Dawn Patrol: Quick hits as you head out the door
Rep. Joe Walsh says ex-wife is lying about child support claims
Although U.S. Rep. Joe Walsh of McHenry now admits in court filings he did not pay child support from March 2008 to December 2010, he says his ex-wife is trying to exploit his new position in Congress. He says the two had a verbal understanding that they would divide the expenses, and as court proceedings move forward, Walsh hopes to break the “deadbeat dad title.” Walsh claims he paid extra in support from November 2005 to June 2007. Full story.
Rumor has it Theo Epstein headed to Cubs
Although neither the Boston Red Sox nor the Chicago Cubs management would confirm reports yesterday, rumor has it that GM Theo Epstein is headed to Wrigleyville. The Boston Herald, citing “two baseball sources,” reported that Epstein will join the Cubs in a job that will include powers greater than he had in Boston. The newspaper reports the announcement is expected sometime today or tomorrow. Full story.
Police looks for motorcyclists who fled after office crashed in pursuit
An Elk Grove police officer who crashed his motorcycle while in pursuit of two “high-performance” bikers Sunday night remains hospitalized while police continue their search for the motorcyclists. The officer lost control during the chase on Martingale Road about two-thirds of a mile south of Schaumburg Road and was in serious condition last night. Both drivers were wearing dark leather jackets, and one driver wore a helmet with a mohawk on top. Full story.
Senate Republicans shoot down jobs bill
President Obama's jobs package was finally brought to a vote last night and was voted down by Senate Republicans. The bill, which the president spent weeks campaigning for across the country, died on a 50-49 tally, but could see a future revote. The White House and congressional leaders are already working to break the $447 billion plan into smaller bits of legislation. “Tonight's vote is by no means the end of this fight,” Obama said in a statement after the vote. Full story.
52-year-old Hampshire man killed in Elgin crash
Elgin police continue to investigate a single-vehicle crash that killed a 52-year-old Hampshire man yesterday morning on Route 20. Police said Richard Fitzgerald veered off the roadway about 100 yards south of Reinking Road and struck a tree at about 7:20 a.m. He was taken to St. Joseph-Provena Hospital after emergency crews extricated him from the vehicle, but died shortly after, according to police. Full story.
New Hoffman Estates hockey team confident heading into season
The owners and players for the newly created Chicago Express minor league hockey team are confident the team will not follow in the footsteps of the last Hoffman Estates hockey experiment, which lasted just one season. The Express, an ECHL franchise, will drop the puck on Oct. 22 at the Sears Centre. “It's definitely going to be difficult,” said general manager Wade Welsh. “We have our work cut out for us. But we also believe there is a niche market out here in the Northwest suburbs, that there is a hockey following. We're excited to get going.” Full story.
Robber strikes at Wheaton bank, FBI releases photos
Wheaton police and the FBI hope surveillance photos of a bank robber who struck yesterday afternoon will lead them to the suspect. Police are expected to release further details today of the crime, which occurred at the TCF Bank inside the Jewel-Osco, 2031 N. Main St., at 2:22 p.m. The man did not show a weapon during the heist, but left with an undisclosed amount of cash, according to police. Full story.
National Johns sweep nets arrests in Aurora, Elgin, Cook County
A national sweep to combat demand for male prostitutes over the Columbus Day weekend resulted in 216 arrests, including eight in Aurora and six in Elgin. The National Day of Johns Arrests, a first of its kind nationally, also involved the Cook County sheriff's police. Most offenders were arrested on the street and in hotels. Full story.
White Sox sign Ventura to 3-year deal
White Sox' new manager Robin Ventura was formally introduced yesterday at the Cell, after the Sox and he agreed to a three-year contract with no options. Ventura, who spent most of the past seven years hanging out at his California home, was admittedly shocked when Kenny Williams contacted him about the job. “I would say in most instances somebody would just jump at the chance without thinking it through,” Ventura said. “I realized there are challenges. I think that's part of going through it.” Full story.
Weather
Accuweather says it'll be mostly clear with a high of 57 when you leave for work early this morning, then temperatures will climb to about 75 later. However, the weather turns nasty this afternoon when a thunderstorm comes through and temperatures drop slightly this evening. Full weather.
Traffic
Congestion is climbing throughout the expressway system. People should avoid accidents at Arlington heights Road and Olive Street in Arlington Heights and Stearns and Prospect in Bartlett. Also, avoid construction delays at Pulaski in Oak Lawn and Route 20 and Route 59 in Bartlett. Full traffic.