Dawn Patrol: Protests over teen center; Illini coach deal?

Teen Center supporters pack room over its closing

All six members of the Schaumburg Township Committee on Youth resigned last night because they said they were not consulted before the township board's controversial decision to close the Spectrum Teen Center this month. The meeting room was packed with dozens of teens, parents, alumni and former staff members of Spectrum who called passionately for its reinstatement. Full story.

Aurora boys reunited with dad, mother behind bars

Three young Aurora boys who had been missing for more than a month ran into their father's arms after returning from Florida. Florida police ran their mother's license plate and realized it was registered to a missing person. The mother, Laureth “Laurie” May, 29, is behind bars on a kidnapping charge as well as a criminal sexual assault charge for engaging in sexual activity with a 17-year-old girl, police said. Full story.

Mount Prospect considering limit on roadside memorials

Mount Prospect trustees began discussion on possible regulations for roadside memorials this week, after the village manager brought the matter to the board's attention. He asked trustees whether they want to limit the amount of time for items such as flowers, pictures and religious artifacts to stay on the side of the road. The majority of the board appeared in favor of at least a time limit, while one member suggested a three-month maximum. Full story.

DuPage County GOP will have a chairwoman for first time

The two likely candidates to lead the DuPage County GOP are both women, meaning the county GOP will likely gets its first chairwoman. DuPage County Superintendent of Education Darlene Ruscitti, who was expected to challenge Joe Walsh, announced her candidacy, joining Naperville Township GOP chairman Rachel Ossyra. Current chairman Rep. Randy Ramey says he might not run for office again because of a possible government appointment. Full story.

Former Wheaton College professor indicted on child pornography charges

Less than two weeks after a former Wheaton College professor's wife filed an end to their marriage, Donald Ratcliff, 60, was indicted on seven counts of aggravated child pornography. Ratcliff has been in jail since March 1 and was fired from his job as a professor of Christian education earlier this month. Prosecutors said he had at least 500 images of child pornography on his computer. His wife has refused to bail him out. Full story.

Duffy's plan would allow Cancer Treatment Centers to not hire smokers

State Sen. Dan Duffy is pushing legislation to allow for-profit companies that only treat cancer patients such as the Cancer Treatment Centers of America to decline hiring someone because they smoke or use tobacco. “That has an impact on people, when they go in (for treatment) and smell that smoke,” the Lake Barrington Republican said. Hospitals and other employers would not be allowed to discriminate while hiring under the proposal. Full story.

Cooler temperatures move in Thursday

In a week of back and forth temperatures, Thursday morning will get off to a cool start, and stay that way throughout the day. It will feel in the upper 30s or lower 40s as you leave for work in the morning, with temperatures only warming up to a high of 54 degrees. The day should be mostly sunny with calmer winds than yesterday, but light rain could start overnight. Full forecast

Clear roads to start the morning commute

Tollways and expressways around the Chicago area are clear to start the Thursday commute, but traffic times may build as the morning goes on. Full traffic report

Where does Illinois stand with Stand Your Ground laws?

Eyes have turned to Florida's so-called Stand Your Ground law in the months since Trayvon Martin's shooting, but Illinois doesn't have the same law that has so far protected the Florida shooter from arrest. In both states, the law doesn't require someone who is being attacked to retreat before fighting back, but there is a key difference in their approaches after that. Full story

Officials: Glen Ellyn fire toll more than $3 million

As fire investigators combed the ruins of a large Glen Ellyn house fire for a second day, the cause remained under investigation, but officials estimated the total damage to be more than $3 million. “We knew the smoke and water damage was extensive, but we're now able to estimate losses in the $3 million to $4 million range,” Glen Ellyn Lt. Craig Eldridge said yesterday. It could be several days before the cause is determined. Full story.

What to do if you win the lottery

With a half-billion-dollar multistate lottery jackpot up for grabs, plenty of folks are fantasizing how to spend the money. But doing it the right way — protecting your riches, your identity and your sanity — takes some thought and planning. Making sure you don't blow the nation's largest-ever lottery jackpot within a few years means some advice is in order before the Mega Millions drawing Friday, especially if you're really, really, really lucky. Full story

St. Charles bicyclist struck by vehicle, hospitalized

Police are expected to release more information this morning about a vehicle injuring a St. Charles man Wednesday morning. The 60-year-old bicyclist was initially taken to Delnor Hospital but later transferred to Advocate Lutheran General. The 31-year-old driver of the Ford F350 that struck the man was cited for failing to yield and making an improper left turn. Full story.

Bulls continue to roll without star guards

In the wake of Monday's loss to Denver, the Bulls came out and stormed the Hawks last night in Atlanta in a decisive 98-77 victory. The Bulls hit 12 of their first 15 shots in the second quarter, stemming a 25-point turnaround in a span of 15 minutes. #8220;It's been pretty remarkable, with all the guys that have gone down, to have the record that we do,#8221; Kyle Korver told reporters after the game. #8220;Obviously, we'd rather have Derrick playing. But guys keep stepping up.#8221; Full story.

Groce to coach Illini, sources say

Reports began appearing last night that Ohio coach John Groce has agreed to a deal to coach the University of Illinois basketball team. Chicago media reported that Groce spent the past few days negotiating a possible $1.2 million per year contract over five or six years. Groce would replace Bruce Weber, who was fired March 9 after nine seasons with the Illini. A news conference will more details may be planned for today. ESPN story