Dawn Patrol: Ban on cellphones while driving closer; Blackhawks Game 7 tonight
Handheld cellphones one step closer to ban
Illinois lawmakers signed and sent along legislation yesterday to ban drivers in this state from talking on handheld cellphones. The first offense would be a $75 ticket. Hands-free devices would remain legal. Gov. Pat Quinn now gets a chance to consider it and sign it into law or veto it. Full story.
Blackhawks head into game 7
The Blackhawks square off against the Detroit Red Wings tonight for game 7 — the final game of the Western Conference semifinal series. Blackhawks players hope the home crowd can help catapult them to victory starting at 7 p.m. at the United Center. Full story.
Jury: Stolberg accidentally killed Vernon Hills wife
A jury last night determined that Ronald Stolberg did not intentionally kill his wife, Rachel, in their Vernon Hills town home in 2011. Stolberg, 49, was found guilty of involuntarily manslaughter and remains in custody to await sentencing. Full story.
Weinke found guilty in mother’s death
A Cook County judge yesterday found Wayne Weinke Jr., 57, guilty in the 2006 death of his mother Gloria. Before her death, Weinke’s mother told authorities that Weinke threw her into the stairwell of her home in The Moorings in Arlington Heights after an argument about his inheritance. Prosecutors say her injuries directly contributed to her death. Full story.
Former Wheaton man gets 55 years for stabbing neighbor
A former Wheaton man recently convicted of stabbing his neighbor to death with a steak knife was sentenced yesterday to 55 years in prison by a DuPage County judge. Michael Delaney, 49, had 27 arrests prior to the altercation with Michael Scalzo in June 2009. A jury convicted him in February. Full story.
Dist. 41 could close Pleviak school
Closing J.J. Pleviak Elementary in Lake Villa Elementary District 41 could save nearly $1.2 million, the district’s superintendent said during a meeting last night. Altering grade configurations could save even more money in the cash-strapped district. Full story.
Hoffman Estates man charged with attempting to kill mother
Robert J. Granger, 32, was charged with attempted murder and aggravated domestic battery following his arrest early Sunday morning after police say he attempted to kill his 65-year-old mother. Granger’s mother had filed a previous domestic battery complaint against him. Full story.
Weather
The Chicago area is under a flash flood watch today due to another round of powerful storms expected. The watch is expected to last until 10 a.m. After, temperatures are expected to climb to 84 degrees this afternoon with another chance of storms expected. Temperatures will dip back to 64 degrees overnight tonight. Full story.
Traffic
Roadwork continues in East Dundee at Van Buren Street between IL Route 72 and William Street, as well as Elgin Avenue between Barrington Road and the south corporate limits of the village. The work is expected to last through November. More traffic.
It’s do or die for Blackhawks tonight
Jonathan Toews took a lot of heat early in the Western Conference semifinal series with Detroit for not scoring and for taking 3 straight penalties in Game 4. But now it’s the captain who can have the last laugh if the Blackhawks beat the Red Wings in Game 7 on Wednesday night at the United Center. Full story.
Crosstown Classic rained out
The White Sox always seem to be looking for a break this season, whether it be from the injury bug, the weather or the umpires. On Tuesday, they caught one, courtesy of Mother Nature. Heavy rains and lightning descended on the South Side with the Sox trailing 2-0 in the bottom of the third inning. Full story.