Dawn Patrol: Quick hits as you head out the door today
Breaking news
The inbound Eisenhower Expressway has been shut down near Mannheim Road because a pedestrian on the Ike was hit by a car.
Bond hearing on Schaumburg hit-and-run
A bond hearing is scheduled this morning at the Cook County courthouse in Rolling Meadows for a 29-year-old Schaumburg man charged in a hit-and-run crash that injured a 17-year-old boy late last week. Adrian R. Perea faces one felony count of failure to stop after an accident involving injury or death. The 17-year-old victim is still recovering at St. Alexius Medical Center in Hoffman Estates. Full story.
District 204 schools close for heat
Indian Prairie Unit District 204 has canceled classes for today at its 19 elementary schools without air conditioning, fearing extreme heat. Owen and Peterson elementary schools, the only two with air conditioning, remain open. All other district facilities, including middle and high schools, will operate as normal. Students in the closed schools will not have to make up the missed day. Parents who need emergency child care may call the YMCA of Metro Chicago, which is offering a supervised program for elementary students for $39 from 7 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. at the Y Sports Complex, 31W290 Schoger Road, Naperville. Call the YMCA at (630) 585-2207. Full story.
Lombard hotel guest recovering from bedbug bites
A woman who was bitten by bedbugs at a TownePlace Suites Chicago Lombard is expected to be released from the hospital today. Carrie Brown had at least 50 bedbug bites that became infected. Full story.
Experts warn of Lake Michigan rip currents
The Coast Guard and weather and water experts are warning Lake Michigan beach goers to be careful this holiday weekend of rip currents, which can occur even on sunny days. The warnings come after a 44-year-old Wheeling man and a 14-year-old Evanston boy drowned last weekend, helping bring the total drowning deaths in Lake Michigan to 43 this year. Full story.
Super Walmart to open in Elgin
Walmart plans to open its new Super store in Elgin on Oct. 26. The opening means the smaller Walmart store at Randall and Royal will close the day before. Full story.
Illinois nuclear plant more at risk
The risk an earthquake would cause a severe accident at a U.S. nuclear plant is greater than previously thought, 24 times as high in one case, according to an AP analysis of preliminary government data. Two Illinois reactors are high on that list. Full story.
Second day for new senior ride prices
The end of free rides for most seniors enters its second day as Metra, Pace and CTA riders adapt to new fare cards. Many seniors received new fare cards in the mail. The poorest seniors still get to ride free and others are eligible for half-priced fares on Metra, Pace and the CTA. Full story.
Weather
Hot and humid during the day, will turn into potential thunderstorms either later this afternoon or this evening. Forecasters call for highs reaching the mid 90s before the rain starts to fall at about 8 p.m. tonight. Full forecast.
Traffic
No accidents are being reported on area expressways this morning, though a power failure has forced a closure at the Hinsdale Oasis on the northbound Tri-State Tollway. Naperville Metra users should know the west half of the inbound platform and the stairs leading to Washington Street are closed due to platform construction. Please use the eastern half of the south platform to board and exit your train. IDOT is suspending all road construction for the holiday weekend starting at 3 p.m. today. . ="www.traffic.com/Chicago-Traffic/Chicago-Traffic-Reports.html/> Full traffic.
Who'll make the cut on the Bears?
The Bears got themselves a win last night (24-14), but the game was most important for players looking to seal up backup spots on the team. If the competition between Kahlil Bell and Chester Taylor for the No. 3 running back job behind Matt Forte and Marion Barber was based on last night, the nod has to go to Bell, who probably had the job won already, based on his earlier play. The roster must be cut down to 53 by Saturday, so keep your eye out today. Full story.
Big weekend for the White Sox
As they head into Detroit on tonight for a critical three-game series, the Sox are 5frac12; games off the lead in the AL Central and tied for second with Cleveland. Time is running out, though, and the White Sox need to make a move this weekend with only 28 games remaining on the schedule. Full story.