Dawn Patrol: Quick hits as you head out the door
School report cards are out
And suburban officials say, despite poor scores, their schools are successful. The Report Card system is what's failing. See our package of stories and online database here.
Police checking in on sex offenders on Halloween
About 100 Cook County sheriff's officers will be conducting random compliance checks of sex offenders at their homes today, and any registered sex offenders in unincorporated parts of Cook County will be required to check in with police. The sheriff's department has also conducted aerial and ground checks of sex offenders' residences. “Halloween is a fun time for children, and we want to make sure that ... we are doing what we can to ensure the safety of our kids out trick or treating,” Sheriff Tom Dart said. Full story.
Naperville store employee injured during fire
An employee of a Naperville home furnishings store was treated for smoke inhalation after a fire broke out in the backroom of Galleria Lighting Sunday morning. The shop, 760 S. Route 59, was damaged by smoke and fire, but the fire was contained to the backroom by the business's sprinkler system. Fire investigators continue to look into the cause of the blaze. Officials estimated the damage at $50,000. Full story.
Man robs North Aurora grocery store employees
Police are asking the public for help identifying a man who robbed two employees of a North Aurora grocery store in the parking lot Saturday. The employees of Woodman's Markets were taking cash from the grocery store to the business's gas station when a man got out of a vehicle, struck one of the employees and took the money. The vehicle was possibly a newer-model Hyundai Sonata or Toyota Camry with a partial license plate of 64245. Full story.
Weather
It's partly cloudy and 40 degrees as you walk out the door this morning with partly sunny skies and a high of 53 degrees expected for this afternoon. Full weather.
Traffic
Traffic is still moving smoothly on most of the major roads as early commuters start their days. The on ramp from inbound 290 to the outbound Dan Ryan is blocked with an overturned semi. Police and fire officials are on the scene. There is also a rollover accident on Route 41 near Route 176 in Rondout causing some congestion. http://www.traffic.com/Chicago-Traffic/Chicago-Traffic-Reports.html"> Full traffic.
Buehrle, Pierre, Vizquel file for free agency
No surprises Sunday: White Sox starting pitcher Mark Buehrle, left fielder Juan Pierre, infielder Omar Vizquel and backup catcher Ramon Castro filed for free agency. It would be a surprise if any of the foursome returns to the Sox in 2012. Full story.
Grading the Bears at the bye
The Bears had Sunday off on their bye week, and it was a good time for Bob LeGere to take a look at how the players at each individual position have played through the first half of the season. Midterms for the Bears were their Week 6 and Week 7 games against Minnesota and Tampa Bay, and they won both. The Bears, at 4-3, are positioned for a playoff run, with the second half of their schedule seeming to be much easier than the start to the year. Full story.