Dawn Patrol: Horses trapped in barn fire; jury still deliberating in shooting
Massive barn fire kills nearly a dozen horses
Nearly a dozen horses died in a massive McHenry fire last night that engulfed the 20,000-square-foot facility with 31 horses inside. A number of witnesses ran into Black Tie Stable and were able to free most of the horses, but they had to leave some animals behind as the flames quickly spread through the building. Fire officials said a number of horses remained unaccounted for. Full story.
Jury deliberations continue today in Elgin shooting case
A Cook County jury will continue deliberations today to determine whether Donald Rattanavong is guilty of involuntary manslaughter in the shooting death of 18-year-old Guillermo Pinedo. Rattanavong fired a handgun because he wanted to scare away some teens in his driveway in Elgin, but a bullet struck Pinedo in the left temple, killing him on July 4, 2011. Full story.
Barrington man severely injured in crash
A 23-year-old Barrington man was critically injured in a Route 14 crash that shut down Route 14 yesterday. Police continue to investigate the crash, which also injured the driver of the vehicle. Officials said citations will likely be issued today. Full story.
Zimmerman likely to appear in court today
George Zimmerman, who was charged with second-degree murder yesterday about a month and a half after shooting Trayvon Martin in a Florida neighborhood, could appear in court today for a bond hearing. His new lawyer says he will plead not guilty and will invoke Florida’s powerful “stand your ground” law. The charge carries a minimum of 25 years and a maximum of life in prison. Full story.
Hultgren the latest to help push Kirk’s legislation
Illinois lawmakers continue to lend a hand to advance Sen. Mark Kirk’s work as he recovers from a late January stroke. Congressman Randy Hultgren held a news conference Wednesday presenting an update to Kirk’s October report on Illinois’ deteriorating fiscal situation, but he was peppered with question’s on Kirk’s recovery. Hultgren said he hadn’t spoken with Kirk but had planned to Wednesday. “Everything I hear is very good,” he said. Full story.
Hawks expect Toews to play
The Blackhawks start their playoff run tonight in Phoenix. After practicing again Wednesday and proclaiming himself symptom-free on the ice, it’s a good bet Jonathan Toews will be in the lineup for Game 1. Coach Joel Quenneville sounded as positive as ever when discussing the possibility of Toews centering the top line alongside Marian Hossa and Patrick Kane. Full story.