Dawn Patrol: Hastert accused of paying off old acquaintance; Elgin-O'Hare tolls?
Feds: Hastert lied to FBI about apparent hush money
Dennis Hastert, the former high school wrestling coach who would become the longest-serving Republican U.S. House speaker in history, was charged yesterday with lying to the FBI about withdrawing nearly $1 million in apparent hush money to avoid federal financial reporting regulations. Hastert, of Plano, is accused of trying to cover up payments he was making to a longtime acquaintance whom Hastert had wronged, according to the stunning federal indictment. Full story.
Tollway starts groundwork for Elgin-O'Hare tolls
New Illinois Tollway leaders unveiled plans to install gantries next week on a section of the Elgin-O'Hare Expressway. The devices won't start collecting tolls until summer 2016. “We want to test the (electronic tolling) equipment thoroughly, but just because you're driving under a gantry doesn't mean you are paying a toll,” Executive Director Kristi Lafleur said. Full story.
Deal on gambling expansion unlikely before legislature wraps
An effort to generate much-needed revenue for Chicago and Illinois by opening a city-owned casino and expanding gambling elsewhere could be pushed into summer as lawmakers negotiate a deal that could include “satellite” casinos in central and southern Illinois. It also would allow slot machines at Arlington Park racetrack. Full story.
Images: Aurora Central Catholic, Hoffman Estates graduations
Check out the smiles and the snazzy caps and gowns captured by Daily Herald photographers at suburban high school graduations. Aurora Central Catholic and Hoffman Estates held their ceremonies yesterday. See galleries.
Man, 28, faces weapons charges after dispute with wife in Waukegan
A South Carolina man faces weapons charges stemming from a dispute in Waukegan in which his wife told police he fired a gun at her, authorities said yesterday. The man drove away, and police later pulled him over and found a semi-automatic pistol on the vehicle's front seat, authorities said. Full story.
Hazmat crews remove chemical mixture at Lincolnshire Marriott
An employee of the Lincolnshire resort accidentally mixed two chemicals at its indoor pool early last night, prompting hazardous materials crews to evacuate and ventilate the area, authorities said. The employee got a whiff of the chemical reaction and was treated at the Marriott by paramedics after he began coughing. Full story.
Weather
Cloudy and 67 degrees this morning. Thunderstorms are expected to move in around 12 p.m., when temperatures reach 83 degrees. It will dip to 60 degrees overnight tonight. Full story.
Traffic
Work will cause restrictions on Milwaukee Avenue in Libertyville from Town Line and Winchester roads until Monday, August 17th. Full traffic.
Bulls fire Thibodeau, but are they ready to change the culture?
Mike McGraw examines yesterday's very public divorce between the Bulls and coach Tom Thibodeau and says if the Bulls want to fix themselves the best role model is none other than Steve Kerr at Golden State. Full story.