During a weekend with storms and an "incredible" amount of rainfall, severe weather led to a woman's death when a tree fell on a camper trailer.
Heavy rainfall also led to the cancellation or postponement of numerous fireworks displays over the July 4 weekend and prompted officials to restrict boating and close numerous trails due to dangerously high water levels.
Meanwhile, the gruesome discovery of a partial severed arm in a central Illinois lake led police to find additional body parts—and arrest two people who are reportedly close to the victim.
Plus, NASCAR returned to the Chicagoland Speedway for the holiday weekend after a seven-year absence.
Days after boaters found part of a man’s arm in a lake in central Illinois, Illinois State Police said two people have been arrested in his dismemberment, and more charges are expected.
Officials say the woman was the only person inside the camper when the tree fell during severe storms.
Seven years after its last NASCAR Cup Series event, Chicagoland Speedway welcomed fans back for a Fourth of July weekend.
In an audio recording, the pilot described feeling "a big bang" on the side of the plane and saying the crew hoped it was "just a mortar."
Police received numerous 911 calls of a man sexually or physically assaulting women. When they found him, police said the man "had removed all of his clothing and was completely naked."
The man last contacted a family member by phone around 8 p.m. Sunday, but has not been seen or heard from since. His phone also now appears to be out of service, police said.
Two days earlier, the speaker said investigations into allegations of misconduct had been completed, and "the Legislative Inspector General's findings reveal clear patterns of conduct by Representative Benton that are outrageous, unethical, and unbecoming of a member of the Illinois House of Representatives."
Police said some teens also lit off fireworks in the direction of officers and other attendees at the July 4 celebration.
"If you see someone in distress on the water, call 911 immediately. Do not attempt a rescue yourself unless you have the proper training and equipment," the forest preserve said.
Guests were evacuated from the hotel when the late-night fire broke out.
The driver faces an extensive list of charges, including reckless homicide and aggravated driving under the influence, police said.
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