Dawn Patrol: Zion slaying suspect gets death; ex says she helped in murder
Ex-girlfriend testifies she helped get rid of murder weapon
The defense in the first-degree murder trial of Juan Cuellar will begin presenting its case today after prosecutors wrapped up their case yesterday, with Cuellar's ex-girlfriend testifying she helped get rid of the murder weapon. Kara Collins, 22, of Villa Park testified she received a phone call from a "remorseful" Cuellar saying he needed to talk to her, just 15 minutes after he shot and killed 18-year-old Downers Grove Township resident Joshua Holmes. Full story.
4 hurt in Grayslake manufacturing accident
Two employees and two firefighters were injured in a hazardous situation yesterday at a Grayslake business. The Grayslake Fire Department responded to A1 Cleaners, 322 E Belvidere Road, after a call that a person had collapsed in the business, said Battalion Chief Joe Weidman. Responders called in the Lake and McHenry County Hazmat crews to assess the situation due to the chemicals on site at the cleaners, but there was not a chemical spill as originally reported, Weidman said. Full story.
Zion murderer sentenced to death in Virginia
An ex-Marine suspected of killing two Zion girls was sentenced to death yesterday for murdering a fellow service member in 2009, after a federal jury concluded he had been responsible for a series of violent, sexually motivated attacks on women and young girls over the last nine years. Full story.
Lawyers for NIU hazing defendants argue statute's constitutionality
Attorneys for five former fraternity members charged with hazing in the 2012 alcohol-related death of Northern Illinois University freshman David Bogenberger argued yesterday that the state's hazing statute is unconstitutional and the charges against their clients should be dismissed. Full story.
Roskam: Human trafficking a growing threat in suburbs
Human trafficking - both in terms of labor and sex - is becoming more prevalent in the suburbs, and legislators and law enforcement officials say they're taking steps to fight its spread and increase awareness. "This is one of the issues where awareness is going to have a restraining influence," Roskam said, "because we're talking about victims who are being manipulated - and we can rescue them." Full story.
Former Maine West soccer coach's firing upheld in hazing case
A hearing officer has upheld the firing of a former Maine West soccer coach dismissed by Maine Township High School District 207 last year for not appropriately responding to allegations of hazing. Former freshman soccer coach Emilio Rodriguez, formally dismissed by the school board in January 2013, appealed his termination to an independent hearing officer a month later - a process that tenured teachers may request under state law. Full story.
Weather
Cloudy and 47 degrees as you head out the door this morning. The clouds are expected to disperse and temperatures are expected to climb to 70 degrees this afternoon before temperatures drop to 47 tonight. Full story.
Traffic
Construction in McHenry continues between North River Road and IL Route 31. Drivers should seek alternate routes. Full traffic. Full story.
Bullpen blues continue to bedevil Cubs
Putting together an effective bullpen can be a maddening task, even for the smartest guys in the room. The current Cubs management team, which is considered pretty bright, is faring little better in the bullpen department than past regimes. Full story.
Depleted White Sox end trip with loss to Detroit
The White Sox won't ever be thrilled about a 3-4 road trip. Yet after seven games against two of baseball's best teams, and with injuries riddling the roster, they know things could have been a lot worse. Full story.
A fresher Toews kicking it into higher gear
It's hard to believe that Jonathan Toews, one of the hockiest guys there is, could actually get worn down by the game he loves so dearly. But he did, before a hit knocked him out of the final six games of the regular season. Now he's fresh and kicking it into higher gear as the Game 5 of the playoff series with the Blues comes tonight. Full story.
How the Bulls can avoid getting swept
Getting swept really isn't the Bulls' style. It hasn't happened in the playoffs since 1987, when they went out 3-0 against Boston in the first round. Mike McGrawa has some suggestions for how the Bulls could turn the tables. Full story.