Dawn Patrol: Ex-judge's DUI case, Sears to Quinn, 2 killed in Des Plaines

<h3 class="briefHead">Tax breaks package on to Gov. Quinn</h3>

It is up to Gov. Pat Quinn whether a massive package of tax breaks will become law after the passage by both the Senate and House. The CEO of Sears Holdings Crop. said yesterday if Quinn signs the deal, the Hoffman Estates-based company will end its search for possible relocation out of state. Quinn is expected to sign the package, which will cost the already ailing state an estimated $325 million. Quinn defended the breaks, saying other states are offering Illinois companies deals to move away. Full story.

<h3 class="briefHead">Two pedestrians killed in Des Plaines crashes</h3>

Two pedestrians in Des Plaines were killed in two separate motor-vehicle accidents Tuesday, including a 59-year-old man who was struck by a school bus with children on board. The victims were struck about six hours apart Tuesday morning. The driver of the school bus, 54-year-old Augustin Dominguez of Elk Grove Village, was cited for failing to yield to a pedestrian. 46-year-old Kimberly Moore of Des Plaines and 59-year-old Mark Vita of Glen Ellyn were killed in the accidents. Full story.

<h3 class="briefHead">Suburban tax watchdog tracks down your tips</h3>

A school district may not be the first place to look for a cheap used car, but there are deals to be had in the suburbs. And Cook County residents should head out to Busse Woods Forest Preserve and check out the elk herd -- they're paying for them. That's what was uncovered looking into some of your tips to our Suburban Tax Watchdog. Full story.

<h3 class="briefHead">Gold-coin donor drops another $2,400 into Libertyville kettle</h3>

A donor who already dropped $2,400 in gold coins into a Salvation Army kettle outside a Libertyville grocery store has struck again, depositing seven more Swiss gold coins into the same kettle Monday. The giver left a note thanking the Salvation Army and the Daily Herald for publicizing the first anonymous donation. "Enclosed is a second identical donation to assist you in your godly care of our neediest brothers and sisters," the author wrote to Salvation Army Waukegan Corps Capt. Heather Holman. Full story.

<h3 class="briefHead">Former Lake County judge will face DUI charge</h3>

Former Lake County chief judge David Hall will once again face DUI charges, according to an appellate court's decision, but blood evidence gathered at a hospital after his arrest will not be allowed in the trial. The blood, which was not properly stored according to DUI law, later tested at a blood-alcohol level of 0.107. If the case is brought back to trial the prosecutors will be without their likely lead witness, the officer who made the stop, who died of a heart attack two months after the arrest. Full story.

<h3 class="briefHead">District 200 catches non-resident student</h3>

Barrington Unit District 220 officials have again been forced to take the rare action of disenrolling an out-of-district student whose residency information had been falsified. Full story.

<h3 class="briefHead">Prairie Crossing principal's mysterious leave extended</h3>

Prairie Crossing Charter School board members agreed to extend Principal Brian Greene's paid administrative leave through Friday after meeting for hours last night. About 70 parents and teachers attended last night. "We believe that the best decision ... is that we (keep) Brian Greene as principal of this school," one teacher said. Both sides are still vague on why Greene was put on leave. Full story.

<h3 class="briefHead">Student from Gurnee falls to his death while hiking</h3>

A college student from Gurnee fell about 60 feet to his death after straying from a marked trail in an Ohio state park, authorities said yesterday. William Beinlich, 18, died from closed-head injuries and blunt force from the fall Sunday, said Hocking County Coroner Dr. David Cummin. The Purdue University freshman was with a friend's family in the Old Man's Cave area when he strayed from a marked trial, slipped on ice and initially fell 30 feet to the park's Lower Falls. Full story.

<h3 class="briefHead">No charges yet in crash that killed 10-year-old boy</h3>

Lake County prosecutors continue to investigate the crash that killed 10-year-old Griffin Shirey of Island Lake, while his twin brother remains hospitalized from serious injuries. Witnesses told police a 29-year-old man driving a pickup truck ran a red light causing the crash Monday night. "It's still too early in the investigation for charges to be filed," said Lake County Sheriff Mark Curran. "We will look at all the blood work and urine samples, determine speeds and review witness statements, then take it all to the state's attorneys office for charges when the investigation is complete." Police said lab test will be available in about 3 to 4 weeks. Full story.

<h3 class="briefHead">State releases $8 million for Riverside Drive Promenade project</h3>

The Riverside Drive Promenade is one step closer to getting started in Elgin. The state has agreed to release $8 million it already promised Elgin but has been withholding while a $100,000 accounting dispute is resolved. Bids are expected to go out this winter with demolition of the existing Riverside Drive parking deck under way in the spring. Full story.

<h3 class="briefHead">Kane County police departments say armed robberies may be linked</h3>

As police from a number of Kane County towns continue to investigate a series of recent armed robberies, authorities are urging customers or employees inside a store during a robbery not to try and stop it. Police said recent armed robberies in St. Charles, Geneva, Batavia and North Aurora could be related. "Don't be a hero. The absolute best thing you can do is to be a good witness. Objects and money can be replaced; people cannot," said Geneva Police Cmdr. Julie Nash. Full story.

<h3 class="briefHead">Weather</h3>

Warm but wet today with highs reaching 50 degrees, but about an inch of rain is expected to fall before the day is over. The rain will finally taper off overnight tonight. Full weather.

<h3 class="briefHead">Traffic</h3>

There have been a few minor fender benders throughout the area this morning, but nothing major to report. Congestion is mounting on all expressways due to the rain and some slick roadways, so people should continue to use caution. Reconstruction and widening of Walkup Road between Route 176 and and Burning Bush Trail in Crystal Lake should be avoided due to heavy delays. Full traffic <http://www.traffic.com/Chicago-Traffic/Chicago-Traffic-Reports.html>.

<h3 class="briefHead">Patrick Kane, Chicago's newest reality star?</h3>

Blackhawks winger Patrick Kane will be featured in Versus' new "NHL 36" reality show today. Cameras followed Kane for 36 hours last week at home, in his free time and in the locker room before a game at the United Center. "It was pretty cool thinking a camera was following me around to see what you're doing throughout your daily life," Kane said. "I tried not to change things and just be myself." Check out the episode at 5:30 p.m. before the Hawks take on the Western Conference leading Minnesota Wild. Full story.

<h3 class="briefHead">Bulls expected to sign Richard Hamilton</h3>

Ex-Detroit guard Richard Hamilton is set to clear waivers this afternoon, and according to Bulls forward Carlos Boozer, Hamilton would be a good fit for the team. "Good friend of mine, always been a great competitor," Boozer said of Hamilton. "He's been a winner his whole career. If he did come, it would be a great addition. I've admired his game for a long time." Hamilton, who is expected to join to Bulls, tweeted that he narrowed his list of potential suitors down to 3 teams last night. Full story.