Dawn Patrol: Losing home to tornado; man dead in W. Chicago
Editor’s parents find home in Washington in ruins
Instead of writing the news, Daily Herald Political Editor Mike Riopell found himself smack in the middle of the news when an EF-4 tornado destroyed his parents’ Washington, Ill., home while they visited Springfield. Riopell accompanied his dad to the home to search through debris for family heirlooms. Full story.
Man found dead in West Chicago
West Chicago police and the DuPage County Major Crimes Task Force are investigating the death of a 22-year-old found dead Sunday morning in a yard in West Chicago. The death is believed to be an isolated incident. Full story.
South Elgin votes in new president
South Elgin board members voted in a new president last night — Trustee Steve Ward. Ward takes over for Jim Hansen, who died Nov. 1 after battling lung cancer. The board also voted to dedicate a park to Hansen. Full story.
Late-night permits in St. Charles could cost more
Bars and pubs in St. Charles might pay $900 more a year to stay open until 2 a.m. according to a plan discussed last night by the city’s liquor commission. The city council could vote on the issue before the end of the year. Any changes would be enacted when licenses come up for renewal May 1. Full story.
No bail for man accused of stalking DuPage judge
A man charged with stalking a DuPage County judge was denied bail yesterday after prosecutors say he could be a serious threat to the judge and her family. Prosecutors say John Euwema, 57, has access to a firearm, is prepared to leave the country and has used false identities in the past. Full story.
Weather
Partly cloudy and cold this morning with temperatures at about 27 degrees as you head out the door. Temperatures will climb to about 44 degrees this afternoon, before dipping back to 33 degrees tonight. Full story.
Traffic
Construction continues on Route 22 between U.S. Route 12 and U.S. Route 14. Roadwork is expected to last through the month. People should find an alternate route. Full story.
Bears rookies pitch in to feed military families
Bears rookies and representatives from other organizations gathered yesterday in Gurnee to distribute turkeys, canned goods and other groceries to veterans. The Bears Care charity, MillerCoors, Jewel-Osco and a group called Operation Homefront distributed food to more than 200 families. Full story.
Blackhawks sign West Dundee’s Hartman to three-year deal
The Blackhawks sealed the deal with the team’s first-round selection in the 2013 NHL Entry Draft. Ryan Hartman, a 19-year-old forward from West Dundee, has posted 21 points in 20 games with the Plymouth Whalers of the Ontario Hockey League. Full story.
‘Hunger Games: Catching Fire’ better than the original
Not since 1980s “The Empire Strikes Back” has the middle chapter in a cinematic series eclipsed the dramatic scope and technical quality of its original while leaving us breathlessly dangling from a closing narrative cliff the way “The Hunger Games: Catching Fire” does, Dann Gire says. Full review.