Dawn Patrol: Independence Grove still closed; new Cook County gun laws
Bomb threat keeps forest preserve in Libertyville closed
Federal law enforcement and Lake County Forest Preserve officials continue to investigate a bomb threat involving Independence Grove Forest Preserve this morning. Police evacuated the preserve Tuesday evening and it remained closed all of Wednesday as authorities worked to ensure the safety of the popular preserve. The threat was received in the mail, but details of what the threat involved and why the forest preserve was targeted were not made public yesterday. Full story.
Cook County creates age requirement to purchase guns
Cook County Board members yesterday voted to ban all gun sales to people younger than 21. The ban applies to all suburban communities in Cook County unless they have their own rules involving gun sales in place. State law currently allows the sale of long guns, such as shotguns, to people who are at least 18 years old. The board also added grenade launchers and some handguns and pistols to its list of banned weapons in advance of the Friday deadline to approve local assault weapons bans. Full story.
Cross out of Illinois attorney general race
Tom Cross, the top Republican in Illinois’ state House, will stick to his current role in state government after current Illinois Attorney General Lisa Madigan’s decision not to run for governor. Cross said in a written statement yesterday that he had been approached to run for attorney general when it appeared Madigan would vacate the office. “That dynamic has changed,” Cross said. “I will remain committed to serving as the leader of the House Republican caucus.” Full story.
Arlington Heights homeless woman’s belongings torched
Arlington Heights police are still seeking information about a fire and explosion Tuesday night that has left a local homeless woman to rebuilding her already meager belongings. The incident happened on the first floor of an Arlington Heights parking garage. No one was hurt in the blast, but the homeless woman, Rosan Acosta, is working with local churches and shelters to regain some of the basic necessities. Full story.
Kane County Fair continues
The Kane County Fair continues today with customer appreciation day. Admission is $15. The day’s activities include the International Truck Pull Championship and musical performances by Six String Crossing at 6 p.m. and country band Hillbilly Rockstarz at 8 p.m. Full story.
Harper College launching job placement initiative
Harper College decided last night to move forward with measures aimed at better connecting graduates with jobs in their areas of study. Members of the Palatine community college’s Job Placement Task Force presented its final report and recommendations following a yearlong process. Full story.
Weather
Clear to start with a high of 77 degrees. It will become hot and sticky in the afternoon when temperatures climb back up to 92 degrees. A possible thunderstorm could pop up this evening when temperatures dip back to 74 degrees. Full story.
Traffic
Construction continues on Route 45 between Grand Avenue in Lincolnshire and Washington Street in Grayslake. Road resurfacing work is reducing traffic to one lane in each direction. People should seek an alternate route. More traffic.
Naperville’s Candace Parker among ESPY winners
Naperville native Candace Parker, who now plays for the WNBA’s Los Angeles Sparks, won the ESPY Award last night for best WNBA player. She joined stars like LeBron James and Serena Williams in winning the award. Full story.