Dawn Patrol: Mourning families burglarized; homemade bombs
Cops: McHenry County couple scanned obituaries for burglary targets
A husband and wife team from Johnsburg are accused of studying obituaries in newspapers and breaking into the homes of those they suspected would be attending wakes. “To be a victim at one of the lowest points in your life, it's terrible and these are the worst kind of criminals out there,” said McHenry County Undersheriff Andrew Zinke. Police said about a half dozen such burglaries occurred in three counties. Full story.
Police investigating more homemade bombs in suburbs
As authorities continue to investigate two separate cases of homemade explosive devices found in the Northwest suburbs this week, police are warning residents against making devices or touching suspicious objects if they come across one. Police found another homemade explosive Monday afternoon a day after Palatine police found eight MacGyver-type bombs with chemicals mixed inside plastic bottles. Full story.
Obama, Romney clash on economy during first debate
President Barack Obama and Republican nominee Mitt Romney argued over taxes, deficits and the steps needed to create jobs in last night's first debate between the two. Romney was particularly assertive in the 90-minute event that drew a television audience likely to be counted in the tens of millions — like a man intent on shaking up the campaign with a little less than five weeks to run. He seemed at ease in debate with the man who has been in the White House for four years. “It's fun, isn't it?” Romney said. In a rare post-debate concession, some Democratic strategists not involved in the campaign conceded the president was not at his best and missed opportunities to challenge his rival. Full story.
Feds charge nine Aurora men on gun, weapons counts
A federal investigation that lasted fore more than a year and a half has resulted in charges against nine Aurora men, who are accused of selling crack cocaine, powder cocaine and numerous firearms. Authorities worked with an active Aurora gang member during the investigation, and have also charged an additional 10 defendants with state charges. Full story.
Cops: Suspects in North Aurora shooting were looking for an item
Police say two shooting victims in a North Aurora home invasion might have known their attackers. The suspects who knocked on the door and ransacked the apartment were looking for an “item,” but police are not specifying what it is. The victims, aged 22 and 23, are in fair condition at an Aurora hospital while police continue to seek two suspects. Full story.
Weather
Cloudy but a bit warmer today with a high of about 78 degrees. A thunderstorm is expected later this afternoon when a cold front rolls in. Temperatures will dip to 44 degrees after the front rolls in tonight. Full story.
Traffic
Construction continues at the intersection of IL-31 and IL-176 in Crystal Lake. The project will remain in place until November of 2013. Full story.
Tice lets Cutler off the hook for MNF snub
A few days after Jay Cutler walked away from his offensive coordinator on national TV, Mike Tice let his QB off the hook. Cutler snubbed Tice after a failed 3rd-and-1 during Monday night's game against the Dallas Cowboys. “He probably had enough of me telling him why the play didn't work,” Tice said. “I get enough of me sometimes, too. I can talk a little bit. In the heat of the battle, it's tough.” Full story.