Dawn Patrol: Man wants hoarding charges dismissed; cuts at Abbott
Parents question simulated gunshots at Cary-Grove drill
Some parents are questioning a decision to have a safety drill today at Cary-Grove High School that will include simulated gunshots in the hallway. The blank shots will come from a starter's gun fired at the end of the 15-minute “code red” drill. Parent Sharon Miller said the idea was absurd. “The issue I've got is running up and down the hallways with a gun. I think that's wrong,” she said. Full story.
Aurora man wants hoarding charges dismissed
An Aurora man who was found to have nearly 500 birds inside his feces-filled home says the hoarding charges against him should be dismissed. The attorney for David Skeberdis contended in a Tuesday court filing that Aurora authorities didn't follow the law in charging him with the misdemeanor and impounding the parakeets, cockatoos and other birds in his home. About 150 dead birds were removed from the home. Full story.
Attorneys dispute who swung the sledgehammer
Sandra Rogers finally had her day in court yesterday, nearly 10 years after she was arrested in the sledgehammer attack on her ex-husband and his new wife in their Lincolnshire home. Prosecutors said Sandra Rogers swung the hammer in the attack, while defense attorneys claimed it was the boyfriend of her then-teenage daughter, Robin, who attacked Rick Rogers and Angela Gloria on May 19, 2003, and Robin helped him do it. The trial continues today; Rogers is expected to testify this week. Full story.
Cut confirmed at Abbott Laboratories
Abbott Laboratories confirmed yesterday that an unspecified number of layoffs have been taking place as the news buzzed across pharmaceutical message boards online. Last October, Abbott announced it would cut about 550 jobs globally — including about 100 from its headquarters in Libertyville Township and a Des Plaines office — while “several hundred” more layoffs were expected in 2013. Full story.
Glen Ellyn rejects crackdown on some businesses
A proposed Glen Ellyn ordinance seeking to regulate jewelry and electronics stores in an attempt to crack down on the sale of stolen goods has been rejected. Police said the proposed law was an effort to help victims of burglaries and thefts recover their property, but the village board unanimously voted down the proposal. Full story.
Weather
Rain will turn to snow after temperatures dip below the freezing mark. Right now, temperatures are hovering around 38 degrees. But, those temperatures will dip to 32 degrees later this afternoon before dropping to 12 degrees overnight. Full story.
Traffic
Due to the weather, people are urged to use extreme caution when traveling this morning. Dropping temperatures means slick roads, which could lead to accidents. Be prepared to stop. More traffic from ABC traffic.
Red hot Blackhawks at Minnesota tonight
You don't get to be 6-0 by pure luck. The Blackhawks have had a few bounces go their way for sure, but their franchise-record 6-0 start can be traced to a number of things they've generated themselves — starting with goaltending. The red hot Blackhawks hope to extend that mark to 7-0 tonight when they take on the Minnesota Wild. Full story.