Dawn Patrol: Woman screams to scare coyote pack away; torture guilty plea
'Hero' neighbor rescues dog from pack of coyotes
The quick thinking and loud screams of an 84-year-old Bensenville-area woman has neighbors calling her a hero after she scared off a pack of coyotes attacking a neighbor's dog. Dolores "Dolly" Jefferson was getting some coffee about 11:30 a.m. Friday in the backroom of her house near White Pines Golf Course when she "heard all kinds of commotion" in her backyard and saw her neighbor's dog being attacked by a coyote. Full story.
Women pleads guilty to torture, murder of Waukegan man
A Waukegan woman who assisted in the torture and killing of a man she believed sexually assaulted her pleaded guilty to one count of first-degree murder in Lake County court yesterday. Nadia Palacios, 24, will be sentenced to 20 to 60 years in prison at a hearing in front of Judge George Bridges for her role in the murder of David Campbell, 27, of Waukegan. Full story.
Republicans have some catching up to do in suburban races
Incumbent Democrats in the suburbs' three biggest races for Congress are heading toward November with sometimes sizable cash advantages that Republicans challengers will have to try to overcome, reports filed yesterday show. In the 11th Congressional District, U.S. Rep. Bill Foster, a Naperville Democrat, raised $350,000 in the second three months of the year and reported having $1.4 million in the bank at the end of June. Full story.
Kane County animal control poised to pay off $1.5 million debt
The latest financial projections show Kane County's animal control agency is in line to pay off its $1.5 million debt to taxpayers by 2017. If accomplished, the department would have more of a financial cushion to ensure its mission to be entirely self-funded and place a new administrator on more stable ground. Full story.
Antioch restaurateur involved in fatal crash sentenced to jail time
An Antioch restaurateur will spend the next 12 months in periodic imprisonment for drinking alcohol in violation of a 2011 probation sentence he received after driving into and killing pedestrian in 2011. David Maish, 43, the award-winning chef and owner of David's Bistro, was ordered by Judge George Bridges to turn himself in at the Lake County jail today to begin serving his jail sentence. Full story.
Germanfest returns to Lombard church for 47th year
The 47th annual Germanfest returns this weekend to Sacred Heart Church in Lombard. "It's a great time to meet new people, to visit with old friends and just really enjoy some good entertainment, German food and beer," said John Brill, co-general chairman for Germanfest. Full story.
Weather
Mostly cloudy and cool this morning with temperatures around 57 degrees to start the day. It will stay cool highs around 70 this afternoon, before dropping to 55 degrees tonight. Full story.
Traffic
Washington Street remains closed between Hainesville and Cedar Lake Road near Round Lake Beach. People should use Rollins Road or Route 120 as alternate routes. Full traffic.
So just how do revamped Bulls stack up in East?
By using the amnesty provision on Carlos Boozer, the Bulls didn't necessarily close the book on their summer moves, but they're getting close. The Boozer move has been expected for more than a year. During the free-agent frenzy of 2010, the Bulls probably knew at the time they overpaid for the former Utah power forward. He's set to make $16.8 million this season. Full story.
Top Hawks prospect Hartman learning by experience
Ryan Hartman has been a man on the move lately. For the West Dundee native whose family recently relocated to Naperville while he himself has set up shop in Lincoln Park, it's been a whirlwind year or so. It began when the Blackhawks' top pick a year ago sustained a skate cut to his right wrist while playing for the Plymouth Whalers during an Ontario Hockey League playoff game in April 2013. Shortly thereafter he was drafted by the team he grew up adoring. Full story.
It was Jeter's (not Chicago players') night
It was not a notable night for the game's Chicago representatives at baseball's All-Star Game last night - aside from White Sox ace Chris Sale's blown save in the 4th inning. Ramirez went 1 for 2 with a run scored (and got to hug Derek Jeter as Ramirez subbed him for him), and Sox slugger Jose Abreu flied out in the bottom of the 8th. For the NL, Cubs first baseman Anthony Rizzo and shortstop Starlin Castro both struck out. Full story.