Dawn Patrol: Quick hits as you head out the door
Breaking news
Brian Urlacher may not anchor the Bears defense against New Orleans Sunday after the All-Pro middle linebacker was called to Arizona on a family emergency. His status at this time remains unknown.
Hazy smoke cloud should be on way out
Westerly winds and a cold front expected today should bring relief from the hazy cloud that swept into the suburbs Tuesday, the result of a huge wildfire in Minnesota's Pagami Creek, more than 400 miles away. Full story.
Substance non grata in Aurora
So-called synthetic drugs are now banned in Aurora, after the city council on Tuesday night unanimously banned the sale, possession or consumption of “any product containing a synthetic cannabinoid, stimulant or psychedelic/hallucinogen.” An Aurora mother lobbied for the law after her son smoked potpourri incense, crashed into a house and died.. Full story.
What your tips helped our suburban watchdog find
Today's Suburban Tax Watchdog column is a compilation of smaller investigations some readers asked us to look into. From $10,000 staff retreats in Schaumburg District 54, not to mention a pension double dip from a former well-paid Dist. 54 administrator, to campaign contributions by lottery management officials, it's a regular potpourri of government spending and receiving. Full story.
Pizza oven explosion burns Rosati's employee in Palatine
An employee of Rosati's Pizza in Palatine was transferred to the burn center of Loyola University Hospital in Maywood after she suffered second degree burns over 40 percent of her body from a small explosion that involved a pizza oven. Full story.
Cook County tax bills late for 34th straight year
The second installment of Cook County's property tax bills are expected to be sent out at the start of next month and due in early November. But that's still late and marks the 34th years in a row that such bills haven't been distributed on time. Full story.
Fire guts abandoned building in Island Lake
Authorities are still investigating the cause of a fire that broke out before 7 p.m. Tuesday at an old, abandoned former restaurant/bar at Route 176 and Darrell Road in Island Lake. Full story.
Man dies after North Chicago shooting
The Lake County coroner's office is expected to perform an autopsy today on a man #8212; believed to be in his late 20s or early 30s #8212; who was shot and killed in North Chicago on Tuesday. The identity of the man will be released pending notification of next of kind, authorities said. Full story.
Upset victory for Republicans in New York
Democrats in New York are regrouping today after Republican Bob Novice, a retired media executive, defeated Democrat David Weprin in a special election Tuesday to win the seat that belonged to Congressman Anthony Weiner, who resigned after a well-publicized sexting scandal. The district, which spans parts of Brooklyn and Queens, elected the first Republican in its history. Full story.
Weather
Air quality is expected to improve later today due to the smoke coming in from Minnesota, but the heat will stay away. Officials are expecting a high of only 65 degrees today, with a low of about 45 degrees. Full weather.
Traffic
Metra trains on the North Central line have been stopped near Route 60 and Butterfield Road in Vernon HIlls due to a pedestrian fatality incident, Metra has announced on their website.
Train 100, due into Chicago at 6:55 a.m., train 102, due to arrive in Chicago at 7:35 a.m., and train 104, due in to Chicago at 7:47 a.m., are all stopped in Vernon HIlls, officials from Metra said. Its unclear how long the trans will be stopped or what reroutes Metra will do to get people into Chicago. Full story.
Congestion is building on all major roadways this morning. People should avoid Winfield and Mack roads near Winfield in unincorporated DuPage County, which has been completely shut down due to a major accident with injuries. People should also avoid ongoing construction on Route 83 between Buffalo Grove Road and Route 22 in Buffalo Grove. Full traffic.
Verlander gets 23rd win, at Sox' expense
It's chin-up for the White Sox today after the Detroit Tigers beat them 5-0 on Tuesday Justin Verlander became the first Tiger since Hal Newhouser in 1946 to win 11 consecutive starts and the AL's first 23-game winner since Barry Zito in 2002. .Full story.
Dempster not enough to save Cubs
Cubs manager Mike Quade did all he could to get Ryan Dempster a win Tuesday night. Quade stuck with Dempster long enough for Dempster to run up his pitch count to its highest number in a decade. In the end, it didn't matter because Cubs hitters did almost nothing with Cincinnati Reds starter Mike Leake, who was the one to come away with the victory as the Reds beat the Cubs 2-1 at the Great American Ball Park. Full story.