🌷 Good Morning, DuPage!
Spring Warmth, Sunny Friday!
Good morning, DuPage! Get ready for a beautiful Friday with a high of 79°F and a comfortable low of 53°F under a few clouds. Looks like a perfect day to enjoy the spring warmth!
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🐝Top Stories
DuPage Activates Regional Flood Controls After Storm Surge
Following several days of intense and consistent precipitation, DuPage County Stormwater Management has officially activated its network of regional flood control facilities. Major sites, including the Elmhurst Quarry, Wood Dale-Itasca Reservoir, and the Fawell Dam in Naperville, are currently operational to divert excess water from Salt Creek and the West Branch of the DuPage River. Officials are monitoring water levels closely as the system acts as a massive "safety valve" to protect low-lying residential areas from the recent spring soaking.
Metra’s 2026 Blueprint: UP-West Line and Local Crossing Upgrades
Metra has unveiled its comprehensive 2026 Construction Program, and commuters on the Union Pacific West Line can expect significant progress this season. Work is nearing completion on the replacement of the Kedzie station platforms, a key bottleneck for the line. Locally, the village of Clarendon Hills will see road crossing replacements at Prospect Avenue, while Naperville drivers should prepare for upcoming work at the Loomis Street crossing. These projects are part of a multi-million dollar effort to modernize aging infrastructure and improve safety at high-traffic pedestrian junctions.
Elmhurst Advances Major Watermain Infrastructure Project
The City of Elmhurst is moving forward with Project 26-01, a massive watermain improvement initiative aimed at upgrading the city's aging delivery system. The project, which is currently open for bids, will focus on replacing sections of cast-iron pipe with modern, more durable materials to reduce water loss and prevent the winter main breaks that have historically plagued the York Street corridor. This is one of several municipal projects aiming to future-proof local utilities before the peak of the summer heat.
🌿Quick Hits
Cubs vs. Mets: The North Siders host the New York Mets at Wrigley Field. First pitch is at 1:20 PM.
White Sox at Athletics: The Sox are on the West Coast for a late-night matchup against the Athletics in California. First pitch at 8:40 PM.
Giving DuPage Days: The seventh annual community fundraiser is officially open. It’s the county’s largest online giving event to support over 100 local non-profits.
🦋 Events this Week
The Best Local Events from the Area
Fri, Apr 17 — Bird Walk · Danada · 7:30 - 9:30a · $5 — Details →
Register on FPDC websiteFri, Apr 17 — Live Music: Rob Russo · Arrowhead Golf Club Restaurant & Bar, Wheaton, IL · 7 - 10p · Free — Details →
Reservations SuggestedSat, Apr 18 — Spritz Stroll 2026 · Downtown Wheaton · 2 - 5p · $45/$35 — Details →
Sun, Apr 19 — Boutique Wedding Expo · Brewpoint Craft 617 N. York St, Elmhurst · 10a - 2p · Free — Details →
🌦️ On This Day
On This Day in 1986, a truly wild 'state of war' between the Netherlands and the Isles of Scilly officially ended after a whopping 335 years. Turns out, it was more of a legal technicality than actual conflict, but still, imagine a war lasting that long without a single shot fired!
🐞 Local Fun Fact
Did You Know before it was a suburban hub near O'Hare, Wood Dale was known as Lester’s Station? It named after early settler John Lester.
🌼 That's it for today.
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