Dawn Patrol: 30 puppies in 1-bedroom apartment; hazing trial delayed
North Chicago woman faces animal cruelty charges
Animal cruelty charges have been filed against a 42-year-old North Chicago woman after the discovery of about 30 puppies in her one-bedroom apartment. Yesdil del Garcia Hurtado is charged with animal cruelty and companion animal hoarding. On Tuesday, police announced their discovery of the dogs, many of which suffered from dehydration and malnutrition. Full story.
Maine West hazing trial on hold until next month
A legal issue related to the mandatory reporting of suspected child abuse will delay until January the remainder of the trial of former Maine West High School soccer coach Michael Divincenzo, who faces misdemeanor charges of hazing, battery and failure to report abuse. Cook County Judge Jeffrey T. Warnick asked both sides to submit briefs on how their positions are affected by the mandatory reporting statute, which requires school personnel to report suspected instances of child abuse or neglect. Full story.
Lake County sheriff's deputy injured in car crash
A Lake County sheriff's deputy was injured last night after his squad car was rear-ended by another vehicle, authorities said. The accident occurred near Route 83 and Winchester Road in an unincorporated area near Mundelein, according to Lake County Sgt. Sara Balmes. The extent of his injuries was unknown. Full story.
Naperville fire victims remembered
The two people killed in a house fire Wednesday morning in Naperville are being remembered for their kind and gentle nature as fire investigators continue to probe the cause of the blaze that took their lives. “Tom was very soft-spoken. ... He had a nice, soft, gentle sense of humor. And Jan was special,” said Mike Collins of Barrington Hills, who has known the Lamberts for about 15 years through a men's group with Third Unitarian Church in Chicago. Full story.
Elgin Moose Lodge to face city liquor commission
The Elgin Moose Lodge will appear before the city's liquor commission in January to answer questions about its members helping a fellow member evade police in September. Elgin police eventually arrested lodge member Anthony J. Oswald on Sept. 27 after a warrant had been issued for his arrest, but it wasn't before lodge members helped Oswald leave out the back door and lied to police about his whereabouts, according to a police report. Full story.
Weather
People are urged to be careful due to a wintry weather mix that includes rain and sleet. It's 35 degrees right now, but rain is falling in some areas, causing freezing rain and making for slick travel conditions. Temperatrures will increase to 36 degrees this afternoon, before dropping to 30 degrees tonight. Full story.
Traffic
Construction continues on Rollins Road between Route 83 and Route 45 in Round Lake Beach. People should expect delays and seek alternate routes. Full traffic from ABC 7 Chicago.
Dann's memories of Uncle Lar
Daily Herald film critic Dann Gire offers his reflections on legendary Chicago radio personality Larry Lujack, who died Wednesday in New Mexico after fighting esophageal cancer. Gire was a regular on Lujack's WLS radio show in the 1980s. “We clicked, so every Friday after 6 p.m. I talked movies with Superjock. And every time, it was mind-bogglingly surreal.” Full story.
Bulls losing streak hits 4
The Bulls lost to the Oklahoma City Thunder 107-95 last night, extending their losing streak to four. The Thunder won their eighth straight and is undefeated at home — the only NBA team with a perfect home record. Full story.
Briggs returning Sunday?
A decision could come today on whether Bears linebacker Lance Briggs will be medically cleared to return to the playing field for Sunday's game against the Eagles. But “based on the first two days of practice, we're really hopeful that he'll be able to play on Sunday night,” coach Marc Trestman said. Full story.