Dawn Patrol: Quick hits as you head out the door
Former boyfriend backs Cain accuser's claims
A former Bloomingdale doctor who once dated Sharon Bialek, the Glenview woman who claims Herman Cain touched her inappropriately in 1997, confirmed yesterday that Bialek met with Cain and spoke with him in 1997. Cain “doesn't recall Ms. Bialek,” according to his attorney. But Victor Zuckerman said Bialek sat next to him at a dinner and later told Zuckerman of the alleged harassment. Full story.
Woman accused of Macing Metra conductor in Wheaton
A West Chicago woman is accused of spraying with Mace a Metra conductor who asked for her ticket as she got off the train yesterday in Wheaton. Latoya Moore had a 10-ride pass with her but thought the conductors “were kidding around with her, and she felt intimidated when they surrounded her,” according to prosecutors. She was charged with theft of service and felony aggravated battery. Full story.
Penn St. coach says he showered with boys but denies sex allegations
Accused Penn State football assistant coordinator Jerry Sandusky told Bob Costas in his first interview since being charged with sexually abusing eight boys that he showered with and hugged boys, but did not have any sexual intent. Asked if there was anything he did do wrong, Sandusky said, “I shouldn't have showered with those kids.” When asked if he was a pedophile, Sandusky said, “No.” Full story and video.
Videos, interview show Gabrielle Giffords recovering, speaking
Rep. Gabrielle Giffords appeared in her first extended interview last night since being shot in the head in January, telling Diane Sawyer she will not return to Congress until she is “better.” Giffords struggled to form sentences but indicated she plans on fighting on until she can return. The smiling, cheerful congresswoman spoke in a clear voice but in halting phrases during the interview. Full story and video.
Second doctor questions autopsy results in toddler's death
Three weeks into the trial of Melissa Calusinki, accused of first-degree murder in the death of a 16-month-old at a Lincolnshire day care center, a second medical expert testified that an existing head injury was most likely the cause of death. The doctor said the original autopsy of Benjamin Kingan of Deerfield failed to diagnose the injury. Prosecutors say the Carpentersville woman threw the boy to the floor after she became frustrated with the children at the center. Dr. Eupil Choi, who performed an autopsy after the boy's death in 2009, told detectives injury was inflicted with a force equal to that of a fall from a two-story building. Full story.
Epstein: Zambrano excited for 2012, will be given chance
Carlos Zambrano walked out on the Cubs after an Aug. 12 start and hinted at retirement, but the former All-Star says he plans on having a solid year with the Cubs in 2012, according to new President Theo Epstein. “He expressed a strong desire to be a Cub and an even stronger desire to have a really good 2012 season. He's in great shape,” Epstein said yesterday. “He's working extremely hard. He's working out twice a day.” Epstein said the team would allow Zambrano to “earn his way back” onto the team. Full story.
Seabrook joins Hawks on road despite injury
Injured Blackhawks defenseman Brent Seabrook gave teammates some encouragement by making the trip to Vancouver to start the team's six-game road trip last night, but the word is still out on whether he will play Wednesday. Seabrook is battling a left-leg injury, which he suffered in Sunday's win when he crashed into the end boards. “It's obviously a void with all the quality ice time in all situations,” coach Joel Quenneville said. “He absorbs that type of minutes, and you appreciate what he provides you.” Full story.
Weather
Beautiful day on tap, considering it's the middle of November. Sunny but a touch windy with highs of about 60 degrees. Enjoy it because the weather drops to 45 degrees tomorrow. Full weather.
Traffic
Aside from the normal congestion, there are no major problems to report on any roadways or highways of serious note. Perople should avoid construction delays on W. Bonner Road and Route 59 in Wauconda, while construction on southbound Route 25 between S. Gilbert and HIckory is causing some delays as well. Full traffic.