Dawn Patrol: Riders brace, unhappily, for Metra changes
Riders wincing as Metra service cuts, fare hikes loom
Metra's raised fares three years in a row and might approve a fourth hike today, but leaders are combining the hit with service cuts. The railroad's popular Union Pacific and BNSF routes are spared, but the North Central Service, Milwaukee North, SouthWest Service and Rock Island lines will see some consolidations or cancellations. Full story.
Mount Prospect veteran on ‘Wheel of Fortune' today
U.S. Army veteran Bill Swiniuch of Mount Prospect will compete on “Wheel of Fortune” at 6:30 tonight on ABC 7 as one of the contestants during the game show's “Veterans Week.” By appearing on the show, Swiniuch carries on a family tradition — his grandfather having been a contestant 30 years ago. Full story.
Korean War veteran in Aurora shares stories of patriotism
Waubonsie Valley High School launched a series of veterans-focused events yesterday with a speech about patriotism by a man who served during the Korean War. Veteran Lou Kueltzo shared stories of patriotism and service at an assembly attended by Waubonsie students and other veterans in Indian Prairie Unit District 204. Full story.
Veterans graduate Des Plaines ‘Back to Work Boot Camp'
Marine Cpl. Nicholas Czerniak of Arlington Heights won the Gung Ho award in his battalion for his leadership skills and motivating those around him. But after leaving the Marines, the young veteran had no idea how to transfer those skills to a civilian job. On Thursday, Czerniak was one of 20 veterans who graduated from an eight-week Back to Work Boot Camp. Full story.
Palatine plans property tax levy hike, wants to look for new revenue sources
As Palatine considers a property tax levy increase for next year, the village plans to study other ways to potentially boost annual revenue. Palatine's $117 million budget proposed for 2018 includes a recommendation to increase the property tax levy by $925,000, or 4.26 percent, which would come after six consecutive years of reductions or freezes. Full story.
Four Fox River Grove men face drug charges after undercover investigation
After a monthlong undercover investigation, the McHenry County sheriff's office Narcotics Task Force has arrested and charged two men with selling illegal drugs in the Fox River Grove area and has arrest warrants out for two others, officials said. The investigation was launched after the task force received numerous complaints from local high school resource officers about drug activity by a resident. Full story.
Weather
Cold this morning with temperatures only 24 degrees. The high will only reach 33 degrees this afternoon, before falling to 29 degrees overnight. Full story. Traffic
No major delays to report on the roadway early. Resurfacing work is scheduled to cause restrictions on Grass Lake Road between Deep Lake Rd and Route 83 in Lake Villa until later this year. Full traffic.
Giroux, Voracek lead Flyers to 3-1 win over Blackhawks
Claude Giroux and Jakub Voracek each had a goal and two assists to lead the Philadelphia Flyers over the Chicago Blackhawks 3-1 last night. Brian Elliott made 38 saves and Sean Couturier also scored for the Flyers, who beat the Blackhawks for the 14th straight time in Philadelphia during the regular season. Full story.
City leaders wowed by new Blackhawks training facility
Two ice rinks. Twenty-two locker rooms. A workout room. A shot simulator, media room, kitchens, coaches' offices. There's all of that and more inside the Hawks' new 125,000-square-foot MB Ice Arena just blocks from the United Center. It will open in the coming weeks, but Mayor Rahm Emanuel, Blackhawks President and CEO John McDonough, and owner Rocky Wirtz gave a sneak peek of the facility to community officials and leaders Thursday. Full story.