‘Military helicopters’ in formation over Chicago: What we know

CHICAGO — The skies over the city’s lakefront and downtown may be a little more crowded and noisier over the next couple of days.

An alert from Chicago’s Office of Emergency Management and Communications said “military helicopters” will be flying in formation as part of practice for “upcoming flyovers that will take place during events today and this weekend.”

The OEMC didn’t specify any other details about the flights, but the alert accompanied reminders about fireworks (they’re banned statewide and the city has an additional ban on sparklers and bottle rockets) and beach safety (be mindful of swimming conditions and only go in the water when a lifeguard is on duty).

The second annual NASCAR Chicago Street Race is being held Saturday and Sunday in and around Grant Park. Visitors in the area are reminded to make note of numbers attached to poles from 5700 North DuSable Lake Shore Drive to 6600 South North DuSable Lake Shore Drive. Those numbers are location identifiers that can be used as meeting points or help authorities in the event of an emergency.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WGN-TV.