Winter ‘warm-up,’ concealed carry and the rest of the morning’s news

SHARE Winter ‘warm-up,’ concealed carry and the rest of the morning’s news

1 Train tracker

So if it’s warmer today — 15! — that means a smoother commute, yes? Maybe, Metra says.  [Sun-Times]

2 Language a factor in earlier case against alleged rapist

In September, an alleged victim in a rape case told a defense attorney that she needed an interpreter to understand his questions. The judge said no, the case was later dismissed and the defendant allegedly went on to brutally beat and rape a 15-year-old last month. [Sun-Times]

3 Priest files going public

The Archdiocese of Chicago’s files detailing sexual abuse by priests are expected to be made public soon. The information is being handed over next week to plaintiffs’ attorneys, who’ve been seeking the files for nearly seven years. [Sun-Times]

4 Big step for concealed carry

More than 13,000 applications for concealed carry have made it through the first round of approval, Illinois State Police said Tuesday. [Tribune]

5 Accidents happen, says Sanchez …

A worker was killed years ago in an accident involving a trash truck driven by an inexperienced city employee who got her job through clout. “It happens,” says ex-Streets and San boss Al Sanchez, who wants to run for Cook County Board Commissioner. [Sun-Times]

6 … whose probation could end his election hopes

But Sanchez could be knocked off the ballot because he’s still on probation for a federal conviction related to a city hiring scheme. [Sun-Times]

7 Sprucing up the neighborhood

The once-ivory-towered University of Chicago is recruiting upscale restaurants and retailers to draw students to Hyde Park. Among its attractions: Akira, CorePower Yoga and a second outpost of Yusho noodle shop. [Grid]

8 Insurers start their engines

Allstate, Geico, AmFam — almost every major auto insurer is ready to raise rates. And the few that aren’t already have. [Crain’s]

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