Dawn Patrol: Eric Holder and the 8th; naked man zapped
Breaking news:
Northbound Route 12 was reopened near Fox Lake at 7:45 a.m. after a dump truck spilled 50,000 pounds of scrap metal on the highways. The driver was slightly injured, but refused medical attention at the scene.
How Eric Holder could affect Walsh-Duckworth race
Republican Congressman Joe Walsh says he was the first to put in writing that Attorney General Eric Holder should resign after a House committee vote to hold Holder in contempt of court. Democratic officials say the move is a witch hunt, but Walsh’s opponent Tammy Duckworth has been silent on the issue. Walsh called for Holder’s resignation over his role in the Operation Fast and Furious gunrunning program. Full story.
Nuns on a Bus protest Walsh budget vote
Four Catholic nuns rolled into Fox Lake on Wednesday to ask Congressman Joe Walsh to oppose a budget they say does not “provide reasonable revenue for responsible programs.” The Nuns on a Bus, a political action group featuring the nuns from across the United States riding a tour bus, opposes the House Republican budget that Walsh firmly supports. “As a Catholic boy, I can’t criticize a nun,” the McHenry Republican said in a phone interview from Washington. Full story.
Critics dominate Dimucci mall plan
Opponents to the proposed construction of an 800,000-square-foot shopping center in southwestern Lake County vastly outnumbered supporters at the latest public meeting about the plan. Only one person speaking in Kildeer was a fan of the concept, and he was shouted down by the others. “I can’t help but feeling this has already been signed, sealed and delivered,” Hawthorn Woods resident Jeff Slagter said. Full story.
Elgin police arrest 4 on drug charges
Elgin police said they recovered cocaine and two firearms while executing four search warrants simultaneously Wednesday night. Police executed the search in response to an undercover operation launched when neighbors began complaining of drug sales throughout a building on the 300 block of Kathleen Drive, according to authorities. Full story.
Wheaton police zap naked man running through neighborhood
A naked man running through a Wheaton neighborhood yesterday was pounding on doors and broke into a home, according to police. Officers used a stun gun on the man, who police say tried to climb into a moving vehicle. The man, who has not been identified, was not injured but was taken to an area hospital for observation. Full story.
Blagojevich fundraiser charged, held on $10 million bail
An Oak Brook man who was a key figure in the prosecution of former Gov. Rod Blagojevich has been charged with filing false tax returns and bribing physicians for patient referrals. Raghuveer Nayak, 58, was a fundraiser for both Blagojevich and Rep. Jesse Jackson Jr. Federal authorities arrested him at his home yesterday and he could face 20 years in prison if convicted on mail fraud, racketeering and false tax filing charges. Full story. Full story.
ATF investigating Geneva church fire
The Federal Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco and Firearms is investigating a fire at a Geneva church that occurred over the weekend. Federal authorities were brought in as a matter of protocol because the fire was at a house of worship, according to Geneva police. The fire burned an enclosed structure adjacent to the church, which held a number of trash bins. Full story.
Lombard couple’s 45-pound turtle missing
A Lombard couple is on the hunt for their missing 45-pound, 44-year-old African spurred tortoise, Lance, who has been missing since Sunday night. Susan Lechner thinks her pet Lance might have been stolen after crawling under a fence between her backyard and a neighboring apartment complex near Route 53 and St. Charles Road. Although Lance has gone missing two other times, the Lechners were able to track him down easily. Full story.
Des Plaines explores indoor cycling arena
Des Plaines officials are exploring funding options for building an indoor velodrome, or professional cycling arena, in town, Mayor Marty Moylan said Wednesday. Moylan said developer interest in the project is increasing. While the city doesn’t plan to invest any of its own money into the project, officials have consulted with area banks about how it could be financed, he added. Full story.
Carpentersville boy gets transplant from stranger
Nathan Saavedra is only 3 years old and has already had enough medical problems to last a lifetime. But family and friends hope a second kidney transplant, scheduled for today, marks the beginning of the end of his suffering. The boy will receive a kidney from a man he’s never met. “I’m just a person God uses to show his mercy,” said Kalin Koychev of Wheeling. Full story.
Weather
Cooler today, but possible rain could fall in Illinois to start things off this morning. Those possible showers are springing up in anticipation of a cool front moving through the area. Temperatures will only reach 85 degrees today, and it’s only about 76 degrees right now. Temperatures will dip back to 63 degrees tonight. Full story.
Traffic
An accident is causing delays at Route 120 and Almond Road near Gurnee, while another crash is causing delays at the Tri-State Toll Plaza near 83rd street. Construction continues on Pingree Road between Cog Circle and Grandview Drive in Crystal Lake. The roadway is scheduled to be closed until mid-October. Full story.
White Sox avoid sweep, smack Cubs 7-0
The White Sox avoided a three-game sweep by beating the Cubs last night behind Gavin Floyd’s seven innings of 4-hit ball. Floyd had been 1-4 with a 10.38 ERA over his past six starts and the team had scored just 19 runs over their previous seven games. Gordon Beckham drove in 4 runs, including a 3-run homer in the sixth. Full story.