Did you see Blues Traveler at Lollapalooza? Uh, no. They aren't exactly ripping up the big festival scene. Any other harmonicas? Maybe that helps explain the closure of America's last harmonica factory in Rockford.
America's Last Harmonica Factory Closes in Rockford
Extra, Extra
- A man died in an area Dunkin Donuts in 2007 and now his mother is suing the franchisees for wrongful death.
- The search continues for toddler Jada Justice, missing since last week, but Indiana police claim they have no promising leads.
- WBEZ examines some of the possible fall out from putting caps on campaign contributions.
Train Carrying Ethanol Still Ablaze After Derailment
A blazing train derailment in Rockford, Ill. resulted in one death, power loss and the evacuation of hundreds of residents. The Chicago-bound freight train had 74 of its 114 cars filled with ethanol, according to the Associated Press. As of Saturday morning, five rail cars were still burning, with officials concerned other cars may catch fire. Cars on the train hydroplaned in standing water as it approached a railroad crossing, according to witness reports to the Rockford Register-Star. However a Canadian National Railway Company spokesman said claims the derailment was “caused by a washout of the tracks” were under investigation.
Rockford Man Aims at Dog, Shoots Friend Instead
In the stupid category, a Rockford man is likely to face charges after “accidentally” shooting a friend in the head when he was aiming for a stray dog. Clearly, there is more to this story than we will ever know.
Rockford Police Sgt. Milo Scheffels says the incident occurred early Saturday evening and appears to have been accidental. Scheffels says there were reports that the dog was bothering people, but the gunman missed in shooting at it.After the shooting, the man fled the scene. The victim was taken to the hospital and was treated for a nonlife-threatening gunshot wound to the head. [WLS]

