Dawn Patrol: Lance may lose titles; murder charges?
USADA to strip Lance Armstrong of Tour titles
Seven-time Tour de France champion Lance Armstrong dropped any further challenges to the USADA’s allegations that he took performance-enhancing drugs last night, putting all those titles in jeopardy and putting in place a lifetime ban from coaching or otherwise participating in pro cycling. Armstrong says the U.S. Anti-Doping Agency doesn’t have the authority to vacate his Tour tiles, but the agency’s chief executive says the USADA can. Full story.
Suspects in custody in Wheaton volleyball star’s murder
Two teens are in police custody in connection with the murder of Megan Boken, and St. Louis police are expected to present their evidence to prosecutors this morning for possible charges. The suspects are two 18-year-old St. Louis men, police said. “We are confident that based on the evidence we have captured the killers of Megan Boken and will bring them to justice,” the police department announced in a statement Thursday night. Full story.
Schaumburg native linked to extortion plot
A former Schaumburg man who is an aspiring Hollywood actor has been accused of attempting to extort money from five wealthy individuals including studio mogul Harvey Weinstein and coal magnate Christopher Cline. Vivek M. Shah, 25, was arrested while visiting family in Schaumburg. He is accused of writing a letter threatening to kill several named members of Cline’s family unless he transferred $13 million to an offshore bank account, among other extortion attempts. Full story.
Video shows Aurora armed robbery suspect
Police have release surveillance video of a suspect who is wanted on a charge of robbing a 19-year-old Aurora convenience store clerk at knife point. Police say the suspect charged the victim and stabbed him in the hand during an altercation. Full story.
Naperville OKs $1.75 million tax break for Wal-Mart to stay in city
Naperville officials have agreed to rebate $1.75 million in tax breaks to Wal-Mart over a 10-year period in order to keep the business in the city. City officials say losing Wal-Mart to Aurora would likely mean losing Sam’s Club and $1 million in sales tax revenue. Wal-Mart plans to move the story to the southeast corner of 75th Street and Beebee Drive to build a “supercenter” store. Full story.
NUI opens swanky new dorms
For the first time since 1967, Northern Illinois University has opened new dormitories for its students, who will be able to live in a 12-person cluster with a common area, a kitchenette and a 55-inch flat-screen television. The bathrooms in the setups are shared by two students, not 40, like many other dorms, and each student gets his or her own bedroom. “We’re in love with it,” said sophomore Barbie Podraza of Lake in the Hills. Full story.
Weather
A bit cloudy to start this morning with a high of about 70 degrees when you wake up and head out the door. However, temperatures will quickly increase to about 91 degrees this afternoon before dropping back to about 67 degrees overnight. Full story.
Traffic
Construction continues on IL Route 25 in St. Charles, just south of Fox Glen Drive will be closed to through traffic. Access to residences, businesses and side streets on IL-25 north and south of culvert still will be maintained. Motorists should anticipate delays and allow extra time for trips through this area. Full story.
Lovie challenges D-Line to step up against Giants
While Lovie Smith has been pushing the Chicago Bears offensive line to make a good showing against the New York Giants on Saturday, he’s also challenging the defensive line to “outplay their defensive line.” Full story.