Dawn Patrol: St. Alphonsus saved; Auto Show preview
St. Alphonsus school to remain open next fall, archdiocese says
St. Alphonsus Liguori School in Prospect Heights will remain open for the 2016-17 school after raising enough money and enrolling enough students, the Archdiocese of Chicago said last night. Full story.
Chicago Auto Show begins — SUV, anyone?
What do car buyers really want in 2016? Suburban dealers hope the Chicago Auto Show, beginning this weekend, will answer that question at a time when low gas prices are biting into hybrid sales, SUVs are back, millennials are thinking about buying, and the industry experienced its biggest year ever. Full story plus pictures and video.
Priest with Aurora ties accused of sex assault
A priest with ties to Aurora-area churches was arrested yesterday and charged with sexually assaulting a minor under the age of 13, officials said. The Rev. Alfredo Pedraza was arrested at his home in Rockford, the Rockford Diocese said in a statement. Full story.
5 hurt when snowmobiles collide on Fox Lake
Snowmobilers collided on Fox Lake near Antioch yesterday afternoon, sending five people to hospitals, police said. The crash happened about 2:30 p.m., and police believe it involved two sleds that were traveling together, said Chris Covelli, Lake County Sheriff's public information officer. Full story.
Geneva woman charged with poisoning husband makes court appearance
A Geneva woman accused of a fatally poisoning her husband Jan. 26 returned to court yesterday in Kane County, where prosecutors exchanged information with defense attorneys, and the case was continued to March 9, according to prosecutors and court records. Full story.
Aurora armed robber gets 21 years
A Kane County judge sentenced an Aurora man yesterday to 21 years in prison for robbing a drug dealer at gunpoint, county officials said. Tranon D. Meeks, 27, of the 400 block of Blackhawk Street, was convicted in October 2015 of armed robbery and possession of cannabis. Full story.
Wheeling home invasion suspect caught in Mexico
A man wanted in a Wheeling home invasion has been caught in Mexico and returned to Cook County yesterday to face charges, sheriff's officials say. Steve Chung, 28, formerly of Des Plaines, was one of two people charged after a victim was held at gunpoint and beaten during a 2014 home invasion. Full story.
Des Plaines woman who died in Park Ridge crash ID'd
An 81-year-old Des Plaines woman who died yesterday morning after a three-car crash in Park Ridge has been identified, authorities said. The crash occurred about 9:55 a.m. at the intersection of Dee Road and Talcott Road, according to a news release. Full story.
Naperville teen named state's top youth volunteer
The top high school volunteer in Illinois is a Naperville teen who has raised nearly $200,000 in nine years to help cure a rare disease. Jungin Angie Lee, a 17-year-old junior at Metea Valley High School in Aurora, has been named the top youth volunteer of 2016 by the Prudential Spirit of Community Awards. Full story.
Weather
Mostly cloudy and 16 degrees this morning. Temperatures are expected to reach 23 degrees this afternoon before dipping to 4 degrees overnight tonight. Full story.
Traffic
Grand Avenue is closed in Lake Villa between Fairfield Road and Route 59 until mid-May. Monaville Road is the alternate route. Full story.
Blackhawks lose to Sharp's Stars
The Blackhawks ran out the welcome mat a little too much for Patrick Sharp, Johnny Oduya and, as it turned out, veteran winger Patrick Eaves last night as Dallas invaded the United Center and waltzed off with a 4-2 victory. Full story.