Dawn Patrol: Memorial Day events; Hawks force Game 7

Thousands salute fallen veterans at Arlington Heights parade

U.S. Sen. Mark Kirk bestowed a Medal of Honor on a late World War II veteran yesterday in Arlington Heights, as Memorial Day was observed across the suburbs. “We’re here really to honor our veterans and remember those who sacrificed,” said Chuck Vassallo, incoming commander of Veterans of Foreign Wars Post 981. Full story.

Fire ravages shuttered plant nursery in Libertyville

Smoke could be seen for miles yesterday as fire consumed the former site of Jamaican Gardens in Libertyville. The plant nursery closed in 2010. Full story.

Cops: Hanover Park man had 0.324 BAC in Streamwood crash

Police say a Hanover Park man was driving with a blood alcohol content more than four times the legal threshold when he fell asleep at the wheel and crashed early Sunday in Streamwood. Rafael Camarena, 22, who was charged with aggravated driving under the influence of alcohol, had to be extricated from the wreckage. Full story.

Truck with 38,000 pounds of trail mix crashes in Elmhurst

A tractor-trailer carrying 38,000 pounds of trail mix crashed Monday on the northbound Route 83 ramp to eastbound I-290 in Elmhurst, police said. The rollover crash remained under investigation, and no charges had been filed. Full story.

Weather

Expect clouds with temperatures in the mid 60s when you head out the door this morning. There’s a chance of rain later in the morning with high temperatures around 75 today. There’s a chance of storms tonight with lows in the mid 60s. Complete forecast.

Blackhawks force Game 7 against Detroit

It was going to be another long off-season for Corey Crawford. As well as Crawford has played in these playoffs, he was going to be remembered for the one he didn’t catch last night at Joe Louis Arena — Joakim Andersson’s floater that sailed over Crawford’s glove at 10:11 of the second period to snap a 1-1 tie. But Crawford’s teammates bailed him out with a stunning 3-goal, third-period rally for a 4-3 victory that forces a seventh and deciding game in the Western Conference semifinals Wednesday at the United Center. Full story.

Cubs’ Samardzija shuts out White Sox

Backed by 7 runs from a top-heavy offense, Jeff Samardzija tossed a 2-hit complete game last night as the Cubs beat the White Sox 7-0 at U.S. Cellular Field. “That’s big-time pitchers; that’s No. 1s,” Cubs manager Dale Sveum said. Full story.