Dawn Patrol: Storms hit; college sues over contraception
42,600 remain without power
As of 7:30 a.m. about 42,600 ComEd customers were still without power following a storm that produced wind gusts of 70 mph Wednesday night and early Thursday morning. The storm struck ComEd's western region the hardest, where about 14,000 customers remain without power. More than an inch of rain fell in 20 minutes in some areas. Full story.
Bob Chinn's named top-grossing restaurant in U.S.
Wheeling's Bob Chinn's Crab House has been named the highest-grossing restaurant in the nation by Forbes Magazine. Chinn's food sales bring in an estimated $24 million in revenue each year, according to the Forbes study. “I feel so excited about this, for me, a little businessman, to get this kind of recognition,” Bob Chinn said. Full story.
Wheaton College files federal suit against contraception mandate
Wheaton College has joined more than 50 religious institutions across the country, by filing a federal lawsuit against a mandate that would force the school to provide health insurance to its staff and students that would include contraception. The evangelical institution claims the mandate, which is part of the Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act, violates religious beliefs by requiring the school to purchase insurance that provides access to emergency contraception and birth control. Full story.
Cops: Motorcyclist struck squad and officer during chase
An Elgin motorcyclist is accused of leading police on a lengthy chase, during which he struck the side of a squad car twice, and grazed a Pingree Grove police officer. An FBI plane spotted Renato Barsellotti walking from a wooded area more than 4 hours after authorities called off the pursuit. Barsellotti, 27, is being held in lieu of $500,000 bail. Full story.
Suzi Schmidt's harassment case continued until August
State Sen. Suzi Schmidt made a brief appearance in court on charges of criminal damage to property and criminal trespass yesterday, but the case was pushed back until Aug. 15. An order of protection obtained by her neighbors, will continue until at least her next court date, a judge ruled. Full story.