Dawn Patrol: Giant python in Waukegan; 1:30 a.m., Cubs lose
Giant Burmese python discovered near Waukegan Harbor
A potentially dangerous fully-grown Burmese python is being rehabilitated at a Lake Forest wildlife center today after a worker discovered the animal in bushes near Waukegan Harbor yesterday morning. The 12- to 15-foot snake was large enough “to do some real serious harm” to a child or an adult who was alone, according to a wildlife expert. Officials say the animal was likely someone’s pet and had been abandoned. Full story.
Go to bed before Cubs game even started?
With the Pirates still in playoff contention, they and the Cubs waited out two storms at Wrigley Field that pushed back the start of last night’s game by 3 hours, 37 minutes. The first pitch was thrown at 10:42 p.m. CDT, and Joel Hanrahan delivered the final one at 1:28 a.m.this morning. And after all that? If you’re a Cubs fan, perhaps going to bed was a good idea. Full story.
Buzz Aldrin inspires students at Schaumburg elementary school
Edwin “Buzz” Aldrin was in Schaumburg at his namesake elementary school yesterday and recounted for an assembly of approximately 670 students the history of 20th-century aviation. The now last living member of the first moon landing told Aldrin Elementary School students that it isn’t too late for America to eclipse the achievements of Apollo 11, such as by going to Mars. “We can do these things, again,” he said. “I know, because I’m living proof of being involved in great things.” Full story.
Dist. 203 admits calendar was a mistake
Naperville Unit District 203 school board members said last night they should have better listened to parents, students and the school district staff before approving a school calendar that starts earlier than most wanted. So it’s likely the current starting date of the 2013-2014 school year — Aug. 14 — could be moved to a later date. “We have to get to the point of when we ask for someone’s opinion, we have to listen to it,” board member Dave Weeks said. Full story.
Lake Zurich maintains ban on gambling
Lake Zurich’s ban on video gambling will continue, the village board decided last night. After impassioned remarks from some area gambling opponents, trustees voted 4-0 to keep video poker and slot machines out of town. Some trustees said they have nothing personally against gambling, but didn’t feel it was right for Lake Zurich. Full story.
18-year-old sentenced to 20 years in Elgin murder
An 18-year-old from Elgin was sentenced to 20 years in prison yesterday after pleading guilty to his role in an attack that killed Larkin High School student Edgar Guerra-Guzman. Guerra-Guzman was stabbed and killed over a backpack. Christopher D. Peralta pleaded guilty to first-degree murder in exchange for dropped charges of armed robbery and attempted armed robbery. Full story.
Romney tries to clarify ‘off the cuff’ remarks
Mitt Romney’s campaign is not disputing the authenticity of a video that surfaced yesterday showing him telling wealthy donors that almost half of all Americans “believe they are victims” entitled to extensive government support. He is heard saying in the video, “My job is not to worry about those people.” Romney’s campaign released a statement seeking to clarify the remarks, saying he “wants to help all Americans struggling in the Obama economy.” Full story.
Durbin expects control of House, Senate to remain the same
With less than two months to go before the November election, Illinois’ senior U.S. senator, Dick Durbin, said he expects the U.S. House to remain in Republican control and the Senate to remain in the hands of the Democrats. Of the six races in play in congressional districts 8, 10, 11, 12, 13 and 17 in Illinois, Durbin described what he believes are two very likely wins for Democrats. Full story.
Weather
Clear but extremely cool today with a high temperature of only 63 degrees. It will be only about 50 degrees as you head out the door this morning, while temperatures will drop out to 43 degrees overnight tonight. Full story.
Traffic
Construction continues on Fair Oaks Road between North Avenue and Army Trail Road in Carol Stream. Expected delays while construction continues. Full story.
White Sox take 3-game lead in AL Central with win
The White Sox knocked off the Detroit Tigers in their last meeting of the season as both teams enter the home stretch of the race for the top of the AL Central. The Sox now lead the Tigers by 3 games and head to Kansas City to face the Royals tonight. “Yeah, definitely,” Adam Dunn said when asked if Monday was the White Sox’ biggest win of the season. “But only as big as we make it. If we go to Kansas City and not play well, it’s all for naught.” Full story.
Pirates beat Cubs at 1:30 a.m.
You may have missed it because you were sleeping, but the Pirates beat the Cubs 3-0 early Tuesday morning following a 3.5 hour rain delay. Kevin Correia pitched seven innings of two-hit ball and Starling Marte hit a two-run triple to lead the Pirates past the Cubs. Full story.