Dawn Patrol: Why do people make false reports? Bears backups shine
Experts: Need for attention drives most false police reports
A forensic psychologist say a need for attention drives people to fabricate crimes or falsely insert themselves into police investigations. That might help explain this week's case of a Vernon Hills woman who is charged with making up a story that sidetracked the investigation into the death of Fox Lake police Lt. Charles Joseph Gliniewicz. Full story.
Funeral services set for St. Charles who died after cross country meet
A seventh-grade student from Thompson Middle School in St. Charles died Wednesday morning after falling ill during a cross country meet, according to school officials. Cameron Pepera, 13, of St. Charles, died at Lurie Children's Hospital in Chicago Wednesday as the result of an undetected, pre-existing medical condition, St. Charles District 303 spokesman Jim Blaney said. He will be remembered this weekend at a visitation and funeral in St. Charles. Full story.
How does Great America pick new rides? By asking you
Six Flags Great America President Hank Salemi said he realizes the importance of keeping it fresh at the Gurnee park. Part of deciding what new rides to offer or which attractions to dump involves Great America employees surveying park patrons. That feedback is one reason Great America will receive a new, superhero-themed ride next year - Justice League: Battle for Metropolis - Salemi said yesterday. Full story.
11 men charged in Arlington Hts. prostitution stings
Arlington Heights police arrested 11 men this summer as part of a national initiative to crackdown on the demand for prostitution. Nationwide, the "Johns Suppression Initiative" campaign led to the arrest of 961 would-be sex buyers or "Johns" and 71 pimps or traffickers, according to police. Full story.
Weather
Mostly clear and 72 degrees this morning. Temperatures will climb to 82 degrees this afternoon before dropping to 71 degrees overnight tonight. Full story.
Traffic
Railroad crossing work closes West Street between Front Street and Liberty Drive in Wheaton until Sunday, September 6th. Full story.
Bears get final tuneup before Saturday's cuts
With almost every starter getting the night off, last night's preseason finale was the last chance for Bears players on the bubble to state their cases. Twenty-two players must be eliminated from this week's 75-man roster by 3 p.m. Saturday. After last night's 24-0 win, the Bears ended their first preseason under coach John Fox 3-1, while the Browns fell to 1-3. Full story.
Cubs' depth figures to be key factor down stretch
Kyle Schwarber may well be ready to play sometime this weekend against the Arizona Diamondbacks. If not, the Cubs may be able to make do. "August was for us about having depth, trying to plan for injuries and redundancy," team President Theo Epstein said. "You try to anticipate all the different things that can go wrong and come up with respectable solutions before they happen because once you get into September, it's too late." Full story.
Chuck Long breaks down the Big Ten football season
Chuck Long has every phase of football covered. He got his start at Wheaton North High School, was a star quarterback at the University of Iowa, spent six years in the NFL and logged 16 seasons as a college coach. These days, Long is an analyst for the Big Ten Network and CEO of the Iowa Sports Foundation. We asked for his insight on the upcoming Big Ten football season. Full story.