Dawn Patrol: Senate to vote on Sears, twin boy killed near Lake Zurich
Breaking news
• Inbound traffic is backed up for miles on the Jane Addams and Kennedy due to a crash at Cumberland.
State Senate to vote on Sears deal today
It is now up the Illinois Senate to pass two proposals joined at the hip to provide big tax breaks for Sears Holdings Corp. while giving tax relief to the working poor. The House approved the proposals yesterday, and the Senate is set to vote on them today in an effort to keep Sears' headquarters in Hoffman Estates as well as the CME Group, which is also receiving a tax break in the plan, in Chicago. Sears officials have said they plan to decide by the end of the year whether to relocate elsewhere, but executives will strongly recommend the company stay if the deal is approved. Full story.
10-year-old killed, twin hospitalized after crash
Police say the driver of a pickup truck blew a red light on Route 12 near Lake Zurich last night, causing a horrific crash that killed a 10-year-old boy and critically injured his brother. Griffin Shirey of Island Lake was in the back seat with his brother when the vehicle was struck from the side at the intersection of Old McHenry Road. Police continue to investigate but say the driver of the pickup may have been under the influence of narcotics. The intersection was the site of two other fatal crashes in the past 12 years. Full story.
Report: Illinois youth prisons a failure
Illinois' youth prison system is an expensive failure with more than half of young offenders returning, many of them for trivial problems such as skipping school and staying out late, according to a new report. Recent Daily Herald stories have focused on conditions at the Illinois Youth Center in St. Charles, where crumbling buildings, filthy showers and overflowing garbage cans have been found. Full story.
Dist. 300 officials celebrate House's passing of revamped Sears' bill
Community Unit District 300 officials are celebrating what they consider a victory after a long fight against extending tax breaks for Sears in the wake of the House's approval of a package that would double property taxes the district receives. “Community members stood up and have been so helpful in so many ways,” Assistant Superintendent Sarah Kedroski told an audience last night. “You stood up for fair and reasonable legislation.” District members made a number of trips to Springfield while the proposals were discussed. Full story.
Arlington Hts. to give residents a choice on ash trees
Arlington Heights residents will be encouraged to treat ash trees on the parkways near their homes, the village board decided last night, but there is little indication the village will bear any of the cost. The village will consider all the suggestions made last night and design a “people's choice” program for the board to consider, Scott Shirley, director of public works, said after the meeting. That means residents can choose to treat against the deadly insect called emerald ash borer on any trees on the parkways near their homes or on their own property. Full story.
Rolling Meadows teacher resigns after spraying student in the eye
A Rolling Meadows High School teacher has resigned after spraying a student in the face with Lysol, which resulted in an ambulance trip to the hospital for an eye injury. The 47-year-old math and science instructor reportedly told students to put on safety goggles and was telling students if they didn't put them on she would spray them. The boy told police he was adjusting the goggles when he was sprayed. The teacher is not facing criminal charges. Full story.
Woman convicted in day care murder seeking new trial
A Carpentersville woman convicted of killing a 16-month-old child at a Lincolnshire day care center is seeking a new trial. Attorneys for Melissa Calusinski, who was found guilty of first-degree murder last month, argue that 34 errors were made or allowed by judges who presided over the hearings. Prosecutors declined to comment on the motions, but said they will be opposed at a hearing. Full story.
Weather
Not a bad day on tap. It'll be cloudy but about 38 degrees when you head out the door this morning, but temperatures will climb to about 45 degrees this afternoon. The rain will move in tonight and drop to about the mid 30s, but climb up to 50 degrees tomorrow. Full weather.
Traffic
Major accidents overnight have been cleaned up this morning, so most area highways are moving without trouble. People should avoid the intersection of Grand Avenue and Davisson Street in River Grove due to construction. Full traffic.
Football star decommits from Penn State, headed to Ohio State
Star Glenbard West senior football player Tommy Schutt, who verbally committed to Penn State in August, has changed his mind and will be an Ohio State Buckeye this fall. “With everything that happened at Penn State, I really felt like I needed to look at my situation,” Schutt said. “I've always liked Ohio State and just felt comfortable there on my visit. I called them and told them I was ready to be a Buckeye.” Schutt is rated as the state's top senior recruit, according to rivals. Full story.
Blackhawks finding a way to win despite statistics
30 games into the Blackhawks season, the team has the second-best record in the league at 18-8-4. This is surprising considering the Hawks are 19th in the NHL defensively, 27th in penalty killing, their No. 1 goaltender is slumping and the top two lines are the only ones finding the back of the net. “The resiliency to find a way is what really good teams do,” Andrew Brunette said. Full story.