Dawn Patrol: Durbin introduces Obama again; mall protests persist

Durbin introduces Obama once again

Illinois U.S. Sen. Dick Durbin took the Democratic National Convention stage last night as one of President Barack Obama’s biggest and earliest political backers, introducing his fellow Illinois Democrat to a Charlotte crowd and asking them to re-elect the man he mentored. “President Obama, your values, your courage, your vision for justice are still worth fighting for,” Durbin told the crowd. Full story.

Then, Obama asks for second term so ‘our challenges can be met’

His re-election in doubt, President Barack Obama conceded only halting progress last night toward fixing the nation’s stubborn economic woes, but vowed in a Democratic National Convention finale, “Our problems can be solved.” “Yes, our path is harder — but it leads to a better place,” he declared in a prime-time speech to convention delegates and the nation. Full story.

Protests persist even with Rand Road mall agreement

Members of the public continued last night to protest even the revised plan for a controversial commercial proposal along Rand Road between North Barrington and Hawthorn Woods, and the closed-door process by which it was reached. They argued that the compromise still exceeds what’s allowed by a 2002 agreement between the two villages. Full story.

Lombard fails to choose acting village president

Six Lombard trustees trying last night to choose an acting village president to serve until the April election rejected motions nominating four out of the six of them before postponing the matter to a later meeting. Votes to choose trustees Zachary Wilson, Greg Gron, Laura Fitzpatrick and Bill Ware to handle the role previously filled by Village President William J. “Bill” Mueller, who died Aug. 18, were rejected. Trustees also turned down a motion to take turns serving as acting chairman. Full story.

Woodridge woman faces sentencing in $550,000 theft from law firm

A former receptionist convicted of stealing more than half a million dollars from a Downers Grove law firm had been accused of theft on at least four prior occasions, including one in which she fished bills from a drop box safe using a weighted string and tape, authorities said. The earlier allegations were presented in DuPage County court yesterday as a sentencing hearing got under way for Mary Marra, 44, of Woodridge. Full story.

New gas station, convenience store combo planned in Vernon Hills

An aging gas station with a car wash on Route 60 in Vernon Hills is on track to be replaced from the ground up in what members of a village review committee felt was a long overdue improvement. But the demolition of the Mobil station at 294 E. Townline Road and construction of a bigger facility to include a convenience store would come with a passel of conditions and a close eye by the village board on what it will look like. Full story.

St. Charles man released from jail, but home threatened

A St. Charles homeowner who has had a construction project languishing at his home since 1975 was released yesterday after spending two weeks in jail for contempt of court, but the judge still wants Cliff McIlvaine to connect to the city water supply. The judge said if jail doesn’t force him to do that, maybe the threat of the city demolishing the home on the 600 block of Prairie Street will. Full story.

Weather

Cloudy with a high of only about 70 degrees as you head out the door this morning. Showers and possible thunderstorms are expected to roll in later this morning, pushing temperatures to about 76 degrees. Showers will greet us tonight but temperatures will only hover around 57. Full story.

Traffic

Bridge work construction continues at McLean Blvd-Sleepy Hollow Road in Elgin, which is closed at I-90 until Wednesday. People in need of a detour can use northbound McLean Boulevard to eastbound Big Timber Road, then head north on IL Route 31 and west on Boncosky Road. Full story.

Poll Vault: How many games will the Bears win?

Across the web-o-sphere, most predictions for Chicago’s regular season win total range from 10 to 12 games. What do you think the Bears’ record will be? Is this the year they reclaim the NFC North title from Green Bay? Or is a wild-card berth the best we can hope for? Michelle Holdway posts the schedule so you can count up your win predictions and then leave a comment with Poll Vault.

Meanwhile, on the baseball diamond ...

... it’s how many games could the Cubs lose? Which is to say, could it really be 100? Bruce Miles says 100 losses will be hard for the Cubs to avoid. He breaks down the remaining schedule.

And, the Bears defense NEEDS Urlacher

Supercharged offense or not, the Bears still will have to win some games with defense if they plan on making it to the postseason for just the second time in six years. For the defense to shoulder its share of the load, it needs Brian Urlacher in the middle of the action. The eight-time Pro Bowler says he plans to play the entire game Sunday against the Indianapolis Colts at Soldier Field. Full story.