Dawn Patrol: Slain girl recalled; car hits Arlington Hts. home
Murdered 11-year-old Mundelein girl remembered
Family and friends are remembering 11-year-old Dora Betancourt as a kind, bubbly girl who loved cheerleading and sports, while they’re also struggling to comprehend the Mundelein fifth-grader’s violent death, which authorities say came at the end of a kitchen knife wielded by her 14-year-old half-sister. Full story.
And, although she doesn’t know them, Mundelein resident Katie Henning felt compelled to help Betancourt’s family by creating a site on www.gofundme.com to raise money for funeral expenses. Full story.
Car strikes house in Arlington Heights
The condition of the driver whose red SUV slammed into a home last night on the 300 block of North Douglas Street in Arlington Heights is still unknown this morning. A police spokesman said the car was going at a “pretty good” rate of speed when it crashed into the home’s front porch. Full story.
‘Suspicious death’ investigation continues in Naperville
Authorities have yet to release any new information this morning as they continue to investigate the “suspicious death” of a man found Wednesday in a Naperville townhouse. The DuPage County coroner’s office was conducting an autopsy yesterday, but results were not immediately available. Naperville police said they have not yet determined if the man’s death was a homicide, an accident or a suicide, and his name was not being released. Full story.
Firefighters investigate O’Hare workers’ symptoms
Several workers at Chicago O’Hare International Airport complained last night of a burning sensation in their throats, prompting the Chicago Fire Department to investigate their work area for the source of their symptoms. Full story.
Buffalo Grove man charged with soliciting sex from minor
A 31-year-old Buffalo Grove man was arrested this week outside a Berwyn high school where he thought he was meeting a 15-year-old girl to engage in sex acts, prosecutors said yesterday. Randy Overla was charged with traveling to meet a minor and indecent solicitation of a child, according to a release from the Cook County state’s attorney’s office. Full story.
Congressional hopeful asked to quit over controversial remarks
Susanne Atanus, a Republican candidate for the 9th Congressional District, has not yet responded to calls from Republican leaders for her to step down, after she told the Daily Herald that this winter’s bitter weather is a sign that God is angry over abortions and same-sex marriage. Atanus made her comments this week during an interview with the Daily Herald editorial board. Full story with audio clip.
Weather
Another brutally cold morning with temperatures hovering around 4 degrees below zero, but wind chills making it feel like its 25 degrees below. Temperatures will climb to 23 degrees this afternoon, but snow will move in during the evening. Temperatures will drop back to 18 degrees overnight. Full story.
Traffic
Construction work continues on Walnut Lane between Bode Road and IL Route 58 near Hoffman Estates. Full story.
Wild hold off Blackhawks for 2-1 victory
Jason Pominville and Matt Cooke scored first-period goals and Darcy Kuemper made 33 saves as the Minnesota Wild defeated the Blackhawks 2-1 last night. The Wild, who lost to the Hawks in five games in the first round of the playoffs last season, have won three of four against the Hawks this season. The Hawks lost in regulation for only the second time since Dec. 15. Full story.
Illini fall again, lose 62-55 to OSU
After tying the game up at 46-46 late, the Illini faded at the end of last night’s back-and-forth battle. The Illini (13-7, 2-5), haven’t won since Jan. 4 and will play three of their next four games against ranked opponents. Full story.