Dawn Patrol: FBI joins DuPage forest probe; Tour of Elk Grove begins
FBI joins contract-rigging investigation at DuPage Forest Preserve District
Federal investigators have joined a probe into allegations of rigged contracts involving two former DuPage County Forest Preserve District employees. Meanwhile, the district has given a $51,000 bonus to its former executive director, who retired in June after more than eight years on the job. Full story.
Here comes 7th Annual Tour of Elk Grove
The seventh annual Alexian Brothers Tour of Elk Grove gets rolling today. The cycling event, which runs through Sunday, features world-class racers, serious amateurs and recreational riders. A new designation also puts the race among the elite cycling competitions in the world. Full story.
Suspicious item prompts temporary closure of O’Hare terminal
A terminal at O’Hare International Airport was on lockdown for about two hours yesterday afternoon as authorities investigated a suspicious item identified by the Transportation Safety Administration. The terminal reopened after Chicago police determined the item wasn’t a threat. Full story.
St. Charles School District 303 battling mold — again
Mold has been discovered inside the Norris Recreation Center at St. Charles East High School, where a major infestation 11 years ago cost School District 303 some $28 million. On the positive side, officials say it’s in an area hardly accessed by students, though they don’t know how long it’s been there or how extensive it is. Full story.
One killed, 38 injured in downstate Megabus crash
A woman was killed and more than three dozen passengers were injured when a packed double-decker Megabus coming from Chicago slammed into an I-55 bridge support pillar near Litchfield on Thursday. Police said 38 people were taken to hospitals with injuries. “There was blood everywhere,” one rider said. Full story.
Weather
Mostly clear with a high of about 77 degrees when you head out the door. Temperatures will climb to about 90 degrees this afternoon, but remain hazy and humid. It’s expected to drop tonight to 75 degrees overnight. Full story.
Traffic
Pavement patching construction is taking place on US Route 45 from the Illinois-Wisconsin border to Washington Street in Grayslake. The project will remain in place until October 31st, and people should expect lane closures and reductions. Flaggers will be on scene to direct traffic. Full story.
Suburban athletes will be competing in the Olympics today
Evan Jager, formerly of Jacobs High School, competes in qualifying rounds in the 3,000-meter steeplechase, while the U.S. women’s soccer team featuring Amy LePeilbet of Crystal Lake will play a quarterfinal match vs. New Zealand. Then, a preliminary round for the 3-meter springboard diving takes place, which features Christine Loukas of Riverwoods. Full story.
Gregor: De Aza just the spark White Sox’ offense needed
Alejandro De Aza has overcome injuries to make it to the major leagues, and he’s making the most of his opportunity with the White Sox this season. In a rare interview, the 28-year-old center fielder talked to beat writer Scot Gregor about his frustrating past and ultimate rise. Full story.
Cubs turn up the (pitching) volume
White it’s too early to declare “mission accomplished,” the Cubs began replenishing their pitching at the major-league levels through recent trades, international signings and the June amateur draft. But we won’t know the results for years, Bruce Miles writes. Full story.
Sincerity, affection underscore Eclipse’s ‘Wilderness’
If chilling domestic dramas like “Desire Under the Elms” and “Long Day’s Journey Into Night” make you reluctant to dip your toes into the Eugene O’Neill oeuvre, Eclipse Theatre’s disarming revival of 1933’s “Ah, Wilderness!” might change your mind, Barbara Vitello writes. Full story.