Briefs: More for Hanson jury
Prosecutors may rest their case today against a 31-year-old Naperville man who is accused of killing his parents, sister and brother-in-law. The jury will listen to snippets of Eric C. Hanson's videotaped statements to police after his Sept. 30, 2005, arrest in Columbia County, Wis. Hanson did not confess, but prosecutors argue he makes conflicting statements during several hours of questioning. Prosecutors have presented about 50 witnesses and 400 pieces of physical evidence, including graphic crime-scene photos, since testimony began. Hanson, who maintains his innocence, is expected to testify Friday. The jury may begin deliberating Wednesday after closing arguments. If Hanson is convicted, prosecutors will ask the jury to sentence him to the death penalty.
Everything coming up blue
DuPage Democrats have something else to crow about after learning their candidates will get the top ballot spots in the November general election. County election commission officials held a lottery Tuesday to determine the order in which party's candidates will be listed. Democrats will be first, Green Party candidates second and Republicans last. It is a widely held belief that candidates atop ballots pick up extra votes from lazy voters who select the first name they see in races they are unfamiliar with. The ballot position lottery win comes on the heels of Democratic voters outnumbering GOP counterparts for the first time in the county's history during the Feb. 5 primary.
Photographer lawsuit
Illinois Attorney General Lisa Madigan sued a Darien wedding photographer Wednesday on behalf of at least three couples who paid for photo packages they never received. Madigan's office filed the suit against Orlando Copeland in Cook County accusing him of violating the Illinois Consumer Fraud and Deceptive Business Practices Act. Madigan's office received 10 complaints and the state's Better Business Bureau received 15 against Copeland Photography, Inc. Madigan's office is seeking restitution for the couples, plus $50,000 to each couple as a civil penalty for each violation. Prosecutors also are seeking reimbursement for the cost of investigations and court fees, officials from Madigan's office said.
Wheaton teen on Jeopardy
Wheaton teen Hunter Brown makes his first television appearance during the teen tournament of "Jeopardy!" at 3:30 p.m. today on ABC 7 Chicago. Brown will be competing for cash, prizes and advancement in the tournament.