Dawn Patrol: Quick hits as you head out the door
Breaking news
Naperville Police are investigating a car vs. pedestrian accident that left a 24-year-old woman injured and a dog killed in the 1400 E. Chicago Street at 8:18 p.m. Sunday. Ashley Wehr, 24, was transported to Good Samaritan hospital in Downers Grove for treatment of serious injuries following the accident. Initial investigation indicates that Wehr was walking her dog on the north side of Chicago Ave. when the dog left her side and entered the roadway. She ran out to retrieve it when she was struck by a 2008 Buick Enclave driven by an 86-year-old man from Naperville.
Man dies in Kane County plane crash
Aviation officials continue to investigate what caused a single-engine plane crash just west of Elgin Sunday afternoon, which killed a 69-year-old Hampshire man. Frank Kehoe, an avid pilot with more than 1,000 hours logged, was flying an experimental aircraft. Witnesses said Kehoe's airplane only got as high as a barn near the runway before wobbling and crashing. Full story.
Cutler breaks thumb in win vs. Chargers
It looks like Caleb Hanie time in Chicago after the thumb injury to Bears quarterback Jay Cutler, who could be out for the rest of the season. Reports indicate Cutler fractured his thumb on his throwing hand. Cutler, who has missed just one regular-season game in his six NFL seasons, could be out between six and eight weeks. Full story.
Treasurer defends glossy mailing to donors
In mid-September, Illinois Treasurer Dan Rutherford's office said that sending a glossy, taxpayer-funded summary of “successes” to a select number of Illinois residents who also were major campaign donors was “merely a coincidence.” But a Daily Herald investigation has connected 181 more brochure recipients to Rutherford donations, bringing the total to 723 donors among the 850 recipients of the mailing. Full story.
Candidate upfront about foreclosure
Like many these days, the Jarratt family in Round Lake Beach lost a job, missed mortgage payments and wound up in foreclosure. “I was seven months underemployed before I missed my first house payment,” said Linwood “Lennie” Jarratt, whose is seeking the GOP-nomination for the 31st state Senate seat. Full story.
Politicans rail about high-speed trains
High-speed rail is a relative concept — except when it comes to politics. Then, one man's high-speed, job-creating, rail dream is another man's money-wasting boondoggle. Close to home, Illinois stands to receive nearly $2 billion in federal dollars for high-speed trains, with about 68 percent dedicated to a route between St. Louis and Chicago. Full story.
Haley Reinhart returns to Wheeling to kick of holiday season
Wheeling's “American Idol” star finalist Haley Reinhart was back in town last night, where she helped switch on the holiday lights. Reinhart was joined by “American Idol” competitor Casey Abrams, who grew up in Wilmette. The two did not sign at the event but met with fans. The two will perform on ABC 7 Chicago's “Windy City Live” at 9 a.m. this morning. Full story.
Suburban women named Rhodes Scholars
Two suburban women have been awarded the Rhodes Scholarship, considered by many to be the world's most prestigious scholarship. Alexis Brown of Algonquin and Sarah Smierciak of Lemont heard the announcement Saturday night that they were chosen to be one of 32 Americans to receive the accolade. Brown and Smierciak will spend two to three years at the University of Oxford in England with all expenses covered. The scholars were selected from a pool of 830 students who were enforced by 299 schools across the country. Full story.
Retail theft sting nets 59 arrests
The Cook County state's attorney's office hopes the announcement of 59 arrests in part of a major retail theft sting will send a message to would-be thieves heading into the holiday season. “Operation Whoville” targeted organized theft things at malls and some boutique shops including Woodfield Shopping Center in Schaumburg. Investigators went undercover in the outlets as a part of the operation, which began in mid-October. Full story.
Weather
Cloudy morning with a high of only 40 as you walk out the door. However, the temperatures will rise to about 49 degrees with sun and cloudy intervals throughout the day. Full weather.
Traffic
Traffic is flowing wide open early this morning as the upcoming Thanksgiving holiday and people having the week off is expected to keep traffic flowing wide open Monday. People are still asked to avoid construction on Milwaukee Avenue between Route 137 and Route 120 in Libertyville, and Lake Street in Elgin at McLean Blvd. Full traffic.
Swift unstoppable at AMAs
Taylor Swift and Adele tied with three wins at the American Music Awards, but the event belonged to the country superstar after she beat the soulful crooner, as well as Lady Gaga, Katy Perry and Lil Wayne, to win artist of the year, the ceremony's highest accolade, which the 21-year-old singer-songwriter previously claimed in 2009. “This is so crazy,” beamed Swift. Full story.
Blackhawks ‘embarrassed' after recent defeats
The Blackhawks' start to their annual “circus road-trip” has not only the Hawks feeling down but opposing players feeling bad for the team after a 9-2 loss in Edmonton. “To be honest, it's never fun to beat up on a team like that,” Oilers winger Jordan Eberle said. The Hawks have a few days off to reorganize before heading to San Jose on Wednesday. “We're all embarrassed,” Jonathan Toews said after the game. “At the same time we're going to stick together and remain a team and not point the finger at any one guy or another. Full story.