Dawn Patrol: Romney in the 'burbs, heat wave
Breaking news:
Heavy flames and smoke destroyed two auto body shops in North Chicago late Sunday evening. The fire ignited at 10th and Sheridan, but no one was injured in the blaze. Chemicals in the repair shops fueled the flames, authorities said. A cause is still under investigation.
Romney returns to suburbs ahead of Tuesday's election
Mitt Romney returned to the suburbs yesterday after a quick stop in Puerto Rico, where he won yesterday's primary. With Rick Santorum just a few percentage points back in recent Illinois polls, Romney made three campaign stops and an appearance on “Fox News Sunday.” The GOP candidates are making a late push in Illinois for the state's 54 directly elected delegates. Full story.
Protesters planned kiss at Santorum event
Two men whose protest and kiss at a Rick Santorum campaign event in Arlington Heights over the weekend said they hoped the move would call attention to Santorum's stance opposing gay marriage. The men, aged 22 and 20, showed up at Christian Liberty Academy to protest the campaign stop. A video of the event shows Santorum interrupted by shouts from the men before they kiss and are escorted out by a security guard. The crowd chants, “USA. USA. USA,” until Santorum continues his speech. Full story.
Elgin cop who shot fleeing suspect placed on leave
An Elgin police officer who shot a suspect who attempted to escape from his squad car over the weekend has been placed on administrative leave. Illinois State Police are investigating the shooting, which occurred near Rolling Meadows as the officer was driving the man to bond court. The man was taken to Advocate Lutheran General to be treated, but police would not comment on his condition. The suspect was being taken to court on outstanding warrants, including for driving with a licensed revoked and eluding police. Full story.
Fifth straight day in the 80s, fifth straight record broken
The mid-March heat wave has broken record high temperatures for the past five days, and could extend that streak all the way through Wednesday. Meteorologists are calling the stretch of 80 degree days, more than 30 degrees above average, “extreme,” and “unprecedented.” “This stretch would be rare for April in this area,” said meteorologist Richard Castro. “To see eighty-plus like that is not even a normal occurrence in the month of May.” Full story.
Is the Aurora Election Commission necessary?
Critics are calling for the end of the Aurora Election Commission, which they say is increasingly costly, and may be unnecessary. Aurora's mayor Tom Weisner thinks there is a cheaper and better alternative. The alternative would be to transfer election responsibility to Kane, Kendall and Will counties. Full story.
Line centered by Kane continues to shine
Weather
Another gorgeous day on tap, with high temperatures of about 80 degrees and lows of about 65. Meteorologists say there is a chance for small thunderstorms to pop up today, though those storms aren't expected until late afternoon or early evening. Full story.
Traffic
Very few problems are slowing things down, but there is a report of an accident at US Route 30 and I-55 near Plainfield. Fire and police are on the scene of that crash. Other than that, people should look out for construction delays on Walkup Drive between Route 176 and Burning Bush Drive in Crystal Lake. Full story.
The Blackhawks' line of Patrick Kane, Marian Hossa and Andrew Brunette continued to click in last night's 5-2 victory over the Washington Capitals. Kane scored the game-winning goal, extending his point streak to five games. Hossa's assist was his 12th point in his last 10 games on the line now centered by Kane, who moved from the wing to center filling in for injured Jonathan Toews. Full story.