Dawn Patrol: Court overturns some Blagojevich convictions; COD 'acrimony'
Court overturns some Blagojevich Senate-seat convictions
Former Gov. Rod Blagojevich has a ray of hope that he could end up serving less than his original 14-year term after an appeals court ruling yesterday, but his wife, Patti, told reporters he's disappointed the court didn't hand him a clear legal victory. A dozen of the corruption counts a jury found him guilty of were left in place by the appeals court ruling, so he'll remain in a federal prison in Colorado. Full story. Plus, here are six things to know about the ruling.
One Blagojevich juror not surprised some counts were overturned
John McParland of Villa Park, who served on the jury that convicted Rod Blagojevich, says he wasn't surprised at least some of the counts were overturned. But he stands by the guilty verdicts he and other jurors rendered in the corruption case, saying they made their decision based on what was presented in court. “What we were given — whether we think he was guilty or not — it's what we were given.” Full story.
COD trustee describes acrimony on board
A three-person accreditation team will conclude its visit to the College of DuPage today after last night's meeting with trustees, who described a political divide on the seven-member panel. ”This has been an intensely political, very destructive experience that we have had,” Trustee Diane McGuire said to the representatives sent by the Higher Learning Commission, which is working to determine whether the state's largest community college still meets all 21 criteria required for accreditation. Full story.
Pope Francis elevates Mundelein seminary leader
The rector of the Mundelein seminary will be headed to the West Coast to become an auxiliary bishop in the largest archdiocese in the United States. The Rev. Robert Barron, head of University of St. Mary of the Lake/Mundelein Seminary, was introduced yesterday as one of three auxiliary bishops appointed by Pope Francis to the Los Angeles archdiocese. Barron, founder of the Word on Fire Catholic evangelistic ministry, is second to the pope in the number of social media followers for Catholic leaders. Full story.
Why former Al Capone hideout is newly unpopular with neighbors
About a half dozen neighbors of a former Al Capone hideout in St. Charles yesterday protested plans to turn the hideout into a sports bar with video gambling. The neighbors showed up to the Kane County Board's development committee meeting with concerns that the proposed sports bar would be too noisy and attract more traffic to their riverfront subdivision. Full story
Schaumburg Champps to be demolished for new McDonald's
A new McDonald's store is set to take the place of Schaumburg's Champps after the sports bar is demolished and leveled in the coming weeks. Schaumburg's Assistant Director of Community Development Matt Frank says McDonald's has been looking to open a location near Woodfield Mall for a while. Full story
Teacher who didn't report sex assault allegation gets 30 days in jail
After failing to report a suspected sexual assault of a student, a former Gavin South Middle School teacher will serve time in jail. Lake County Judge Helen Rozenberg sentenced April Courtney, 35, of Wauconda to 30 days in jail after Courtney pleaded guilty to failing to report the suspected child abuse. Courtney will report to a July 31 hearing where a judge will decide whether her teaching license will be revoked. Full story.
Rauner: Madigan wants state to feel shutdown before acting
Gov. Bruce Rauner yesterday said he believes Democratic House Speaker Mike Madigan wants to keep the pressure building in the state shutdown before taking any actions on a state budget. Rauner and state lawmakers have yet to agree on a budget for the spending year that began July 1. Madigan says the governor could be working with the budget proposals Illinois Democrats have sent him. “He seems to forget the legislature sent him a spending plan,” Madigan said. Full story
Weather
Mostly sunny and 68 degrees. Temperatures will climb to 80 degrees this afternoon before falling to 67 overnight tonight. Full story.
Traffic
Work closes Riverside Drive North in Elgin between Chicago Street and Highland Avenue until August 8th. Full traffic.
Schwarber powers Cubs to win
Cincinnati-area native Kyle Schwarber hit a 2-run homer in the 9th inning to send the game to extra innings, and in the 13th hit a solo shot as the Cubs went on the beat the Reds 5-4. Schwarber added an RBI double earlier in the game. Full story.
Rodon, White Sox fall to Cardinals
White Sox rookie pitcher Carlos Rodon lasted just 4 innings in the Sox' 8-5 loss against the Cardinals at U.S. Cellular Field. With one out in the fourth inning, Matt Holliday hit a grand slam off Rodon to put the Cardinals in front 7-0. Full story.