Dawn Patrol: Rail flaw was seen before fatal derailment
RR officials: Signalman saw problem in track before fatal derailment
Union Pacific Railroad officials said a signalman had called an expert to the scene of what turned out to be the fatal train derailment and bridge collapse off Shermer Road on July 4. The employee noticed an issue with the track but didn’t think it was big enough to stop the train, and the train derailed before the expert arrived, killing a Glenview couple. Residents at a meeting last night in Glenview called for trains to slow down on hot days. Full story.
Wheeling rejects Philhaven development again
The Wheeling village board again last night voted down Philhaven, a proposal for a multifamily apartment complex to house low-income residents with mental or physical disabilities. The trustees voted along the same lines as they did in a May vote on the issue: All six trustees voted against the project, and only Village President Judy Abruscato voting for it. Full story.
North Aurora reconsiders, allows video gambling
North Aurora will allow video gambling after all. Two trustees changed their minds on the issue last night and the village board voted to allow it in a 4-2 vote. Further talks with village residents changed Trustee Chris Faber’s mind. Full story.
Walsh criticizes Duckworth’s apparent fundraising record
8th Congressional District candidate Tammy Duckworth out-raised opponent Joe Walsh by a nearly three-to-one margin in the second quarter, to which Walsh quipped her Democratic opponent was a “darling of the liberal elite.” Duckworth said she has broken a fundraising record for House challengers from either party. Walsh’s has $722,825 on hand while Duckworth’s campaign has $788,363. Full story.
Lake County judge had DUI charge dropped, convicted on resisting police count
A DUI charge against Lake County Circuit Judge David Hall was dropped, but he was found guilty of misdemeanor resisting arrest and obstructing a police officer, putting an end to a case that took more than four years in the legal system. Hall was sentenced to 100 hours of community service and fined $1,000. The 59-year-old was arrested and pepper-sprayed by a Vernon Hills police officer during an early morning traffic stop in April of 2008. Full story.
FBI: Man caught 20 minutes after Aurora bank robbery
A man who robbed an Aurora bank Saturday morning was found just 20 minutes after the heights thanks to a GPS tracker placed in the stacks of bills. Police arrested 29-year-old Miguel A. Ramirez in an Oswego gas station where they found a vehicle he was driving, more than $7,000 from the bank, a BB gun and clothing he wore during the robbery, according to the FBI. Full story.
Elgin mayor: Use alcohol tax to fund drug program
Elgin May David Kaptain hopes to use the new 3 percent tax on alcoholic beverages to fund drug abuse prevention and extra roadside safety checks. The mayor proposed the idea to city council members and is expected to dive into details next month. The tax is expected to generate $500,000 in the second half of 2012 and $1 million next year. Full story.
Prosecutors: Suspect claimed God told him to ‘shed some blood’
A man who is accused of entering an Addison Township home and picking up a sleeping 6-year-old girl told a female resident that “God told him to do this and shed some blood,” according to prosecutors. Several residents of the home restrained the 21-year-old Stone Park man until sheriff’s deputies arrived. Prosecutors said the man showed signs of “acute psychosis” during a hospital evaluation. Full story.
Weather
A heat advisory remains in effect until 10 p.m. today because of another day of oppressive heat moving into the area. It was 80 degrees at 5 a.m., and expected to hit about 95 degrees by lunch. It should top out in the 100 degree range, before cooling off to about 85 degrees tonight. A possible thunderstorm is forecast as well. Full story.
Traffic
No major problems are being reported on the area highways early. Though, motorists should avoid roadwork at Diehl Road between IL Route 59 and Raymond Drive in Naperville that is expected to last through the end of the monthly. Full story.
Bears, Forte agree to 4-year deal before deadline
Bears Pro Bowl running back Matt Forte signed his long-awaited four-year contract yesterday, just before the deadline. The deal will pay Forte $32 million, including $18 million-plus in guaranteed money, and will ensure the team heads into training camp minus a major distraction. Had Monday’s long-term contract not been completed before the 3 p.m. deadline, Forte would have been paid $7.74 million for the 2012 season. Full story.
Youk’s return to Fenway spoiled
Kevin Youkilis’ return to Fenway was spoiled Monday after the Red Sox beat the White Sox by a score of 5-1. Youkilis went 3 for 4 with two doubles in his first game back at his longtime home. Full story.