Patch Flash: CMAP Pushes for Pricier Tolls, Faster Commute

CMAP says studies show significant benefits of congestion pricing, which uses "express toll lanes" to manage traffic for faster, reliable travel times. "Our research confirms that congestion pricing is an important tool for managing traffic flow," said CMAP executive director Randy Blankenhorn. "While the projected gross toll revenues for these five projects will help defray a portion construction costs -- which is significant because the days of abundant federal and  state funds are over -- the primary reason to implement congestion pricing is that it gives travelers a choice and manages our highway system to preserve the new capacity that we are building.

The Federal Bureau of Investigation is asking for the public’s help in searching for a man they suspect robbed area banks on Saturday and Monday, and attempted to rob a bank in Des Plaines, on Sunday, the FBI stated in a press release Tuesday. As of 5 p.m. on Oct. 16 the investigation into the whereabouts of the suspected robber was ongoing, said Joan Hyde, special agent for FBI Chicago, in an interview with Patch.

Law enforcement has surveillance photos and videos of what they believe is the same male subject, Hyde said, robbing a TCF Bank in a Jewel Osco, 4734 N. Cumberland Ave. in Chicago, on Oct. 13, attempting to rob the TCF Bank in Jewel Osco, 819 S. Elmhurst Road in Des Plaines on Oct. 14, and robbing Charter One Bank, 4411 N. Cumberland Ave. in Norridge on Oct. 15. In all three incidents, the suspected man presented a note, made verbal demands, and wore a dark, long-sleeve flannel shirt, the FBI stated. 

A teacher’s strike in Highland Park District 112 ended early Wednesday morning after students missed just one day of school. The Highland Park elementary and middle school board and teachers' union reached a tentative agreement after negotiating for over 14 hours. 

Cook County Board President Toni Preckwinkle may this week announce a new $800 tax on each slot machine and video poker machine in the county as part of her new budget proposal. The machines are also banned in Chicago. Video poker finally arrived in Illinois last week three years after the machines were initially legalized by the state legislature. The tax could generate about $1 million in revenue toward Preckwinkle's attempt to close the county's $115 million budget hole. 

If you're waiting for a train at the Metra station, you'll now be able to shop for groceries—including some Chicago specialty foods—at the same time.  commuters can shop for food and have it delivered to home or office. Chicago specialties like Big Bowl, Wildfire, are included.