Afternoon news update: June 17, 2015

Flood warnings remain in effect across Illinois, and at least one community has evacuated residents and businesses as a precaution. People in Utica in LaSalle County have been ordered to evacuate low-lying areas near the Illinois River. Portions of the Des Plaines, Fox, DuPage, Little Wabash and Big Muddy rivers are also under flood warnings.
Illinois lawmakers have approved legislation that would grant amnesty to underage drinkers who call 911 to get help. The plan would provide legal protection to the person in need of medical help and the person who called on their behalf. The House approved the measure with a final vote Tuesday, which means it will be sent to Governor Bruce Rauner.
The Better Business Bureau is warning Chicago Blackhawks fans looking to buy Stanley Cup championship gear to make sure it’s the real thing. Counterfeit hats, t-shirts and jerseys can pop up quickly to suit the demand. Some things you want to look out for include the NHL hologram – it should be on all licensed merchandise, logos that aren’t crisp and clean, and don’t buy anything online that’s not a licensed site.
The definition of a service animal has changed in Beaver Dam, Wisconsin, after a woman took a baby kangaroo into a local McDonald’s restaurant. The woman has said the kangaroo, wrapped in a blanket and carried in a car seat, is a therapy animal to help her cope with emotional distress. The city's Common Council now defines a service animal as a dog or miniature horse, but not a kangaroo.
A gas station is robbed at gunpoint early this morning. Police say an armed man entered the Road Ranger at 3730 N. Alpine around 5:20 a.m. The suspect, described as a black male, 25-30 years old, 5'9'' and 180 lbs demanded money from the cashier. If you have any information about this crime, contact Crimestoppers.
With a lot more rain in the forecast this week, the Illinois Emergency Management Agency is urging people to be careful near floodwaters. IEMA spokesperson Patti Thompson says they’ve already seen areas of flash flooding and some rivers overflowing their banks. She says the number one concern with flooding is people trying to make it through a flooded roadway. Thompson says the same goes for people trying to walk through floodwaters where they can easily be swept off their feet. In addition, floodwaters may contain sewer overflows or harmful chemicals so it’s especially important to stay clear. Flood warnings remain in effect around Illinois, and at least one community has evacuated residents and businesses as a precaution. The Lasalle County village of Utica ordered people to evacuate low-lying areas near the Illinois river. Some of the same areas experienced flooding in 2008 and 2013.

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