Dawn Patrol: Cardinal George at service; Boy gets his wish

Cardinal George helps Mundelein church celebrate 150th anniversary

St. Mary of the Annunciation Parish in Fremont Center celebrated its 150th anniversary yesterday with two special guests, including Cardinal Francis George, making one of his final appearances as cardinal before handing over the reins to successor Blase Cupich. Full story.

Make-A-Wish helps Arlington Heights boy become a Jedi

Lukas Swanson will soon head west to realize one of his life dreams - studying to be a Jedi Knight. The Arlington Heights boy, who will turn 6 later this month, received a trip to Disneyland to participate in the Jedi Training Academy show from the Make-A-Wish Foundation. Swanson was born with a rare and life-threatening liver disease, and in 2012 underwent a full liver transplant operation. Full story.

Cantigny Civil War event brings era to life

Karen Mattucci of Naperville had to admit that she didn't recognize famed military leader and former President Ulysses S. Grant when he appeared on the grounds at Cantigny Park, riding his horse, Jack. "I thought he was just another soldier," she said, smiling. "If I'd known, I probably would have called him 'Mister President' or something." Grant was just one of the historical figures who shared their stories with Cantigny visitors during the annual Civil War Re-Enactment, which took place Saturday and yesterday at the park in Wheaton. Full story.

Salary increase a sticking point in Dist. 75 teacher's contract talks

The Mundelein Elementary District 75 School Board says one sticking point in the contract negotiations with the district's teachers is the amount of a salary increase teachers will receive, according to a letter sent to parents yesterday. The board and the Mundelein Elementary Education Association have been negotiating a new contract to replace the old terms that expired June 30th. Full story.

Five ill from carbon monoxide poisoning in Vernon Hills

A faulty furnace is to blame for the carbon monoxide poisoning illnesses of five Vernon Hills residents yesterday afternoon, according to the Countryside Fire Protection District. The five people affected, all residents of a house on the 300 block of Sutcliffe Circle, complained of headaches and vomiting, District Battalion Chief Brian Garrity said. Full story.

Weather

Cloudy and cool with high temperatures this afternoon around 56 degrees. Temperatures will be 47 degrees when you head out the door. Lows tonight should be around 50 degrees. Full story.

Traffic

Construction continues on Route 31 between Trinity Drive and James R Rakow Road in Crystal Lake. People should expect heavy delays and may want to seek alternate routes. Full story.

Bears' loss to Panthers a total team failure

Blame whomever you want for the Bears' second straight second-half collapse because it was a total team failure in the second half yesterday that allowed the Panthers to score 24 of the game's final 27 points and prevail 31-24. Carolina had lost its previous two games by a combined score of 75-29. The Panthers also played Sunday without their three best running backs, all out with injuries, and they gave the Bears the ball three times on 2 fumbles and an interception. But the Panthers still had enough to drop the Bears to 2-3 and improve their own record to 3-2. Full story.

Rozner: Bears searching for wins, identity

Daily Herald sports columnist Barry Rozner writes that, after the Bears' loss yesterday, "Now it's fair to question everything." ... "Good luck figuring out the 2014 Chicago Bears, who have yet to play two halves in a game this season and are probably fortunate to be alive in the playoff race. From half to half, the Bears on both sides of the ball seem to carry a different personality, and that's the responsibility of the coaching staff." Full column.

Imrem: Embarrassment the only word for Bears loss

Daily Herald sports columnist Mike Imrem writes that "The Bears should be as embarrassed as a football team could be. Head coach Marc Trestman should be. Quarterback Jay Cutler should be. Running back Matt Forte should be. The defense should be. The special teams should be." Full column.