohol monitoring device. Most DUI offenders must already install a device in their vehicles to prove they haven't been drinking. The option for the monitoring device is usually offered, but state law doesn't require the option. Full story.
St. Charles man charged with endangering daughter's life after DUI crash
A 32-year-old St. Charles man is facing 10 charges including endangering the life of his 4-year-old daughter and driving under the influence after a crash that injured four people. Jair Martinez was also driving without a license and without insurance when he turned in front of an SUV Sunday night, according to police. The 4-year-old was taken from Delnor Hospital to Loyola Medical Center for advanced treatment, police said. Full story.
Democratic candidates for 8th clash over recovery plans
Democratic candidates for the 8th Congressional District sparred during a WTTW debate last night over Raja Krishnamoorthi's claim that Tammy Duckworth's recover plan is compiled of sound bites. Krishnamoorthi said his 24-page plan contains details, while criticizing Duckworth's two-and-a-half page plan. Duckworth fired back mentioning her experience lobbying state and federal lawmakers to actually execute her ideas. Full story.
Rose's deep jumper beats the buzzer for win
With 18-seconds left on the clock and the game tied, Derrick Rose let it tick down to 4 seconds, whipped three crossovers across his body, took a step back and sunk a long range jumper as the buzzer sounded. The basket extended the team's season-long win streak to eight as the Bulls knocked off the Bucks in Milwaukee. “That shot was like a movie,” said Joakim Noah. Rose finished with 30 points, 11 assists and 8 rebounds and was a perfect 14-for-14 from the foul line. Full story.
Weather
The wind is gone, but the cooler air has spilled into the area, dumping rain overnight then causing temperatures to drop to the near freezing point. It will be about 40 degrees as you head out the door this morning, and only 46 degrees this afternoon. The good news is the rain will move on and it will be partly sunny today, and those of you looking for 60 degree temperatures won't have to wait long. Those temperatures will be back next week. Full story.
Traffic
No major delays are being reported early this morning, though the Tri-State and Jane Addams tollways are showing major delays into the city. Construction delays are being reported on Walkup Road in Crystal Lake between Route 176 and Burning Bush Trail, while traffic signals are flashing at U.S. Route 20 and Rohlwing Road near Addison. Full story.