Dawn Patrol: Yes vote for Rand/Old McHenry mall; no Lombard mayor
Unanimous vote paves way for shopping center in Lake County
The Dimucci family's controversial land-rezoning request for the 109 acres of land at Rand and Old McHenry roads near Hawthorn Woods had no trouble clearing the Lake County zoning board of appeals Thursday night. The unanimous approval to recommend the rezoning would allow the family to sell the land to a developer that would build a shopping center on the site if approved by the full county board. Full story.
Still no acting Lombard mayor after trustees walk out
Three Lombard trustees walked out of a meeting in progress Thursday night, ending what they saw as fruitless discussions about who should serve as acting village president until the April election. Without the presence of Greg Gron, Keith Giagnorio and Bill Ware, the remaining three trustees were unable to continue the meeting. “The only recourse we have is to adjourn,” said Trustee Laura Fitzpatrick. Full story.
American Airlines pilots take protest to O'Hare
American Airlines pilots picketed at O'Hare International Airport yesterday as the nationwide pilots strike has forced the airline to cancel 550 flights so far. Pilots began striking Sept. 14 after American began imposing new work rules on pilots and reducing benefits to cut labor costs. Full story.
Cops: Disturbed man pulled box cutter on Arlington Heights officer
A mentally disturbed man pulled a box cutter on an Arlington Heights police officer Thursday night after the officer questioned what the man was doing outside an office building. Police said the man was on his knees outside the door to a suite of the building on East Rand Road and began yelling profanities at the officer, who was conducting an unrelated perimeter check on the building. No one was injured, and the man will be charged with aggravated assault against an officer after a psychological evaluation. Full story.
Vaughn guilty of killing wife, 3 children
Jurors deliberated for less than an hour before convicting Oswego resident Christopher Vaughn of murder in killing his wife and three young children. Vaughn told his family they were headed to a water park before pulling off the roadway in 2007 and shooting his entire family to death. Vaughn was eligible for the death penalty when the case began, but now faces a maximum life term. Full story.
Aliano's reopens after health department investigation
Aliano's Ristorante in downtown Batavia has reopened after a Kane County Health Department investigation failed to find a source of the salmonella that sickened six customers last week. The restaurant voluntarily closed its doors on Friday and reopened Thursday. The health department tested the Italian restaurant, its employees and its supplier, and all tests came back negative, according to health department spokesman Tom Schlueter. Full story.
Weather
Mostly cloudy and cool with a high of only 64 degrees today. Temperatures are only about 50 degrees as you head out the door and will drop to 48 overnight tonight. The rain is expected to roll in this afternoon. Full story.
Traffic
Construction continues at Fair Oaks Road between North Avenue and Army Trail Road in Carol Stream. Full story.
As the White Sox turn: Can they beat Royals? Will Kenny Williams be promoted?
Will we hear more today about a report by USA Today that said Kenny Williams is going to be the Sox' vice president of baseball operations at the end of the season while Assistant General Manager Rick Hahn moves up to GM? Yesterday Williams neither confirmed not denied the report, but he wasn't thrilled with the timing. “The White Sox need a win tonight,” Williams said via email before last night's game against Kansas City. He didn't get it. The Sox were sloppy running the bases while blowing a 3-0 lead and falling to the Royals 4-3 at Kauffman Stadium. Scot Gregor reports.
Poll Vault: Hot political discussions ... within the family
Does your family talk politics at the dinner table? Or would it just turn into “Hardball with Chris Matthews”? Do you and your spouse share the same political views, or is now a real bad time for you two? Join the conversation by leaving a comment with Michelle Holdway's Poll Vault.