Dawn Patrol: Berlin explains dropping case against ex-Schaumburg cop
Berlin on why he dropped ex-Schaumburg cop's case
DuPage County State's Attorney Robert Berlin explained last night why all charges were suddenly dropped against a former Schaumburg cop accused of running a drug-dealing operation with two fellow officers: A key informant was under criminal investigation. The case against former tactical officer John Cichy, 35, relied heavily on the testimony of an informant who witnessed the essential elements of Cichy's offenses, but a criminal investigation into that informant came to the attention of the prosecutors, Berlin said in a long statement. Full story.
National Weather Service issues ice advisory into this morning
The steady rain that lead to some flooding throughout the suburbs was likely to freeze overnight and make for a slippery commute this morning. Full story.
Schaumburg High students plan to take part in national walkout today
Some students at Schaumburg High School intend to join peers across the nation in a walkout today to draw attention to the cause of stricter gun control, particularly in regard to greater school safety. The planned observation is scheduled to fall exactly a week after the school shooting in Parkland, Florida, that killed 17 high school students. Full story.
Bradie Tennell doesn't disappoint home crowd
Olympic figure skater Bradie Tennell's ascent to the 2018 Winter Olympic Games in Pyeongchang has been nothing short of astounding to many observers, including dozens of friends, fans and families who gathered last night in the lobby of Twin Rinks Ice Pavilion in Buffalo Grove, Tennell's home rink, to watch her on TV compete in the women's short program. Full story.
Judge's attorney: Yes, he fired gun, but did he break any law?
The trial for DuPage County Judge Patrick O'Shea, charged with reckless misconduct after authorities said he fired his gun inside his Wheaton apartment, got off to an unusual start Tuesday afternoon in Kane County. "The evidence is not in dispute," O'Shea's defense attorney Terry Ekl said; the question is whether it could be proven that anyone was in danger. Full story.
Aurora police: Man spied on ex-girlfriend with hidden cameras, tracked vehicles
A 25-year-old man is accused of using hidden cameras to spy on his ex-girlfriend at her Aurora apartment and placing tracking devices on vehicles belonging to other people in her building. Full story.
Former state contractor pleads guilty to stealing from elderly
A former employee of Senior Services Associates, a state of Illinois contractor based in Kane and McHenry counties, has pleaded guilty to stealing money from an elderly victim, according to the Kane County state's attorney's office. Mary E. Pfingsten, a 41-year-old Joliet woman, entered her plea in court on Friday. Full story.
Sushi restaurant coming to downtown Elgin
Kris Palermo knows that as a tattooed white guy he's not your typical sushi chef trained in the traditional Japanese ways. He'll prove his worth as soon as customers set foot in his upcoming sushi restaurant in downtown Elgin, he said. Full story.
Weather
Cloudy and 30 degrees this morning. A flood warning remains in effect until 10:45 a.m. Highs today around with 32, with lows tonight near 30. Full story.
Traffic
No major delays to report early. Flooding has closed several roads in the suburbs. Sadler Avenue is closed between Nancy Ann Street and Suzanne Lane in Elgin, the area surrounding Route 53, Rohlwing Road, Columbine Avenue and Chicago Street in Naperville is closed. Full traffic.
Darvish wows Maddon, Cubs with his pitching presence
Yu Darvish drew a crowd Tuesday. Cubs fans gathered outside the backstop on one of the practice fields as Darvish got ready to throw live batting practice. The team brass was there, too, and when Darvish sent a low strike whistling past Kyle Schwarber, manager Joe Maddon passed by a couple of reporters and gave a whistle of his own. Full story.
Top outfield prospects Jimenez, Robert dreaming big at Chicago White Sox camp
The race is officially on. Top outfield prospects Eloy Jimenez and Luis Robert are both in the starting blocks with the Chicago White Sox for the first time this spring, and the clock is ticking on their major-league arrival times. Full story.
Take one for the tank? Chicago Bulls ask Holiday, Lopez to sit
Bulls Executive Vice President John Paxson explained to reporters exactly how the team planned to give some younger guys more minutes the rest of the way. For starters, David Nwaba and Cristiano Felicio will start Thursday against Philadelphia, replacing veterans Justin Holiday and Robin Lopez, respectively. Then Cameron Payne, finally back from foot surgery, will take over the backup point guard role from Jerian Grant. Full story.