Dawn Patrol: Quick hits as you head out the door
Breaking news
• Streamwood Police are investigating an armed robbery in the 1000 block of E. Schaumburg Road at about 7:30 p.m. Tuesday. Police have not released any details yet.
• Police in Roselle are also investigating a potential armed robbery that took place at about 10:40 p.m. Tuesday night in the 2100 block of Roselle Road. Details to come.
Hanover Park teen charged with murdering infant
A 19-year-old Hanover Park woman will be in Rolling Meadows bond court this afternoon after she was charged with first degree murder of her infant son. Streamwood Police officials said Jessica Cruz birthed the child at a Salvation Army Store in Streamwood Friday afternoon, then strangled the baby and tried to conceal it in a waste paper basket in the store's employee washroom. She has been officially charged with first degree murder and attempting to conceal a homicide by the Cook County State's Attorney's Office this morning. Details to come.
Family stands behind Cain accuser as she returns to suburbs
Family members of Sharon Bialek, who on Monday said she was sexually harassed by Republican presidential hopeful Herman Cain, are standing by her side in the midst of an attack on her character. Yesterday, Cain denied the allegations completely, but family members said they understand why she waited until this point to disclose them. Bialek's brother-in-law picked her up at the airport in Chicago yesterday after a two-day press tour in New York City. Full story.
Cain denies knowing Bialek
A defiant Herman Cain declared Tuesday he would not drop his bid for the Republican presidential nomination in the face of allegations of inappropriate sexual behavior, including those made Monday by Sharon Bialek of Glenview. “I don't even know who this woman is,” he said. Full story.
DuPage County to send juveniles to Kane
A proposal to close DuPage County's youth home is moving forward despite warnings from local judges and law enforcement officials that it would be a mistake. The county board voted 11-7 on Tuesday night to enter into an agreement that would transfer DuPage's youth detainees to the Kane County Juvenile Justice Center. Full story.
Person questioned in baby's death
Streamwood police are expected to release information regarding a “person of interest” who was brought in for questioning Tuesday about the death of newborn. The baby was found dead in a trash can inside a Salvation Army store last week. “We do have a person of interest in custody, and that person is connected to the incident, but that's all we can say right now,” said Police Chief James Keegan.
Both COD, Glen Ellyn claim victory after judge's ruling
A judge ruled Tuesday that the College of DuPage isn't exempt from the jurisdiction of the village of Glen Ellyn — an opinion that prompted widely different interpretations by the two sides. In a 20-page opinion released in court Tuesday, DuPage County Circuit Judge Terence M. Sheen indicated that the college may be subject to village building inspections, permitting and approvals, despite the college's contention that building projects fall within the exclusive jurisdiction of the Illinois Community College Board. Full story.
Marengo legislator loses bid to block property tax hikes
The Illinois House Tuesday rejected a proposal that would have prevented local governments like school districts from raising taxes if property values dropped. The plan, sponsored by Rep. Jack Franks, was rejected by a 34-73 vote. Full story.
Quinn could see new gambling bill at week's end
Springfield lawmakers are moving a new gambling proposal that would put slot machines at Arlington Park and five new casinos in the state, including one in Lake County. Although Gov. Pat Quinn criticized the idea of slots at Arlington and other tracks, legislators are hoping for enough votes on the new legislation to override a possible veto. Full story.
Doctor testifies for defense
A day after a doctor testified that Benjamin Kingman's death at a Lincolnshire day care center was in no way due to a prior injury, a second doctor said yesterday she believes the boy had a blood clot near his brain before he was thrown to the ground. The trial of day care center aide Melissa Calusinski continues today. Full story.
Board authorizes funds for end to Millburn Strangler
The Lake County Board approved $34 million for a road project to alleviate the Millburn Strangler. The project will create a four-lane bypass west of Route 45. Full story.
12-year-old Aurora Township girl missing
Police are asking for the public's help in locating a 12-year-old Aurora Township girl who was last seen Monday night. Desiree Olivarez's mother contacted police yesterday morning after the girl never returned home. She was last seen by a friend at 8 p.m. Monday. Full story.
Feds to test national emergency alert today
For the first time, the federal government will test a nationwide emergency alert on radio and television stations today. The test will last 30 seconds. Full story.
Weather
Welcome to the first signs of winter. We will hit the high of 51 at about 6:30 a.m. before a cold front moves in and temperatures begin to drop. Temps will plummet to a high in the upper 30s or low 40s, with a rain and snow mix possible later this afternoon. Full weather.
Traffic
The rain is causing the roads to be slick, so people are asked to slow down. An accident overnight caused Route 59 to be blocked in North Barrington between Route 22 and Cuba Road, but that should be reopened as the rush hour looms. Also, police and fire officials are on the scene of a second accident on southbound Route 53 at Euclid in Rolling Meadows. Please use caution this morning when driving. Full traffic.
Hawks continue slide, lose 3-0
The Blackhawks' offense continued to struggle last night as the team was shut out in St. Louis Luckily, the Hawks' next opponent is the Columbus Blue Jackets, who have the worst record in the NHL. Hawks coach Joel Quenneville admitted some of the Hawks top players might be losing confidence due to the failure of the power play. Full story.