Dawn Patrol: Quick hits as you head out the door

House on fire in Barrington

Firefighters are on the scene of a residential blaze in the 400 block of June Terrace in Barrington. The blaze was called out at roughly 6 a.m. this morning. It's unclear what caused the blaze or if there were any injuries reported. We'll bring you more details as they become available. Full story.

Muddy Paws owner guilty on all counts of animal cruelty

The Muddy Paws animal cruelty trial came to an end last nigth when, after a four-hour deliberation, a Lake County jury convicted Diane Eldrup guilty on all charges. Eldrup, 48, faces up to five years in prison after police found 30 dogs, three birds and an opossum dead inside her Deer Park kennel on Dec. 16. Officials called the former Muddy Paws Dog Rescue “a death camp for dogs.” Full story.

Police search around Hanover Park Metra station

Police were searching an area near the Hanover Park Metra station late last night with the assistance of at least one dog after a vehicle smashed into a wall on Barrington Road, but authorities wouldn't reveal what they were looking for. Full story.

U.S. Rep. Joe Walsh skips Obama's speech

U.S. Rep. Joe Walsh said he would have “felt used” if he were in the chamber during President Obama's speech to a joint session of Congress last night, and stuck to his guns by boycotting the speech. The tea partyer instead held a small-business forum at the Schaumburg Prairie Center for the Arts. Eventgoers watched the speech live on a large screen in the center's auditorium while Walsh was sequestered in a separate room, where he said he was reading a copy of the speech. Full story.

What suburban, state lawmakers say about Obama job plan

Want to see how some suburban congressmen, one of the U.S. senators from Illinois and Gov. Quinn himself reacted last night to President Obama's jobs plan? See their full statements here.

More charges possible in fatal Palatine crash involving cellphone

More charges are possible against a 23-year-old woman who police say was “scrolling through her cellphone” when she struck a vehicle, resulting in the death of a Hawthorn Woods man Aug. 1. The case could evolve into a test of the legal interpretation of the anti-texting law. Full story.

U.S. officials: new terror threat credible

Just days before the 10th anniversary of the 9/11 attacks, officials announced a credible but unconfirmed terror threat having to do with New York or Washington. A counterterrorism official told The Associated Press that the information was received late Wednesday. A Homeland Security Department spokesman said the threat was specific and credible, but unconfirmed. Full story.

‘Driver error' most likely caused Warrenville restaurant crash

Authorities said a 71-year-old St. Charles woman may have mistakenly hit the gas pedal while parking when she drove through an outdoor dinner area of a Warrenville restaurant injuring 5 people. Police said four of the people injured were sitting at a table on the patio and the fifth was a waitress who was pinned between the building and the car before the driver accelerated in reverse. “Statements point to driver error,” police said. Full story.

Cougars a hit in burbs for 21 years

Why are the Kane County Cougars packing fans in when the Schaumburg Flyers and Lake County Fielders have struggled? The key may be entertainment. Full story.

Dist. 87 lights battle

Glen Ellyn residents filled a meeting last night to grill Glenbard High School District 87 officials and hired experts about the proposal lights at Memorial Field. Full story.

Weather

You'll have to plan indoor activities today and through most of the weekend as rain moves in from the east. Temperatures are expected to be in the mid 70s today, dropping to the mid 50s overnight. Full weather.

Traffic

All area highways are running wide open early this morning and no accidents have been reported yet. Full traffic.

Brent Lillibridge's breakout season is over

The White Sox' super utility man was hit by a pitch on the right hand in the seventh inning of Thursday night's 8-1 win over the Cleveland Indians at U.S. Cellular Field, and he is out for the season. Fulls story.

How to survive the loss of Manning

Did the loss of perrennial Pro-Bowl quarterback Peyton Manning for at least two months destroy your fantasy football team? Fantasy Football guru John Dietz tells owners how to get over the loss. Full story.

Urlacher: Briggs doesn't need a fire lit

Middle linebacker Brian Urlacher, who has played next to the trade-seeking Lance Briggs for eight years, trusts his defensive sidekick will continue to play at a high level Sunday. “I don't think he needs a fire lit,” Urlacher said. “The guy plays great every week. He practices hard when he's healthy and plays great. I don't think that's an issue.” Briggs has requested a trade after the Bears management refused to renegotiate his six year contract, which he is in the fourth year of. Full story.