Dawn Patrol: Driver hit by train to recover; Mandir marks 10 years
Driver struck by Metra expected to recover
Round Lake Park police said yesterday a driver who was critically injured after he drove around crossing gates and in front of a Metra commuter train early Saturday is now in stable condition and is expected to recover. Police Chief George Filenko said the 46-year-old Gurnee man underwent surgery Saturday. "We're waiting for the toxicology results from the Major Crash Assistance team," he said. "We'll be consulting with the state's attorney on possible charges. We're not going to jump to conclusions yet." Full story.
Dance, music, food highlight 10th anniversary celebration of Bartlett mandir
Hindus from the region gathered yesterday to mark a milestone for the BAPS Shri Swaminarayan Mandir - consecrated Aug. 8, 2004 - with dance, music and food. The white-domed temple in Bartlett quickly became an iconic architectural gem. Kushal Thakkar, 21, a senior at the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, passed on his knowledge of traditional Indian dance to the teenagers on the stage. Full story.
Suburban libraries offer Netflix-style streaming service
More than a dozen public libraries in the suburbs have started offering Hoopla Digital, a service that allows cardholders to stream or download movies, television shows and other content for free. Libraries that have launched the service say it's the latest move in a larger effort to stay current and relevant. "We have to stay attentive to what our patrons want," said Heidi Krueger, reference services manager for the St. Charles Public Library, which started offering Hoopla last fall. Full story.
Fire displaces Elgin apartment residents
Some residents of an apartment on the 1100 block of Birch Drive were displaced Saturday evening after a fire caused by an overloaded electrical outlet, Elgin fire officials said. Elgin firefighters responded to the report of an apartment fire at 10:53 p.m. The first companies arrived within four minutes after dispatch and found a three-story, six-unit apartment building engulfed by smoke throughout the common areas. Firefighters said the fire was seen coming from a first-floor apartment. Full story.
Weather
Mostly clear to start the day with temperatures around 68 degrees. Highs should reach 81 degrees this afternoon, but a thundershower could roll in later today. temperatures are expected to dip to 66 degrees overnight. Full story.
Traffic
Construction continues on Algonquin Road near Rolling Meadows between Penny Road and Roselle Road. People should expect delays and should seek alternate routes. Full story.
Sox bullpen hits new low in loss to Twins
After White Sox starter Jose Quintana limited the Minnesota Twins to 1 run in 5 innings yesterday, relievers Javy Guerra, Taylor Thompson, Ronald Belisario, Eric Surkamp and Andre Rienzo combined to give up 15 runs on 18 hits and 5 walks. The 15 runs allowed by the bullpen matched a franchise record established in 1923 and 1936. The Twins scored 9 runs in the eighth inning. "I don't know what to say," Belisario said after allowing 4 runs on 4 hits without retiring a batter. "They got us. I have nothing to say." Full story.
Coghlan's HR leads Cubs over Dodgers
Edwin Jackson pitched six innings for his first victory in six weeks and outfielder Chris Coghlan hit a tiebreaking two-run homer, leading the Cubs to a 7-3 victory over the Los Angeles Dodgers yesterday. Jackson (6-11) allowed two runs and seven hits, struck out six and walked none. The right-hander was 0-4 with a 7.39 ERA in his previous seven starts since beating Pittsburgh 6-3 on June 20 at Wrigley Field. Full story.
New Bears defense eager to turn the page
It's assumed that coordinator Mel Tucker's defense will be better than the group that allowed more points last season (478) than any in franchise history. The Bears made enough personnel moves in the off-season to rebuild last year's injury-ravaged defense, and they look much improved on paper - which means nothing. "We're going to have to prove that every day and work at that every day," Tucker said. "This is a new season, and this is a new group of guys. The identity of this 2014 defense will be what we make it day in and day out, and we'll have to prove it on the field." Full story.