Dawn Patrol: Des Plaines River to crest in Lake, Cook by 1 p.m.
Suburbs' flooding woes might last awhile
Propelled by a deluge that at one point dropped an inch of rain in 20 minutes, quick-rising floodwaters flowed into basements, swallowed streets and closed schools throughout the suburbs Thursday. Full story.
Lake County flooding will get worse before it get better
The rain finally stopped falling over Lake County — but the flood damage it will cause here is expected to worsen today and into next week, officials said. The county's two largest rivers — the Fox and the Des Plaines — feed into Illinois from Wisconsin, and rain there and here has swollen the waters above flood levels. As water flows south into Lake County, the rivers will continue to rise, with the Des Plaines cresting this morning. Full story.
This may be worst flood in Des Plaines' history
The city of Des Plaines is bracing itself for what could be the worst flood in its history. So far, eight people have been evacuated from homes off Hawthorne Lane and Big Bend Drive due to flooding, city officials said. As of 9:45 last night, the Des Plaines River level was at 10.41 feet and it is expected to crest at 11 feet by 1 p.m. today, affecting roughly 5,600 single-family homes and condominium units just west of the river, officials said. Full story.
Preckwinkle declares disaster for Cook County
Cook County Board President Toni Preckwinkle issued a disaster proclamation for Cook County yesterday, citing severe weather across the county and noting the impact on homes and businesses, forced evacuations and closed roadways. Full story.
Dramatic rescue at Lisle nursing home
It was an outing unlike anything the residents of a Lisle nursing home had ever contemplated. Holding their medications and possessions on yesterday, the 51 residents of Snow Valley Nursing and Rehabilitation Center and about 20 staff members patiently awaited rescue from the facility on Route 53 that had become an island surrounded by a badly flooded parking lot. Full story.
Two Des Plaines residents killed in Tri-State crash
Illinois State Police said two Des Plaines residents were killed in an early morning crash yesterday in the southbound lanes of the Tri-State Tollway near Lake Street in Elmhurst. Full story.
Decomposing body found in Salt Creek near Oak Brook
The badly decomposing body of a man — who has not yet been identified — was found yesterday near Salt Creek in Oak Brook, authorities said. Full story.
SUV driver dies after Inverness bus accident
Inverness police confirmed last night that the driver of an SUV has died after being involved in a head-on collision with a school bus in Inverness earlier in the day. Full story.
Weather
Windy and cool with a high of only 44 degrees today. Temperatures will be at 37 degrees when you head out today, then dip back to freezing tonight. Full story.
Traffic
Road closures are everywhere due to flooding, so please be wary of driving through any standing water, especially under any deluged viaducts and near lakeside streets. The good rule to follow, “Don't drown, turn around.” Closures are reported in Gurnee, Fox Lake, Orland Park, Aurora and Mount Prospect, among others. Full story.
Thibs has some decisions to make
By the time the playoffs roll around, it's reasonable to think an NBA head coach would have a good handle on his team's starting lineup and playing rotation. There have been 82 games to figure things out.
But with so many players working their way back into the lineup, Bulls coach Tom Thibodeau will have a couple of tough decisions to make when the Bulls take on the Brooklyn Nets. Full story.
Bears open with pair of home games
The Bears open their 2013 season with back-to-back Sunday home games, but it won't be easy. Full story.
Lee DeWyze boasts new album, new label, a return to Viper Alley
Buoyed by a new single, a new label and a new album due out later this summer, Lee DeWyze can't help but hum with positivity. Full story.