Dawn Patrol: Drunken driver’s appeal fails; shots reported in Schaumburg

Aurora woman loses appeal in fatal DUI case

An Aurora woman’s appeal of a 15-year sentence for killing five Oswego teens in a 2007 crash has been rejected. Sandra Vasquez’s attorney argued that allowing probation in the case of multiple DUI deaths if a defendant can show “extraordinary circumstances” was unconstitutionally vague, but an appeals court disagreed. “As the trial court noted at sentencing, there are many alternative decisions that could have been made on the night of the accident, but sadly were not,” the panel concluded. Full story.

Report of shots fired near Schaumburg park last night

Schaumburg police are investigating a report of shots fired Wednesday night near a park at the intersection of Knollwood Drive and Pennview Lane. Investigators were combing the park for indications that shots had been fired, but were unsure if anyone had been shot as of late last night. Full story.

Infant in critical after I-290 rollover

An infant who was critically injured in a rollover crash on I-290 near Itasca during rush hour Wednesday may have been seated in an improperly installed car seat, according to police. The baby boy was stabilized at the scene after the one-vehicle crash near Irving Park Road and airlifted to Lurie Children’s Hospital in Chicago. Police said charges have not been filed but are not out of the question. Full story.

Palatine teachers agree to contract

Palatine Township Elementary District 15 teachers held up their end of an agreement to get a contract in place by the end of the school year, which will be voted on by the board June 13. District officials declined to comment before their vote, but union officials called the four-year contract “a statement on the teachers’ part to move forward in partnership with the district toward financial stability.” Full story.

Naperville residents pleased with plans for nature center

The Naperville Park District’s plans to build a $3.8 million nature center in Knoch Knolls park within the next year or two were well received last night by residents. The center could act as a home base for residents enjoying the DuPage River, and could provide space for environmental classes within the 217 acre park. “I’d much rather have this than another soccer field or baseball diamond. How many ball fields can you have in one town?” said Ray Kieronski, a neighboring resident. Full story.

Weather

A delightful day today with mostly sunny skies and a high near 80 degrees. It should be about 65 degrees when you walk out the door this morning. Tonight temperatures are expected to dip down to around 59 degrees. Full story.

Traffic

No major delays to report this morning. Elgin Ramp from McLean Boulevard to US-20 will be closed until 5 p.m. today. Use Weld Road to Randall Road as a detour. Full story.

Briggs supports Forte during contract dispute

Lance Briggs has Matt Forte’s back and made it known Wednesday as Forte continued to stay away from off-season workouts in a protest to his contract situation. Briggs was in the same place facing a franchise tag contract in 2007, and eventually accepted the one-year deal and signed a long-term deal the next year. “Just do what you believe because no one knows you like you and no one is going to take care of you like you,” Briggs said. Full story.

Cubs looking to make roster moves

Following an 8-0 loss at the hands of Zack Greinke’s 12-strikeout performance in Milwaukee last night, Cubs fans’ attention span may be dwindling, but there are at least two things left to keep an eye on. First, the team is in pursuit of Cuban outfielder Jorge Soler, who worked out for the Cubs Wednesday and has until July 2 to sign a big league contract. Secondly, general manager Jed Hoyer told reporters the Cubs have already started talking to teams leading up to the trade deadline. Full story.

Sox fall to Blue Jays

Toranto followed up Tuesday’s 9-5 win with a 4-0 decision over the Sox Wednesday night at U.S. Cellular Field. The Blue Jays — who were led by Brandon Marrow, who allowed just two hits in 119 pitches — have now won six straight series against the Sox. Full story.