Dawn Patrol: Racing opens at Arlington; mole in Island Lake?

Racing season opens today at Arlington Park

As the historic racetrack on the corner of Euclid and Wilke opens its gates for another season today, more than 2,000 horses are expected to find a home on the Arlington International backstretch this summer. "The number of horses should be as large as it has been since 2008," says Tony Petrillo, the track's president since 2010. "If all the trainers come who say they will, we'll have a good season. We would have about 300 more horses than a year ago." Full story.

Island Lake's lawyer says there's a mole at village hall

The Island Lake village board's proposal to create a special four-member committee that would discuss litigation and other sensitive issues was prompted by concerns about leaks from the panel, the village's attorney confirmed yesterday. "We believe that someone from closed session is disclosing information discussed to members of the public," attorney David McArdle told the Daily Herald in an email. "Because this is a breach of the trust of a closed session discussion, we are considering an alternative smaller committee to discuss certain topics." Full story.

Fallen Vernon Hills officer memorialized at state Capitol

Police officers from across the state gathered on the Illinois Capitol lawn yesterday to remember fallen officers including state trooper James Sauter of Vernon Hills. "I grieve for the families because your pain is far greater than anything we will ever experience," said Illinois Comptroller Judy Baar Topinka. Sauter was killed in the line of duty last year when a truck struck his patrol car while he was parked on the shoulder of the Tri-State Tollway near Willow Road. Full story.

Ride of Silence to honor Elk Grove cyclist

Cyclists around the world will embark on a "Ride of Silence" May 21 to honor those who have been killed or injured while biking on public roadways. One such ride being planned for the first time in Elk Grove Village will have special meaning. It's taking place almost a year to the date that 46-year-old Rosaleen Waters was struck and killed by a vehicle as she was crossing Higgins Road near Route 53. Full story.

Rolling Meadows welcomes back future NFL QB Garoppolo

With his professional football dream just around the corner, Jimmy Garoppolo went back to his roots yesterday. Garoppolo, who is expected to be highly drafted in next week's NFL draft, stopped by Rolling Meadows High School, where he was honored with a school assembly. "I never really envisioned this," said Garoppolo to an auditorium that was full of current students, teachers, coaches, administrators and former teammates. "It is like a dream to be here standing before you." Full story.

Murder trial will continue for Round Lake man

A defense attorney's attempt to obtain a mistrial for a Round Lake man accused in the 2013 murder of a Zion teen was denied yesterday by a Lake County judge. Attorney Robert Ritacca, who is representing Jose Rebollar, 26, of the 500 block of Carol Lane, said evidence surfaced that showed Rebollar's co-defendant had additional motive to gun down Gabriel Gonzalez, 18, in the parking lot of the One Stop Food and Liquor Store in Round Lake Beach, and that changes his case. But the judge did not buy it. Full story.

Weather

Cloudy and 47 degrees to start the morning. Temperatures are expected to rise to 59 degrees this afternoon before dipping back to 48 degrees tonight. A shower or two is possible throughout the day. Full story.

Traffic

Construction continues on Il Route 12 at IL Route 59/Barrington Road near Wauconda. People should expect long delays in the area. Full traffic.

Off-season play already thickens for Bulls

Well, that settles one Bulls issue. Kobe Bryant reportedly wants Tom Thibodeau to replace Mike D'Antoni as Lakers coach. Bryant usually gets what he wants, so that's that: Don't be surprised if Thibodeau leaves the Bulls for the Lakers. Full story by Mike Imrem.

Unlikely but, yes, it's Hawks vs. Wild

Didn't it seem like, somehow, some way, the Blackhawks were simply destined to have a playoff showdown with Colorado? "That is weird," Patrick Sharp said. "For a long time there toward the end of the regular season, it seemed like everybody was gearing up for that matchup. That's the funny thing about our sport, how things work out. Now we're not even going to see them in the playoffs." Nope, instead tonight the Blackhawks will be hosting a Wild team that showed the heart of a champion Wednesday in winning Game 7 in overtime in Denver. Full story.