Dawn Patrol: Next pension hearing today; Glenbard W. star in BCS title game
Hearing on pensions plan set for Monday
State Rep. Elaine Nekritz said yesterday she believes there is still time to get a pension deal done before a Wednesday deadline, and a hearing on one proposal she agreed to with House Republican Leader Tom Cross is set for today. Though a plan that would cut teachers’ and state workers’ retirement benefits is scheduled for a preliminary hearing before lawmakers today, the proposal could change before it’s final.“There is enough time to get it done,” Nekritz said. Full story.
Glenbard West standout Watt ready for Notre Dame’s big moment
Chris Watt admits it: He’s thought about what it’s going to be like tonight in Miami when he and his Notre Dame teammates line up against Alabama with the national championship at stake. A lot. “Definitely,” said the former Glenbard West standout offensive lineman. “Before you go to bed at night you think what it’s going to be like walking on that field with all of America watching one of the biggest sporting events of the year.” Full story.
EYSO faculty concert a ‘gift’ to the community
When Elgin Youth Symphony Orchestra artistic director Randal Swiggum asked an audience not to clap between performances yesterday, it was an attempt at keeping the packed program to just one hour. The request was honored for the first two songs, but after Chicago Symphony Orchestra cellist Brant Taylor finished a lively piece with David Anderson on piano, listeners couldn’t quite keep their delight in check. Full story.
Weather
A warmer than normal day on tap with a high temperature of 37 degrees expected. It will only be about 19 degrees when you head out the door this morning, then dip back to 27 degrees overnight tonight. Full story.
Traffic
Police and rescue workers are on the scene of an accident in the inbound left lanes of I-90 near Route 59. Full story.
10 questions on the Blackhawks’ new season
Now that the NHL lockout is over, it’s time to turn our attention back to the Blackhawks. While owner Rocky Wirtz, President John McDonough, General Manager Stan Bowman or coach Joel Quenneville can’t comment in depth about the specifics of the deal or tell us what they really think until the new collective-bargaining agreement is finalized, that doesn’t mean there aren’t questions to be answered. Full story.
Bears expand coaching search list
Two more offensive-oriented coaches were added to the Bears’ list of head-coaching candidates over the weekend, as General Manager Phil Emery’s search for Lovie Smith’s successor became international. Montreal Alouettes head coach Marc Trestman, 56, a longtime NFL assistant and quarterback guru will talk with the Bears today, according to ESPN. Houston Texans offensive coordinator Rick Dennison is expected to interview late this week. Emery has said two finalists will be brought to Halas Hall later this week for a second round of interviews but not before Dennison has his first sit-down. Full story.
‘Chainsaw 3-D’ carves out No. 1 debut
It took Leatherface and his chain saw to chase tiny hobbit Bilbo Baggins out of the top spot at the box office. Lionsgate’s horror sequel “Texas Chainsaw 3-D” debuted at No. 1 with $23 million, according to studio estimates yesterday. Full story.