Weekend in Review: Ex-CEO's deal still costing Metra; more winter coming?

Suburbanites recall arrival of Beatlemania 50 years ago

It might have happened 50 years ago, but the memories of The Beatles coming to America still bring out the teenage girl in many suburbanites. “Even today, when I hear a Beatles song, I can get that same feeling as when I was 13 or 15,” says Mary Dickson, 62, of Sleepy Hollow. “It was exciting. It was different.” Full story.

Much criticized exit deal with ex-CEO still costing Metra

Since late June, Metra has paid more than $319,000 to Alex Clifford, the transit executive who left this summer after raising questions about political pressure from the state's most powerful lawmakers. His total payout could climb as high as $871,000. Full story.

Elgin residents fight ComEd's power line plans

Elgin homeowners soundly told ComEd on Saturday morning they don't want high-voltage power lines to run along their properties, but if they must, they need to be placed underground. The $250 million Grand Prairie Gateway Project would extend power lines along a 60-mile stretch between substations in Byron and Wayne, crossing Kane, DuPage, DeKalb and Ogle counties. Full story.

Huntley seeks to become next industrial hub

Huntley is positioning itself as the next major industrial hub in the suburban Chicago market, competing with towns such as Elk Grove Village and Carol Stream. The village is poised for a major marketing campaign to promote its Huntley Corporate Park near the new interchange at I-90 and Route 47. “We're one of the few communities that has this developed land with tollway visibility,” said Victor Narusis, Huntley's business recruitment coordinator. Full story.

Huntley industrial park faces tough competition

As Huntley's fledgling industrial corridor attempts to capture a slice of the manufacturing market, it faces tough competition from towns with far more established industrial sectors.“We're a community that's built on businesses,” Elk Grove Village Mayor Craig Johnson said. “They've got 50 years to catch up with us when it comes to experience in development and handling business.” Full story.

Pedestrian killed in Aurora crash

A pedestrian was killed early Sunday morning when struck by an SUV in downtown Aurora. Police said the unidentified victim, described as a Hispanic man in his late 30s or 40s, was walking southbound on Broadway Avenue (Route 25), just north of Spring Street, about 3:58 a.m. when the collision occurred. He was pronounced dead at the scene. Full story.

Six more weeks of winter, says Woodstock Willie

Woodstock Willie was in a grumpy mood early Sunday morning, screeching, squirming and generally resisting efforts to be pulled from his hole to make his famous annual forecast. His reluctance to appear, as it turns out, was with good reason. Willie, the Groundhog Day mascot for the McHenry County community, saw his shadow when he came out, meaning six more weeks of winter and putting many of us in the same grumpy mood. Full story.

Lake Park, Geneva take state dance titles

Although her team didn't yet know exactly how well they'd done as they strode off the dance floor Saturday, the coach of Lake Park High School's competitive dance team, Danielle Ragano, said her girls knew they'd done well. Their scores confirmed it, as the team claimed first place in Class 3A of the IHSA Competitive Dance finals. Geneva High School's squad took the state crown in Class 2A. Full story.

Naperville motel robbed at knifepoint

Naperville police are searching for a man who committed an armed robbery Friday afternoon at the Stardust Motel, 890 E. Ogden Ave. The robber entered the lobby area, displayed a knife and demanded money. He fled after taking an undisclosed amount of cash. No one was injured. Full story.

Church youth leader charged with sex assault

A Lake Villa youth worship leader was charged with criminal sexual assault by Lake County authorities. On Friday, sheriff's deputies arrested Matthew J. Harder, 18, of the 1000 Block of Barberry Lane in Round Lake Beach. Full story.

World & Nation

Despite safety emphasis, school shootings continue. Full story.

UPS to invest more than $100 million after holiday service snarl. Full story.

Subprime mortgages make comeback as “nonprime.” Full story.

Top Republicans say they stand by NJ Gov. Christie. Full story.

More states grant in-state tuition to immigrants. Full story.

Officials: Philip Seymour Hoffman found with needle in arm. Full story.

JK Rowling says ‘Harry Potter' ending may be wrong. Full story.

‘Ride Along,' ‘Frozen' top box office. Full story.

Google+, Candy Crush show risk of leaky apps. Full story.

Companies back fast Internet-in-schools initiative. Full story.

Sports

Do the Bears have a Super future? Full story.

What can Bears learn from Seahawks' big win? Full story.

Ah, for a coach with the energy of a Pete Carroll. Full story.

Lighter year for Super Bowl ads. Full story & video.

Bruno Mars delivers red hot set at Super Bowl. Full story and video.

State of the Bulls at midseason. Full story.

Working overtime not working out very well for Hawks. Full story.