Dawn Patrol: Guilty verdict in fatal arson; Rt. 20 safety petition
Villa Park man guilty of murder in 2012 Lombard arson case
A Villa Park man faces life in prison after being found guilty last night of starting a July 2012 fire that killed a 24-year-old woman and severely burned a 25-year-old man. A 12-member DuPage County jury deliberated less than two hours before convicting Todd Mandoline of two counts of first-degree murder and one count of aggravated arson. Mandoline started the fire July 22, 2012, in Lombard, that killed Paula Morgan and injured her friend Jason Cassidy. Full story.
Petition addresses safety after Elgin boy's Route 20 death
The mother and aunt of an Elgin boy who died after being hit by a car while he crossed Route 20 on foot hope an online petition will prevent similar tragedies. Elizabeth Burnette said she wants a wall to be built along Route 20 to prevent other kids from doing what her son Gerardo "Lalo" Simental did Jan. 14 - take a shortcut by going over a chain-link fence and running across busy lanes of traffic to the other side. He was hit and killed by an eastbound car. Full story.
'Food Court Wars' eatery closing in West Dundee
Winning a Food Network show wasn't enough to save a West Dundee mall eatery from closing, but its owners say they are working on opening a new spot in Chicago. Taco in a Bag, which opened in March 2014 at Spring Hill Mall after winning "Food Court Wars," will be closing when its lease ends Feb. 28, co-owner Tim Brown said yesterday. Full story.
U.S. reps from suburbs sound off on Obama's speech
Suburban members of Congress reacted along party lines to President Barack Obama's State of the Union address last night. Obama's speech sought to highlight recent economic gains and propose, among other things, free community college for qualifying students. Some suburban congressmen called his speech divisive, while others called for programs to help the middle class. Full story.
2 Bartlett High students face felony hacking charges
Two 16-year-old Bartlett High School students face felony charges after authorities say they hacked into the school's computer system. One of the male students was charged with aggravated computer tampering and the other was charged with computer fraud, police said yesterday. Full story.
Route 53 financing recommendations come into focus
Potential ways to pay for the long-discussed extension of Route 53 into central Lake County moved another step toward a final recommendation yesterday. A roster of suggestions including a 4-cent-per-gallon gas tax, a so-called "value capture" on new commercial development near the proposed tollroad, and new and increased tolls on I-94 appeared to have the general consensus of the Route 53/120 finance committee. Full story.
Weather
Mostly cloudy with snow showers possible today. Temperatures will start at 30 degrees, but rise to 34 degrees this afternoon. It will dip back to 24 degrees overnight tonight. Full story.
Traffic
Bridge and interchange work reduces Roselle Road in Schaumburg to two lanes in each direction over the Jane Addams Tollway (I-90). Work is expected to finish in 2016. Full traffic.
Just the latest challenge for Thibodeau, Bulls
The Bulls have hit plenty of low moments over the past few seasons. There was Derrick Rose's ACL injury in the first game of the 2012 playoffs, Joakim Noah's plantar fasciitis in 2013, Rose's second season-ending knee injury and the trade of Luol Deng later on last season. Are the Bulls in trouble now? Nah. Full story.