Dawn Patrol: St. Charles school bus hit by pellets; murder trial continues
St. Charles school bus hit by pellets
An empty St. Charles school bus was hit by BBs or pellets yesterday afternoon, the Kane County sheriff's office said. The bus driver reported hearing something hit the bus near the driver's-side window about 4 p.m. near the intersection of Fieldcrest Drive and Route 31, the office said. Full story.
Son was victim, not dad's killer, his lawyers say
The 22-year-old who authorities say murdered his father in their Arlington Heights home nearly three years ago is not a killer, but an intended victim of his co-defendant who planned to rob both father and son, his lawyers said yesterday. Attorneys for Matthew Nellessen outlined their defense during opening statements in his trial on charges including first-degree murder in the April 2011 death of his widowed father, George Nellessen. The trial continues today. Full story.
Final total for Kane County raises revealed
Kane County Board Chairman Chris Lauzen's proposed raises for his department directors totals about $52,200, he said yesterday. That total equals about the starting salary of an assistant state's attorney. Full story.
Record number of schools dipping into reserves
Nearly double the number of schools are dipping into reserves to fund operations compared to five years ago, according to the state board of education report released yesterday. Statewide, that equals roughly 62 percent of school districts, or 532 total. Full story.
Two accused in stealing from casinos
Two New York men have been charged with stealing at least $50,000 from casinos in Elgin, Aurora and Joliet by using forged credit cards, according to Kane County court records and the Illinois attorney general's office. The pair are accused of using the credit cards to purchase "comp checks" from casino kiosks and then cashing them and keeping the money. Full story.
Speed cameras outside Chicago? Not yet
A downstate lawmaker wants to put speed cameras in school zones outside Chicago with legislation recently proposed in Springfield. Local officials would have the final say, and many suburbs aren't enthusiastic about the opportunity. Full story.
Kaifesh video doesn't support 'Hollywood mafia' claim
A video clip released yesterday by 8th Congressional District GOP hopeful Manju Goel fails to back up her claim that her Republican primary opponent, Larry Kaifesh, used the term "Hollywood mafia" to describe his campaign funding sources. Full story.
Weather
Cool to start with a high of only 15 degrees when you head out the door this morning. Temperatures will climb to 38 degrees this afternoon before dipping back to 32 degrees tonight. Full story.
Traffic
Construction continues on IL Route 53 between South Eola Road and the 290 interchange. People should expect delays in the area. Full traffic.
Hawks fall to Avalanche
The Blackhawks came up short last night with backup goalie Antti Raanta in the surprise start against the Colorado Avalanche. Raanta was good early but couldn't sustain his solid play as the Hawks lost 3-2. Full story.