Dawn Patrol: Elk Grove High teacher dies; flights canceled at Midway
Beloved Elk Grove High School teacher dies of cancer
Alexa Rodheim-Cutler, a young, beloved teacher and coach at Elk Grove High School, died Friday after fighting breast cancer for two years. Rodheim-Cutler, 29, was a 2004 graduate of Hoffman Estates High School and the oldest of six siblings. She taught English at Elk Grove for several years and also was the girl's water polo coach, said Principal Paul Kelly. "Every single day, she embodied the Elk Grove High School spirit of challenge, support and patience for every student," Kelly said in a letter to parents and students. She tirelessly embraced the sacred role of teacher and coach, pouring endless energy into profoundly shaping the future of each child she encountered in the classroom and in the athletic world." Full story.
Weather causes more than 120 flight cancellations at Midway
More than 120 flights at Midway International Airport - including all Southwest Airlines flights - were canceled yesterday because of weather conditions, officials said. Southwest canceled all inbound and outbound flights at Midway from last night until 9 a.m. today, airline spokeswoman Emily Samuels said. Full story.
Windy City Bulls a hit at Sears Centre fan festival
The Windy City Bulls are proving to be a hit eight months before their first game. At least 6,000 fans registered for the Chicago Bulls' Development League team's free festival yesterday at Sears Centre Arena in Hoffman Estates. "The excitement, the energy in the building, seeing all the kids here, I'm really excited," said Michael Reinsdorf, the Chicago Bulls' president and chief operating officer. "It makes me wish that the season was starting tomorrow." Full story.
Neighbor uses hose to douse fire on deck in Batavia
No injuries were reported from a deck fire at a Batavia house this weekend that was mostly put out by a neighbor, authorities said. Batavia Fire Department officials said crews were dispatched on a call of a structure fire about 1:30 p.m. Saturday in the 600 block of Park Street. Upon arrival, officials said in a release, crews found a small fire that originated on the deck and crawled up an exterior wall. They said the fire was largely extinguished by the neighbor who had the garden hose. Full story.
Weather
Cloudy and 49 degrees this morning. Temperatures will climb to 52 degrees this afternoon before falling to 44 degrees overnight tonight. Full story,
Traffic
Work is scheduled to cause restrictions on Route 22 in Lake Barrington between Harbor Drive and Route 59 until the end of July. Full story.
Michigan State beats Purdue to win Big Ten crown
Denzel Valentine finished with 15 points, 10 rebounds and nine assists to lead No. 2 Michigan State past No. 13 Purdue 66-62 in yesterday's Big Ten Tournament championship game. He was named the tournament's Most Outstanding Player after flirting with triple-doubles on three consecutive days. Michigan State (29-5) has won 13 of 14 and has its fifth tourney title, giving them an automatic bid to the NCAA Tournament, which begins Tuesday. Full story. Read about early matchups in the NCAA Tournament here.
Gasol joins Bulls' injured list
Mike McGraw says it's not over yet for the Bulls, despite having slid out of the Eastern Conference playoff picture as injuries continue to mount. Pau Gasol didn't make the trip to Toronto and will miss at least two games with swelling in his right knee. Meanwhile, Jimmy Butler (knee) is on track to return against the Raptors on Monday, while Derrick Rose (groin) is listed as doubtful. Read the full story here.