Dawn Patrol: Drunken driver hits deputy; advice for Blagojevich
<h3 class="briefHead">Driver charged with DUI after hitting deputy changing a tire</h3>
A DuPage County sheriff's deputy suffered a broken ankle when a driver veered off the road on Interstate 88 near Lisle over the weekend and struck the squad car parked on the shoulder. The deputy was changing a flat tire when the driver, who was charged with DUI, hit the side of the squad. The identity of the driver is expected to be released today. <I>http://www.dailyherald.com/article/20111204/news/712049781/">Full story.</a><![CDATA[
<h3 class="briefHead"></I>Experts warn Blago to admit guilt at sentencing</h3>
With Rod Blagojevich's sentencing hearing just a day away, legal experts say the former governor better fess up to his mistakes or he could risk facing a more stiff sentencing. Although Blagojevich has maintained his innocence, a failure to admit guilt could anger Judge James Zagel, who is expected to sentence Blagojevich to around 10 years in prison. "You darn well better walk in with a heavy heart, saying you made mistakes and that you accept the decision of a jury of your peers," said former Chicago City Clerk Jim Laski, who was sentenced to two years in prison for corruption in 2006. Full story.
<h3 class="briefHead">Liquor store robber caught tossing cash into trash can</h3>
McHenry police responding to a liquor store robbery caught the man accused of holding up the store at gunpoint attempting to ditch the stolen goods in a nearby trash can, they said. Leroy A. Tatara of McHenry was seen tossing an undisclosed amount of cash into a trash can as police responded to the area near the Riverside Shop N Go Saturday night, police said. Full story.
<h3 class="briefHead">Alexian Brothers' new CEO the first layperson to get the job</h3>
Alexian Brothers Health System's named a longtime executive as its new CEO as the company prepares to merge with Ascension Health. Mark Frey, 56, has been with Alexian Brothers for more than 25 years and has held a number of executive positions including president and CEO of Alexian Brothers Behavioral Health Hospital, according to a news release. Frey will become the first layperson appointed as president and CEO in the health system's history. Full story.
<h3 class="briefHead">Bears may finish regular season without Matt Forte</h3>
As if the injury to Jay Cutler wasn't enough, the Bears could now play the rest of the season without star running back Matt Forte, who injured his knee in the first quarter of Sunday's game. A preliminary prognosis indicated Forte sprained his MCL and will be out for two to four weeks with the Bears in a tight race for a wild-card playoff spot and just four games left in the regular season. Full story.
<h3 class="briefHead">Offense nonexistent in Bears' loss to struggling Chiefs</h3>
The Bears offense imploded yesterday, making zero third down conversions in 11 tries, gaining only 88 passing yards and allowing 7 sacks against a team that had just 13 in its first 11 games. These dismal stats came in a matchup with the 4-7 Kansas City Chiefs at Soldier Field. To many, the game was penciled in as a win even with Jay Cutler on the sideline, but the now 7-5 Bears' playoff hopes look to be slipping away. Full story.
<h3 class="briefHead">Tiger Woods a champion for first time in 2 years</h3>
The drought is over for Tiger Woods, who won his first tournament in two years with a birdie-birdie finish on the 17 and 18th holes. Woods' 6-foot birdie putt on the 18th put him one stroke ahead to win the Chevron World Challenge, which hosts for Wood's foundation. The victory comes 749 days since his last win at the Australian Masters and revelations of extramarital affairs that led to a divorce. The win moved Woods from No. 52 in the world to No. 21. Full story.
<h3 class="briefHead">Weather</h3>
The skies will be overcast with temperatures in the mid 30s to start the day, but don't expect it to get much hotter. Temps are expected to top out at about 41 degrees with some sun poking through later this afternoon. Full weather.
<h3 class="briefHead">Traffic</h3>
Congestion is starting to pick up and accidents are starting to pockmark the landscape. Crews are on the scene of a rollover crash at N. Roselle Road and Bradley Lane in Hoffman Estates, while another major accident is being reported on County Farm and Schick roads in Hanover Park. People should also avoid a resurfacing project at Indian Trail and Rollins Road in Round Lake Beach. Full traffic <http://www.traffic.com/Chicago-Traffic/Chicago-Traffic-Reports.html>.