Dawn Patrol: Arrest in Aurora taxi driver’s stabbing; July 4th images
Arrest made in stabbing of Aurora taxi driver
A 33-year-old Aurora man suspected of stabbing a taxi driver in the throat and then stealing his cab yesterday was taken into custody following a brief police chase. The 39-year-old driver, also from Aurora, was not seriously injured and has been released from the hospital. Full story.
Images: July Fourth in the suburbs
The spirit of America was on display yesterday as thousands of people celebrated Independence Day by donning patriotic garb, watching parades and having fun at festivals all around the suburbs. Full story.
Weather
Expect a partly sunny and humid day with temperatures reaching a predicted high of 85 degrees. It may feel more like 89 with the humidity before thunderstorms expected this evening drop the temperature to 66 degrees. Full story.
Traffic
Most roads remain clear this post-holiday morning, but traffic slows on a stretch of I-90 eastbound heading into Elgin. The westbound Elgin-O’Hare expressway also is slightly delayed at Rohlwing Road. Construction projects remain on I-355 between Army Trail Road and the Army Trail toll plaza; Milwaukee Avenue between routes 137 and 120 and other locations throughout the region. Full story.
Walk-off winner for Sox
Adam Dunn capped a three-hit afternoon Thursday with a walk-off homer against reliever Tommy Hunter to boost the White Sox to a 3-2 victory over the Baltimore Orioles. Will Dunn’s hot streak increase trade rumors? Full story.
Cubs fall to A’s
The Cubs lost 1-0 to the Oakland Athletics on Thursday after a runner scored on a passed ball with two outs in the seventh inning. Cubs starter Travis Wood, who walked one, struck out five and allowed three hits in six innings, recorded his third straight no-decision in the loss. Full story.
Tollway and interstate speed limit change? Maybe
If Gov. Pat Quinn OKs a plan to raise the tollway and interstate speed limit to 70 mph, the final decision on how fast suburban drivers can go could end up in front of local county boards. The plan would allow suburban county boards to opt out, potentially leading to a patchwork of different speed limits on some highways. Full story.
Itasca library to assess technology offerings
The Itasca Community Library has 29 public computers and 25 computer-related classes. So is that too many or not enough? Officials hope to answer those questions as the library participates in the Edge Initiative, a Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation-funded program aimed at helping public libraries provide all residents with the opportunity to enrich their lives through open access to information, communication and technology services. Full story.
Elgin wants bigger share of riverboat grants
As Kane County prepares to dole out about $1.1 million in riverboat gambling proceeds, Elgin officials are voicing confusion about why their share of the money is coming up lemons. Mayor Dave Kaptain doesn’t think enough of the cash, from the riverboat his community hosts, is being spent close enough to the city. Full story.
West Chicago’s request to raze 144-year-old home rejected
West Chicago aldermen would need to overrule a local historical preservation commission for the city to demolish a 144-year-old house, making room for downtown redevelopment. The long-vacant, city-owned Joel Wiant House has fallen into disrepair. The city hasn’t been able to sell it — even for a dollar — but the commission refused to allow the building’s demolition. Full story. Full story.
Hinsdale goes Cup crazy with Coach Q
The latest installment of “Where’s the Cup” takes us to Hinsdale, where the fireworks started a little early Thursday. The Stanley Cup celebration continued in the Chicago suburbs as Blackhawks Coach Joel Quenneville hoisted the trophy in the Hinsdale’s Fourth of July parade. Full story.
Three former champs highlight Arlington Sprint field
Saturday’s $100,000 Arlington Sprint has attracted three of the last four winners of the 5½-furlong turf dash, including one horse that went on to win the Breeders’ Cup Sprint. Full story.