Dawn Patrol: Black ice on roads; 10 Blackhawks to Sochi
Black ice the latest hazard on suburban roads
The deaths of an Elgin woman and her dog after their vehicle plummeted from Route 53 onto Route 14 in Palatine Monday night represented the worst possible consequence of one of winter’s least visible safety concerns — black ice. As many problems as black ice has caused this week, it’s actually less likely at low temperatures than when the air is hovering right around the freezing mark, which is expected later this week. Full story with tips on watching for black ice.
Crash victim remembered as selfless animal lover
The Elgin woman killed when she lost control of her pickup on ice and snow-covered Route 53 was remembered yesterday for her selflessness, outgoing nature and love of animals. Julie Allard, 34, was on her way home from work at a Mount Prospect veterinary clinic when her vehicle plunged off southbound Route 53 in Palatine and fell at least 20 feet to Northwest Highway below. Full story.
Fewer Metra cancellations likely today, but maybe delays
Service is expected to return to relative normalcy today, although passengers aren’t out of the woods yet. The predicted high of 14 degrees could still mean slower speeds and iced-up switches that halt trains, as happened on Monday and Tuesday. Riders are still advised to check Metra’s website before leaving home. Full story.
No school today for some in Lake County
Students in some Lake County school districts are getting another extra day off from school today, even though temperatures have risen above subzero levels. Schools either had to cancel or delay the start times due to busing issues, district websites said. Full story.
Big response, no injuries in Arlington Heights fire
Construction work may be to blame for a house fire last night in Arlington Heights, officials said. No one was injured in a house fire on the 400 block of South Dunton Avenue, just down the road from where a fatal fire claimed the lives of three women in November. Residents may have seen an extra large response because of the cold temperatures. Full story. Weather
Temperatures are slowly getting back to normal as the Chicago area is expected to get up to 14 degrees this afternoon. It will be 1 degree below zero when you head out the door this morning, with temperatures around 3 degrees tonight. Full story.
Traffic
A water main is being repaired Springinsguth Road and Winthrop Lane in Schaumburg. People should use caution in the area. Full traffic from ABC News Chicago.
Sharp thrilled to join 10 Hawks in Sochi
Patrick Sharp is going to Sochi. Sharp, Jonathan Toews and Duncan Keith were among the 25 players named to the Canadian Olympic team yesterday. They will be among ten Blackhawks players traveling to Russia for the 2014 Winter Games next month representing countries including Canada, Sweden, the Czech Republic and the United States. Full story.
Bulls join Chicago’s rebuilding craze
The Bulls would like you to repeat after them: Trading Luol Deng doesn’t signal that they’re in the process of a long-term makeover to complement Derrick Rose. “Rebuilding is not a word to use,” basketball operations VP John Paxson said Tuesday, noting the club still has Joakim Noah as a player, Tom Thibodeau as head coach and Rose as a supposed superstar when he returns from his latest knee injury. Full story.
Answers, insight to your Deng questions
The Bulls made an unusual move, trading their leading scorer for a player they waived immediately. But there is some logic behind sending Luol Deng to Cleveland for center Andrew Bynum. Here’s a look at why the Bulls made this deal and what it means for the future of the franchise. Full story.