Dawn Patrol: Leaders unite against vandalism; murder conviction stands
Religious leaders unite against vandalism
After nearly a dozen different places of worship were vandalized in Waukegan and Gurnee since Feb. 14, leaders of different faiths united yesterday against hate and intolerance. Obscene messages accompanied by a smiley face have been spray-painted near the entrances of at least two places of worship. Full story.
Court upholds day care murder conviction
An appellate court yesterday agreed with a 2011 conviction of a Carpentersville woman in the death of a 16-month-old boy at a now-closed Lincolnshire day care. Melissa Calusinski is serving a 31-year sentence. Full story.
Tollway aims for I-90 smart corridor Advanced, real-time information about blocked lanes, crashes and congestion begins in 2016 on the Jane Addams Tollway between Kennedy Expressway and Barrington Road. This "smart corridor" includes a series of electronic message signs displaying short traffic alerts in an effort to ease traffic flow and improve safety, officials said. Full story.
Fate of Mount Prospect buildings still up in the air
The future of one of Mount Prospect's oldest downtown buildings still remains unclear, even as demolition crews work to peel away damaged layers and insurance adjusters examine the remaining structure. A fire that started in Sakura restaurant damaged multiple businesses, including Central Continental Bakery and the Mount Prospect Chamber of Commerce. Full story.
Weather
Rain and snow mix early this morning, before the temperatures warm up with more rain forecasted. Temperatures will be about 35 degrees to start, then increase to 48 degrees before dipping back to 26 degrees tonight. A flash flood watch remains in effect throughout the day because of the rain and snow melt. More weather.
Traffic
Construction continues on Rollins Road in Round Lake Beach between Route 45 and Route 83. People should expect delays and may want to find alternate routes. Full traffic.
Proposal would give Olympians a tax break
A suburban lawmaker wants to make Illinois Olympians exempt from paying taxes on their awards. State Sen. Julie Morrison of Deerfield sponsored the legislation that would protect the athletes from being taxed on their monetary awards as well as the worth of their medals. Full story.
Second-graders get surprise from Patrick Kane
Chesak Elementary School in Lake in the Hills received an unexpected surprise for second-graders Wednesday morning: a video message from Blackhawks forward Patrick Kane, who is in Sochi representing the U.S. Kane was responding to a Twitter message teacher Christy Gibbs sent on behalf of her students wishing him good luck with a #CheersToSochi hashtag created by McDonald's. Full story.
No winning ticket here
Unless you were on the West Coast recently, you didn't win last night's $425 Powerball drawing. One ticket matched all the winning numbers - 1, 17, 35, 49, 54 and a Powerball of 34 - and it was sold in California. Full story.