Dawn Patrol: Duckworth addresses Democrats; Gurnee plant fire

Duckworth addresses Democratic National Convention

U.S. Rep. Tammy Duckworth told the Democratic National Convention on its final night that she owed her political career to the crew that saved her life after her Black Hawk helicopter was shot down in Iraq in 2004. The Hoffman Estates Democrat's political career hinges on the November election, when she faces a tough, high-profile race for U.S. Senate against Republican Sen. Mark Kirk of Highland Park. Full story.

Attorney general: Duckworth workplace retaliation settlement offer final

After two women suing congresswoman Tammy Duckworth announced they were rejecting a settlement deal, Illinois Attorney General Lisa Madigan's office said yesterday it is viewing the agreement as final. Full story.

Gurnee fire leader: Massive propane plant fire explosion averted

Crews from more than 30 suburban fire departments prevented a seven-alarm blaze at a Gurnee propane gas business yesterday afternoon from igniting several large stores of propane at the facility, avoiding a massive explosion, fire officials said. “I would say — without question — the greatest amount of danger that could have occurred in that situation was averted,” Gurnee Fire Lt. Joe Arnold said. Full story.

Official: Hostage situation at Cook County jail ends peacefully

A hostage situation in a maximum security section of the Cook County Jail yesterday ended with minor injuries, sheriff's officials said. Two inmates took control of a tier in division 10, a medical section within the facility on California Avenue, about 4:30 p.m., officials said. Full story.

Storms bring heavy rains, flooding, cancel flights

Isolated storms created flash flooding and other hazards in the suburbs yesterday. Heavy rain and flooding forced Wood Dale officials to cancel last night's opening of Prairie Fest. The festival is next scheduled to begin tonight. Full story.

Westchester teen flies with actor Harrison Ford

Neither “Star Wars” nor Indiana Jones came up during the 15 to 20 minutes Jodie Gawthrop spent flying above Oshkosh with actor Harrison Ford. Mostly, the Westchester teen and the movie star talked about their shared love of aviation during the yesterday afternoon flight, the 2 millionth sponsored by the Experimental Aircraft Association as part of its Young Eagles program, which promotes young people's interest in aviation. Full story.

Weather

Mostly cloudy and 71 degrees this morning. Temperatures are expected to reach 80 degrees this afternoon, then dip to 69 degrees in the evening. A shower or thunderstorm is possible in the late afternoon and evening. Full story.

Traffic

Construction has closed Fairfield Road between Route 132 and Petite Lake Road in Lake Villa. Full traffic.

Lackey outduels Sale as Chicago Cubs earn split

What kind of pep talk did Chicago Cubs manager Joe Maddon give pitcher John Lackey before the veteran right-hander snapped a personal five-game losing streak in a 3-1 victory over Chris Sale and the Chicago White Sox last night at Wrigley Field? The silent kind. Full story.