Dawn Patrol: Lawmakers look at soda tax; Mundelein ready to buy land
Legislators look at soda tax, energy drink ban
Some Illinois lawmakers have their sights set on bans and taxes for caffeinated and sugary drinks. Proposed legislation would raise taxes on sugary sodas by a penny an ounce and ban the sale of energy drinks to those under the age of 18. Full story.
Mundelein ready to cut checks for land
Mundelein officials are ready to spend $202,400 to buy the land they need to widen part of Hawley Street. Offers have been made to 36 properties for $7.69 per square foot with an average of about $5,622 per property. Full story.
Lawsuit yields new rules in Elgin
Elgin residents might see more vehicles offering mobile blood donation, diabetes testing and other services parked around town after the city council approved new regulations Wednesday night. Full story.
Mount Prospect bakery finds temporary home
After being displaced by a recent fire, Central Continental Bakery has found a temporary location at 17 W. Prospect Ave., which is just a short walk south of its old location at Main Street and Busse Avenue. The Feb. 9 fire that displaced the bakery also destroyed Sakura Japanese Restaurant and forced adjacent businesses to find new locations. Full story.
Bartlett man admits to attempted robbery
A 26-year-old Bartlett man pleaded guilty Wednesday to trying to rob three men at gunpoint last July 4. In exchange for Michael T. Foster's guilty plea, a Cook County judge sentenced him to five years in prison, with a recommendation for boot camp. Full story.
Gilberts names new police chief
The village of Gilberts board voted to hire a new police chief: Louis Rossi, 57, who was a former Kildeer police chief. Police Chief Steven Williams, 65, will retire effective Friday. Full story.
Weather
Partly cloudy and only 9 degrees this morning, with wind chills making the temperature feel like it's 12 degrees below zero. Temperatures are actually expected to drop to 7 degrees today, with wind chills expected to remain around -12 degrees. Temperatures will drop to -4 overnight tonight. Full story.
Traffic
Construction continues on Walnut Lane between Bode Road and IL Route 58 in Hoffman Estates. People should expect delays in that area. Full story.
Blackhawks' Olympians back at work
Most of the Blackhawks who played in the Olympics were back at Johnny's West yesterday. Jonathan Toews, Duncan Keith and Patrick Sharp were part of Canada's gold medal-winning team that beat Sweden in the final. Toews didn't go on the ice for practice yesterday. Full story.
Defense name of game again for Bulls
Kirk Hinrich helped limit high-scoring guard Stephen Curry to just 5 points as the Bulls beat Golden State 103-83 at home. Read Mike McGraw's take here.