Dawn Patrol: Testimony limited in murder case; Project loses a hotel
Judge limits mental health testimony in 2009 Hoffman Estates slayings
A Cook County judge yesterday sharply curtailed the number of witnesses lawyers for D'Andre Howard can call during his murder trial to testify about his mental health. Cook County Assistant Public Defender Deana Binstock sought to include the witnesses as part of an insanity defense for Howard, who is accused in the 2009 stabbing deaths of three members of a Hoffman Estates family. Full story.
One hotel dropped from Arlington Downs plan
Arlington Heights officials yesterday approved a changes to the multimillion dollar Arlington Downs redevelopment project, but voiced concerns about the plan that now includes only one hotel and fewer parking spots. The now 27-acre project will include luxury apartments, a water park, restaurants and retail, but now one hotel - a Four Points by Sheraton - rather than two originally planned. Full story.
Arlington Hts. now allowing more signs downtown
Businesses in downtown Arlington Heights soon will be able to market their restaurants and shops with sandwich board signs on the sidewalk or hanging signs, under measures approved by the village board yesterday. Full story.
Finances take stage at next Engage200 session
Finances will be the topic of Wheaton Warrenville Unit District 200's next community engagement meeting and officials are urging all district taxpayers to attend. "This impacts every community member, regardless of whether they have a direct relation with the school community or not," Superintendent Brian Harris said. The district's fifth Engage200 session - titled "Finance 101: District 200's Capacity and Resources" - will begin at 7 p.m. today at Monroe Middle School, 1855 Manchester Road in Wheaton. Full story.
Women now in 2 of 3 Gurnee police leadership posts
While federal statistics show women hold just 13 percent of all sworn police officer positions in the United States, Gurnee defies that number at the top of its department. Saundra Campbell's promotion from commander to deputy chief at a village board meeting last night means women are now in two of the top three Gurnee police administrative posts. Full story.
N. Aurora trustee resigns to take fire chief job
Ryan Lambert has resigned as North Aurora village trustee and has taken over as chief of the North Aurora Fire Protection District. The village board accepted Lambert's letter of resignation yesterday. Full story.
Elgin man found guilty of Crystal Lake stabbings
A 31-year-old Elgin man has pleaded guilty to breaking into his ex-girlfriend's Crystal Lake townhouse in July 2013 and stabbing her and her boyfriend, according to court records. Jimmy J. Bell Jr. faces up to 60 years in prison when sentenced for armed violence and attempted murder. Full story.
Weather
Cloudy and 51 degrees to start, with temperatures expected to climb to 77 degrees this afternoon. A thunderstorm could move in during late afternoon or early evening, with temperatures forecasted to be around 60 degrees. Full story.
Traffic
Construction continues on Route 25 between Dunham Road and Stearns Road near South Elgin. Full story.
Blackhawks come up empty in Minnesota
Erik Haula and Mikael Granlund scored goals less than 3 minutes apart early in the third period, and the Minnesota Wild beat the Blackhawks 4-0 last night in St. Paul. The Hawks lead the divisional final series 2-1. Game 4 is Friday in Minnesota. Full story.
Sox take Game 2 at Wrigley
Gordon Beckham's tiebreaking homer in the eighth inning helped the White Sox beat the Cubs 5-1 last night at Wrigley Field. The four-game crosstown series resumes tonight at U.S. Cellular Field. Full story.