Dawn Patrol: Arlington Hts. homeless woman gets new bike; Metra special session
Homeless Arlington Hts. woman given new bike, other help
After reading the story of Rosan Acosta, a homeless Arlington Heights woman whose belongings were destroyed by an arsonist this week, Daily Herald readers are stepping up to help, big time. Including a Hoffman Estates woman who gave Acosta a barely used bicycle to replace the one Acosta lost. Full story
Metra to call special session
You know things are bad when the Metra board meets — in July. Normally, the agency’s board of directors takes a summer break between June and August, but the implosion over ex-CEO Alex Clifford’s separation agreement has meant everything but business as usual. Board directors Jack Schaffer of Cary and Mike McCoy of Aurora confirmed that plans are under way to convene a special session, possibly next week. Full story
Independence Grove to remain closed today
Independence Grove Forest Preserve near Libertyville is expected to remain closed today as the investigation continues into a bomb threat that has shut down activities this week, authorities said. Julie Kenney, a public information representative for the Chicago division of the U.S. Postal Investigation Service, said no explosive device had been found as of yesterday afternoon. Full story.
Wrigley renovation plan clears another hurdle
The Cubs’ planned $500 million renovation of Wrigley Field has won the approval of another city commission and the support of the local alderman — all but assuring the project will go forward. Full story
Elk Grove Village’s bond rating drops
Moody’s Investment Services has downgraded Elk Grove Village’s bond rating from the highest AAA rating, which the village has enjoyed for three years, to the second-highest AA1. Moody’s has revised the bond ratings of Illinois municipalities taking into account unfunded state and local pension liabilities, Elk Grove Village Mayor Craig Johnson said. Full story
Weather
Ready for the heat wave to break? Well, today should be your day. 80 to start this morning, with temperatures climbing to 93, but thunderstorms this evening will draw in some cooler air, dropping temperatures overnight to 74 degrees. Only 83 tomorrow after the storms move on. Full weather.
Traffic
The Illinois Department of Transportation has announced that a resurfacing project on Route 45 from Route 83 to Route 21 in Mundelein will begin Thursday, July 18. The work involves 3.9 miles of resurfacing and will require temporary lane closures. Traffic will be reduced to one lane and will be controlled by flaggers. More traffic.
It figures to be trading times for White Sox
Sitting last in the AL Central as they begin the second half against the Atlanta Braves tonight at U.S. Cellular Field, the Sox obviously are off the competitive tracks this year. Full story
Cubs moves: Lake called up; Bogusevic to DL
The Cubs are expected to call up infielder-outfielder Junior Lake from Class AAA Iowa in time for tonight’s series opener at Colorado. They’re also expected to place outfielder Brian Bogusevic on the disabled list. Full story
How hot would you like to say it is?
We want suburban residents to finish the phrase, “It’s so hot out that ...” We’ll pick a suburban winner from comments on our Facebook page and dailyherald.com at 2 p.m. today. The winner gets a $50 gift certificate to Sweet Baby Ray’s in Elk Grove Village.