Dawn Patrol: Three fires in St. Charles; Libertyville to reconsider gambling
St. Charles firefighters battle three fires in one day
Fires in St. Charles yesterday shuttered a downtown restaurant, damaged the attic of a single-family home and killed an entire backyard coop of chickens. Full story.
Libertyville to reconsider video gambling
Libertyville leaders will reconsider the village's ban on video gambling enacted five years ago. Bar owners think it can help business, and no major ill effects have been reported in communities that have allowed it. The ordinance change will be considered Sept. 23. Full story.
2 Waukegan robberies linked to others, police say
Two armed robberies that happened earlier this week in Waukegan are likely linked to three others that took place last month in Gurnee, Zion, and Round Lake, police said. Full story.
Naperville man injured in Palatine motorcycle crash
A Naperville man was seriously injured yesterday when his motorcycle was struck by a car near Jewel on Hicks Road. The crash happened around 1 p.m., police said. Full story.
Palatine man pleads not guilty to one-punch death
A Palatine pleaded not guilty to charges of first-degree murder in the death of 26-year-old Ryan Flannigan, who police say was punched outside a local bar. Prosecutors say Michael Platt, 35, punched Flannigan in the head about 11:30 p.m. July 18 after a dispute between Platt and another man. Full story.
Bank exec appointed to Libertyville board
A lifelong Libertyville resident with extensive community involvement was named to the Libertyville village board. Bank executive Scott Adams was chosen by Mayor Terry Weppler to complete the term of Jim Moran, who resigned because he moved outside the village limit. Full story.
Joseph Academy closes DuPage location
Joseph Academy, a nonprofit school for kids with severe behavioral, emotional and learning disorders, closed its doors due to lack of enrollment. The academy struggled in part because of a lack of state funds to reimburse school districts who might send children in need there. Full story.
Weather
Periods of clouds will linger through the day, with temperatures reaching the mid 70s this afternoon. There is a chance of showers this afternoon. It will be 65 degrees to start. Temperatures tonight should be in the mid 60s. Full story.
Traffic
Construction continues on Route 176 between Smith Road and IL Route 31 near Crystal Lake. People should seek alternate routes. Full story.
New Cubs outfielder homers in first at-bat
Cubs announcers welcomed Jorge Soler to the show last night when - during his first major league at-bat - he sent a solo shot over the center field wall. Soler, a 22-year-old outfielder fresh from the farm, made a memorable big league debut. Read Bruce Miles' take here.