Dawn Patrol: Blagojevich hearing begins, Schaumburg fire
Blago sentencing hearing to begin today
The two-day hearing that will determine how many years former Gov. Rod Blagojevich will spend behind bars begins today. Blagojevich, who was convicted on 18 counts of corruption, is likely to get about 10 years, but Judge James Zagel will make the final decision. Blagojevich has not accepted responsibility or expressed remorse in any previous hearings, which could lead to a longer sentence if that continues during sentencing, according to legal experts. Prosecutors are asking for up to 20 years. Full story.
Schaumburg blaze destroys auto shop, up to $1 million in damages
A massive fire that caved the roof in of a Schaumburg auto shop last night caused between $750,000 and $1 million in damages, according to fire investigators. An employee trying to jump-start a motor may have sparked spilled fuel on the ground, which spread to a number of nearby gas cans and ignited the blaze. “With the volume of fire that was coming out of there, they wouldn't have made it if they had been (inside),” said Schaumburg Fire Capt. Martin Sand. Full story.
Two days left to catch Wheaton Bandit
Authorities have until Wednesday to identify and charge the infamous Wheaton Bandit, who is suspected in as many as 16 suburban bank robberies since January 2002. The FBI is offering a $50,000 reward for information leading to the gunman's arrest, as the statute of limitations inches closer. The statute for bank robbery is five years, and the bandit's last known holdup was Dec. 7, 2006, at the Glen Ellyn Bank and Trust. Full story.
Accuser sees vindication in Cain exiting the race
The Glenview woman who first accused former presidential candidate Herman Cain of sexual assault said she has no regrets and has no plans to sell her story despite her jobless state and possible eviction from her townhouse. “This is kind of my somewhat vindication,” Sharon Bialek, of Glenview, said yesterday at a news conference in Chicago. “By him stepping down ... at least I feel that I have impacted his race for the president.” Full story.
Gang member who ordered firebombing sentenced to 18 years
A 27-year-old gang leader charged with issuing a “smash on sight” order that resulted in the firebombing of a Mundelein home that killed a 12-year-old and paralyzed his mother was sentenced to 18 years in prison yesterday. Manuel Flores ordered two Mundelein brothers to throw the firebomb at the home after a 19-year-old man who lived there began fighting with the gang in May 2009. Full story.
Palatine fire station comes in $153,000 under budget
Palatine village officials heard news rarely spoken about major projects at last night's meeting — a multimillion-dollar fire station came in under budget. The final cost was about $153,000 less than expected for the 8,700-square-foot station. With the portion of the remaining funds, the council approved the installation of a copper and faux stone monument sign. Full story.
‘Caleb's our quarterback,' Lovie says
Bears coach Lovie Smith cleared up any rumors of Donovan McNabb heading to the Bears despite a less than stellar performance by backup quarterback Caleb Hanie in Sunday's loss to the Chiefs. “Caleb's our quarterback,” Smith said. “He, like the rest of our team, didn't play well (Sunday).” Brett Favre is off the board as well, according to Smith's emphatic statements yesterday. “We have our quarterbacks here now,” Smith said. “We have three of them, and another one is rehabbing, who will come back hopefully this year. Those are our quarterbacks.” Full story.
NHL realignment means new Hawks rivals, Detroit stays
The Atlanta Thrashers' move to Winnipeg sprung a realignment plan that was approved by NHL officials yesterday, giving the league four conferences instead of six divisions. The Blackhawks' new conference would include the teams in their division and add the Dallas Stars, Minnesota Wild and Winnipeg Jets. The alignment, if approved by the NHL Players' Association, would guarantee home-and-home series among all teams in the conference. Full story.
Weather
Cloudy and only 35 degrees as you head out the door today, but the temps will climb to 38 degrees before plummeting to 23 degrees overnight. Theres also a chance this afternoon of rain or - worse - snow. Full weather.
Traffic
A bad accident has shut down southbound Route 53 at Northwest Highway. The accident involved multiple vehicles along with a semi-truck. The number of injuries are unclear at this point. People should also avoid the intersection of Grand Avenue and Davisson Street in River Grove because of construction. Full traffic.