Dawn Patrol: Cyclist hit by train; burglary suspect charged in Elgin
Cyclist killed by Metra train in Des Plaines
A bicyclist was killed on Thursday night after being hit by a Metra train near the Cumberland stop in Des Plaines. The female cyclist was identified as Amy Carolyn Thier by Des Plaines Police who said she was pronounced dead at the scene. According to witnesses, she was riding her train across the tracks when the collision occurred. Full story.
Man charged in Elgin burglary, attempt on same street
An Elgin man has been charged in connection with a home burglary and an attempted one on the same street, authorities said. Gwendall Stewart, 51, of the 1300 block of Abbott Drive, Elgin, has been charged with one count each of residential burglary and attempted residential burglary, both felonies, according to a news release from the Elgin Police Department. Full story.
Trial underway in Wheaton drug death
Augustina Taylor had just more than 24 hours to celebrate her newfound freedom from prison on June 26, 2012, before she again succumbed to her drug addiction demons, authorities say. Her friend Jennifer Nere is accused of providing the heroin and cocaine that led to Taylor's overdose. Full story.
POW memorial moved to O'Hare tollway oasis
A solemn ceremony marked the arrival of two memorials at the O'Hare tollway oasis Thursday. The closing of the Des Plaines oasis forced one of the memorials, honoring missing soldiers, to make the move to the rest stop near the airport. Full story.
Weather
Partly cloudy and 67 degrees to start the morning, Temperatures will climb to 79 degrees late this afternoon. Thunderstorms are likely to move in this evening, with temperatures dipping to 63 degrees. Full story.
Traffic
Construction continues on Quentin Road between West IL Route 22 and Ensell Road near Hawthorn Woods. Full story.
Russell leaves Chicago with warm Cubs memories
Thursday was a day of mixed emotions for James Russell. The Cubs traded the veteran left-handed reliever to the Atlanta Braves along with infielder-outfielder Emilio Bonifacio. In return, the Cubs got catching prospect Victor Caratini. "It's kind of hard to wrap your head around it," Russell said. "It's obviously a shock. I kind of knew things were going to happen. There's nothing you can really do to prepare yourself for this." Full story.
Briggs appreciates where he's at
Lance Briggs has been to seven Pro Bowls, but none since the 2011 season. Still, as he prepares for his 12th NFL campaign, the Bears' linebacker is confident enough to joke about his "depreciation." In reality, the 33-year-old Briggs is still one of the key components on a defense looking for a resurrection after bottoming out in 2013. Full story.