Dawn Patrol: Redefining 'college-ready'; a treat for 'Downton Abbey' fans
What's it mean to be college- and career-ready? Dist. 214 has a new answer
Northwest Suburban High School District 214 wants to change the definition of what it means to be college- and career-ready in America. Superintendent David Schuler, who also serves as president of the national School Superintendent's Association, announced the campaign "Redefining Ready" to the District 214 school board on Thursday. He hopes the campaign, which aims to measure students' college preparedness by more than just standardized test scores, will catch on around the country. Full story.
'Downton Abbey' expert gives suburban fans a glimpse behind the scenes
The advice Jessica Fellowes received from her uncle, Julian Fellowes, holds true for the upcoming finale of his popular television show, "Downton Abbey." "You always want to leave a party when people are sorry to see you go." A British journalist and the author of companion books to the series, Jessica Fellowes gave hundreds of "Abbey" fans a glimpse behind the scenes of the popular historical drama series yesterday at the College of DuPage McAninch Arts Center. Full story.
Could Islamic center suit against Des Plaines be resolved this year?
Des Plaines officials believe the federal government's suit against the city for refusing to allow a Bosnian Islamic center to open could be resolved this year, and potentially settled out of court. City Manager Mike Bartholomew said while it's possible the litigation could drag out for a while, officials believe it's likely to be resolved in 2016. Full story.
Round Lake High renovations on time and within budget, official says
A mostly completed gymnasium is among the visible signs of progress for what will be a revamped Round Lake High School in the 2016-17 academic season. During a tour of the work site last week, Bill Johnston, Round Lake Area Unit District 116's assistant superintendent of business and operations, said the estimated $29 million expansion and renovation remains on time and within budget. Round Lake High was built for 1,370 students, but it now houses about 2,100. Officials said the expansion will bring the maximum capacity to 2,288 students. Full story.
Weather
Some clouds and 33 degrees today. Temperatures will climb to 43 degrees this afternoon, before dipping to 35 degrees overnight tonight. Full story.
Traffic
Construction work has shut down Grand Avenue between Fairfield Road and Route 59 in Lake Villa until May. Monaville Road should be used as an alternate route. Full story.
Thayer looks back on Super Bowl XX with the Bears
It's not an exaggeration to say that Tom Thayer, the starting right guard on the Chicago Bears' Super Bowl XX championship team 30 years ago, went from the outhouse to the penthouse. And Thayer did it in less than a year. Read beat writer Bob LeGere's full story here.
Bulls frustrated after loss to Clippers
The Chicago Bulls are scheduled to just play just one team with a superior record during their "ice show" road trip. That matchup happened yesterday, and the Bulls were clobbered by the Los Angeles Clippers 120-93 at the Staples Center. Read beat writer Mike McGraw's full take here.
Nashville puts on good show for NHL All-Star weekend
Enforcer John Scott scored twice during the NHL's new All-Star Game 3-on-3 tournament in Nashville and was named MVP by fans after captaining the Pacific Division to a 1-0 win in the championship yesterday. Read a full recap of Sunday's All-Star games here.