Dawn Patrol: Quick hits to start your day
We're debuting a new Dawn Patrol column this week designed to help you conveniently get the top news you need to know as you head out the door. Each weekday by 6 a.m., we'll post our Dawn Patrol column summarizing key stories you may have missed overnight, as well as items breaking this morning — along with a look at weather, traffic and sports. We'll update the column and keep it posted on our home page (look for it in the upper right-hand corner) through the midmorning hours to make it easier for you.
So, here's a quick look at the news you'll need as you walk out the door today.
Drugs, guns seized from Barrington home. Charges pending
Barrington police are expected to release more information this morning regarding the arrests of two men, aged 23 and 52, following a drug bust at their home. A number of guns were also found inside the home, which was deemed “uninhabitable” due to health and safety violations, according to police. Full story.
Senate president meets with Sears execs
Sears Holdings Corp. CEO Lou D'Ambrosio met with Illinois Senate President John Cullerton Tuesday about the company's future in its Hoffman Estates headquarters. Sears' tax-incentive deal with the village expires next year. Full story.
Man finds more than $100,000 in his garden
A Johnsburg man tending to his garden yesterday found an unexpected harvest — two bags containing more than $100,000 cash. The McHenry County Sheriff's Department continues to investigate the bills, but said there have been no major commercial or residential thefts in the area. Wayne Sabaj turned the two plastic grocery-style plastic bags in to police as a precaution that the bills could be linked to a crime. Full story.
Family connections cost Rosemont $2 million a year
Suburban Tax Watchdog Jake Griffin reports today that members of the Stephens family get $1 million of pay a year from Rosemont. And five other Rosemont elected officials and their 13 family members were paid another million dollars in 2010. Full story.
No charges expected in Naperville North alcohol case
Naperville police decided yesterday they will not pursue charges against parents of roughly 20 Naperville North High School seniors who attend several drinking parties between midnight and 5 a.m., just hours before the first bell rang. Full story.
Disabled on Medicaid in Cook Co. may soon be able to move home
Medicaid-eligible people with disabilities who have been forced by the state to live in Cook County nursing homes will now have the option of living at home and receiving support services there after a historic class-action lawsuit was settled yesterday. Full story.
>Weather
Rain and clouds are expected to stay through the morning. Then, at about 10 a.m., the clouds will break and the sun will shine through, pushing temperatures into the mid 80s. Full weather forecast.
Traffic
The highways are running smooth this morning with only minimal delays from construction projects to keep an eye on. No major traffic accidents were reported on the highways overnight. However, people should avoid Main Street and Dwyer Road in Huntley as the train gates are stuck in the down position. Full traffic report.
Soriano, Soto propels Garza and Cubs past Giants
Alphonso Soriano hit a 445-foot solo shot in the second inning and Geovanny Soto added a double with the bases loaded in the sixth to push the Cubs and ace pitche Matt Garza past the slumping San Francisco Giants by a score of 5 to 2. .
White Sox rookies continue to rock the ball
White Sox rookies continue to keep the team in contention, as Alejandro De Aza drove in a career-high four runs to lead the Sox to an 8-6 win over the Minnesota Twins last night. Heading into the bottom of the 5th down 6-3, the Sox sent 10 batters to the plate and drove in five of them. The team remains 5 games behind the Tigers heading into the weekend series in Detroit. Full story.
8 Miami football players to sit out games
The NCAA announced eight Miami Hurricane players will miss a number of games to start the season after accepting extra benefits from former booster Nevin Shapiro. Quarterback Jacory Harris is among those who will miss the Hurricane's season opener Monday night at Maryland. Full story.
Bieber, Ferrari OK after minor crash
No need to panic, 17-year-old pop superstar Justin Bieber and his Ferrari are both OK after a fender-bender in Los Angeles yesterday. The Beib was not injured in the crash and no police report was taken. Police said there was no damage to the Honda Civic involved in the crash. Full story.