Dawn Patrol: Viking ship replica arrives; Duckworth to speak tonight
Viking ship arrives, just like vessel now in Geneva did in 1893
For the first time in 123 years yesterday, a dragon head ship from Norway sailed into harbor in Chicago. Almost as rare among the participants in Navy Pier's annual Tall Ships exhibition, the Viking vessel Draken Harald Hårfagre then lowered its red silk sail so its crew of 33 could row into port with oars. The ship mimicked that of the ship now in a Geneva park. Full story.
Duckworth to speak tonight at convention
The profile of the already closely watched race for U.S. Senate could rise further with Democratic Rep. Tammy Duckworth of Hoffman Estates set to speak tonight at the main stage of the Democratic National Convention. Her speech on Democrats' final day in Philadelphia contrasts with last week's Republican National Convention, where incumbent U.S. Sen. Mark Kirk of Highland Park steered clear of the event after loudly criticizing GOP nominee Donald Trump. Full story.
DuPage County Fair kicks off
People crowded around the midway of the DuPage County Fairgrounds to watch the DuPage County Fair kick off its five-day run yesterday with a parade. Many cheered for The Pack Drumline and Dance Crew as its dancers moved to the beat of the music, while the West Suburban Home School Marching Band performed, extreme pogo stick riders flipped through the air, and tall tractors moved along the road. The fair continues today. Full story.
Two firefighters hospitalized after blaze at Crystal Lake Central
A fire at Crystal Lake Central High School yesterday afternoon sent two firefighters to the hospital, officials said. Full story.
United flight diverted to O'Hare after threat
A United flight from Newark, N.J., was diverted to O'Hare International Airport last night after a threat was made against it, officials said. Full story.
Naperville man charged with arson in tent fire
A 71-year-old Naperville man has been charged with arson, accused of setting fire to a tent belonging to a well-known Naperville squatter, authorities said Wednesday. Full story.
Weather
Cloudy and 72 degrees this morning. Temperatures are expected to hit 82 degrees this afternoon, then dip back to 70 degrees overnight. Thunderstorms are possible in the late afternoon to evening hours. Full story.
Traffic
Work will cause restrictions on US Route 14 in Crystal Lake between Lucas Road and Crystal Lake Avenue. Full story.
Cubs' turn as crosstown series moves to Wrigley
Chicago White Sox starting pitcher Anthony Ranaudo was enjoying a special night last night at Wrigley Field until some mighty swings by second-year sluggers vaulted the Chicago Cubs to an 8-1 Crosstown Series victory. Ranaudo had a no-hitter going for a while. Full story.
Chicago Bears out to prove naysayers wrong
Three-time Pro Bowl offensive lineman Kyle Long, the Bears' best player, knows the disrespectful things being said about his team around the league, and he doesn't care for it. "I'm not thinking about it," Long said. "I know the team's not thinking about it. I know that it's not guiding our decision-making throughout the day." Full story.
Imrem: Cutler just might be Chicago Bears QB forever
Jay Cutler is back again at Bears training camp, like a stranger who shows up at a family picnic every summer even if it's not his family. All-pro quarterbacks might last that long with one team even if they don't win a Super Bowl, but nobody has mistaken Cutler for an all-pro quarterback. It wouldn't be surprising if Cutler is still the Bears quarterback when either Ivanka Trump or Chelsea Clinton is sworn in as president of the United States. Full story by Mike Imrem.