Dawn Patrol: Trucking firm in fatal I-88 crash closed; 6-hour Cubs game
Regulators shut down trucking company involved in fatal crash
The company responsible for a semitrailer truck that caused a fatal crash on I-88 in January has been ordered to shut down by federal regulators. Federal regulators determined DND International "committed widespread, serious violations of federal regulations that protect the safety of the motoring public." A tollway worker was killed and an Illinois state trooper was seriously injured in the crash. Full story.
History of abuse before Aurora woman's slaying
Despite a domestic abuse conviction that came with an order not to go near his estranged girlfriend, Jose Loera persuaded a judge he should be allowed to have contact with her, and a day later, she was dead. Jacobi, 32, of Aurora was found strangled to death Saturday, and Loera, 35, also of Aurora, is being held on $5 million bail, charged with her murder. Prosecutors said the couple had a troubled relationship and Loera had a history of abusing Jacobi. But she did agree to the loosening of the no-contact order, court records show. Full story.
House approves smoking ban on university campuses
The Illinois House voted yesterday to approve a measure that would ban smoking anywhere at all public universities, colleges and community colleges. The legislation led to lively discussion before the vote. The Senate must consider the measure again to vote on changes made from the version it passed last year. Full story.
Bicyclist hit by car in Crystal Lake
A 17-year-old bicyclist struck by a car last night in Crystal Lake was flown to a nearby hospital from the scene. The crash happened at about 6 p.m. at the intersection of Ackman Road and Westport Ridge on the city's southwest side. The bicyclist rode through the intersection and into the path of the vehicle, which had the right of way, police said. Full story.
Ex-W. Chicago youth ministry leader charged with sex abuse
A former West Chicago youth ministry leader has been charged with sexually abusing two underage girls, county officials said. Osman Bahadarakhann, 23, of the 1200 block of Kings Circle, West Chicago, was charged with three counts of aggravated criminal sexual abuse relating to the attacks that occurred in the fall of 2013 while he was a youth ministry leader at the Community Fellowship Church in West Chicago, DuPage County State's Attorney Robert Berlin's office said in a statement. Full story.
Naperville to borrow for projects
Naperville plans to borrow $17.3 million during the next 20 years to help fund projects such as a compressed natural gas fueling station, LED bulbs for streetlights across the city and electric vehicle charging stations for downtown visitors. Full story.
Naperville wants to end mayoral pensions
Naperville City Council members who recently voted to cancel their own pensions now say that they want to eliminate a pension for the mayoral position after the spring 2015 election. Even so, that wouldn't affect current Mayor George Pradel who would be grandfathered in under previous requirements. Full story.
Rampage leaves four dead at Fort Hood
A soldier opened fire yesterday at Fort Hood in an attack that left four dead, including the shooter, and 16 injured, military officials said. The gunman, who had served four months in Iraq in 2011, was undergoing psychiatric treatment for depression and anxiety and diagnosis for PTSD, authorities said. Full story.
Weather
Showers, winds and thunderstorms today with temperatures of about 43 degrees this morning. Temperatures will top out at about 44 degrees this afternoon, before dipping to 41 degrees overnight tonight. Full story.
Traffic
Construction continues on Route 12 at IL Route 176 near Wauconda. People should expect delays in the area. Full Traffic.
Wild White Sox win in more ways than one
Clean or dirty, the White Sox will gladly accept the look as long as they come out of the game with a win. Last night they looked like a team that had rolled around in a mud bath for more than four hours. But when it was over, all the White Sox cared about was rallying from a 6-4 deficit in the ninth inning and hanging a 7-6 loss on Minnesota in 11 innings. Full story by Scot Gregor.
Speaking of long games, Cubs fans ...
By now, you've probably figured out that you'll have to get used to the Cubs playing a lot of tight, low-scoring games this season, given their decent pitching and an offense that will struggle to score runs. You also can get used to new manager Rick Renteria trotting out all kinds of different lineups. All such things were on display last night as the Cubs battled back and took the Pittsburgh Pirates deep into extra innings only to fall 4-3 in the 16th. Full story by Bruce Miles.