Dawn Patrol: Quick hits as you head out the door
Naperville gymnast wins gold in Pan Am games
A Naperville Central senior won the all-around gymnastics gold medal at the Pan American Games held in Mexico yesterday and will compete for a second gold today. Bridgette Caquatto, 17, of Naperville dominated the uneven bars on the way to her victory. “I'm very happy to keep the U.S. rolling with all their medals,” she said. Caquatto will compete in today's bars final in hopes of a second gold medal. “I'm hoping to just hit the same routine I did the past two times and hopefully it'll be a good result.” Full story.
ComEd gets the OK to raise rates based on ‘Smart Grid' plan
Illinois lawmakers gave power companies the OK to raise rates in an effort to modernize the state's power grid, despite a veto by Gov. Pat Quinn. Both chambers passed the legislation yesterday, tweaking an aspect of it that will lower the profits guaranteed to the power companies and raise the performance standards they must meet. “Illinois can't afford to move into the future on technology stuck in the past,” said Sen. Mike Jacobs, the East Moline Democrat who sponsored the legislation. The measure is expected to produce a “Smart Grid” to improve efficiency and conserve energy. Full story.
Sen. Link wants to try Quinn's gambling plan, ‘No charade'
Waukegan Sen. Terry Link led debate in Springfield yesterday over gambling legislation that includes a new casino in Lake COunty, but not slot machines at Arlington Park. A spokeswoman for Gov. Pat Quinn called Link's attempt to draft the governor's gambling suggestions into legislation a “charade.” Some Republicans said the plan was likely to fail and questioned Link's motives for bringing it to the floor. Full story.
Judge allows Cardamone to talk about trial, but discourages it
A DuPage County judge “strongly discouraged” accused gymnastics instructor Michael Cardamone from speaking to the news media about his child molestation case, but stopped short of issuing a gag order. Prosecutors accused the 34-year-old of lying about others in interviews with the media. Cardamone is preparing for a retrial next year. “You're really hurting yourself when you make statements to the press,” Judge Blanche Hill Fawell said. “I'm not sure what would motivate you to do that. To a reasonable person, it could look like an attempt to taint the jury pool.” Full story.
Aurora parking lot murderer sentenced to 60 years
An Aurora man convicted of shooting a man who caught one of his fellow gang members burglarizing a car in 2007 was sentenced to 60 years in prison yesterday. Enrique Torres, 28, shot 35-year-old Edgar Hill three times outside a Super 8 in Aurora. Prosecutors asked the judge for a 110-year sentence, citing Torres' extensive criminal history. He will be eligible for parole at age 86. Full story.
Downtown Libertyville restaurant damaged by fire
A downtown Libertyville bar and grill was evacuated last night when a kitchen fire broke out and filled the building with smoke. Firefighters responded to Morgan's Bar and Grill on N. Milwaukee Avenue just after 8 p.m. and quickly extinguished the blaze, which spread to the ceiling in the kitchen. Fire officials said the cause remains under investigation. No one was injured. Full story.
Mark Kirk to push for strict prescription drug laws
U.S. Sen. Mark Kirk is teaming up with a West Virginia Democrat to introduce legislation intended to fight prescription drug abuse. The proposed law would crack down on doctors, clinics and pharmacies that prescribe or dispense prescription narcotics inappropriately or for nonmedical reasons. It would also double the prison sentence and triple the fines for illegal distribution for controlled substances. “That's pretty tough,” Kirk said. “I will say doctors are people, and some of them can go over to the ‘dark side' in a clinic.” Full story.
Chicago closer to catching speeders with cameras
The Illinois Senate has approved using cameras to target speeders in school zones in Chicago. Lawmakers passed the legislation despite concerns that the “Big Brother” measure was more about generating revenue for the cash-strapped city. It now goes to the Illinois House. Full story.
Weather
Cloudy and a touch cool with highs expected to be about 55 degrees today. However, a shower is possible later this morning and will only be about 45 degrees as you leave this morning. Full weather.
Traffic
No major delays to worry about early this morning, however there is some construction delays this morning. People should avoid Lake-Cook Road between Pfingsten Road and Wilmot Road near Deerfield and Route 12 northbound between Grand Avenue and Route 22 in Lake Zurich. Both construction projects are expected to be completed by Oct. 31. Full traffic.
Games 6 of World Series pushed back to today
Game 6 of the World Series will be played in St. Louis tonight, after league officials postponed the game, originally scheduled for yesterday, because of a wet forecast. The delay could allow the Cardinals to pitch ace Chris Carpenter on three days' rest if the team can force a game seven. “It's already been asked about Carp,” said Cardinals Manager Tony La Russa said. “I was told by Carp that he would be ready to go.” The teams had already taken a day off for a travel day on Tuesday. Full story.