Dawn Patrol: Muslims speak after Walsh comment; Antioch firefighter charged
Suburban Muslims say they are becoming ‘punching bag’ for GOP
Suburban Muslims say their religion is becoming a “punching bag” for Republicans. The comments come after Congressman Joe Walsh claimed the threat of “radical Islam” is “much more of a threat at home now than it was right after 9/11.” Full story.
Former Antioch firefighter charged with sexually assaulting teen
A former employee of the Antioch Fire Department has been charged with aggravated criminal sexual abuse of a 15-year-old girl, according to police. Matthew Bilecki is accused of bringing the girl to his home, getting her intoxicated with alcohol and having sex with her, according to the Lake County sheriff’s office. Bilecki is set to appear in bond court this morning. Full story.
Des Plaines man who beat dog sentenced to 30 months in prison
A man who struck his dog in the face multiple times and choked it has been sentenced to 30 months in prison and will not be allowed to own an animal for 20 years. James Wesolaski, 51, of Des Plaines admitted to striking his Lhasa apso in June. Police said the capillaries in the dog’s eyes were broken, indicating it had been choked. Full story.
Mundelein man dies in river rafting accident
A 59-year-old Mundelein man was killed in a river rafting accident earlier this week in Michigan’s Upper Peninsula. Police say Mark D. Fackler was thrown from a raft after it struck a rock and went airborne in the rapids of the Menominee River. His wife was able to make it to shore, but authorities found Fackler’s body trapped underwater between rocks hours later, police said. Full story.
Winner of Suburban Chicago’s Got Talent to be announced Saturday
The winner and Fan Favorite of Suburban Chicago’s Got Talent will be revealed at the Taste of Arlington Heights Saturday, which starts at 3 p.m. near Vail Avenue and Campbell Street. The final five contestants will perform for the crowd, then winners will be announced. The top prize is a trip to audition for NBC-TV’s “America’s Got Talent.” The Fan Favorite gets a Funjet vacation for two. Full story.
Weather
Cloudy and extremely cool today with a high of only 73 degrees this afternoon. It will only be about 64 degrees when you head out the door this morning, and will dip back to 53 degrees tonight when you head off to sleep. Full story.
Traffic
Construction continues on Pingree Road between Cog Circle and Grandview Drive in Crystal Lake. The roadway is scheduled to be closed until mid-October as the roadway is rebuilt and widened. People who can use Illinois Route 31 between US Route 14 and Crystal Lake Avenue as a detour.
Bears lose preseason opener
The offense never showed up on a rainy Thursday night as the Denver Broncos beat the Bears by a final of 31-3. Broncos Quarterback Peyton Manning played one series for the Broncos, but was picked off by safety Major Wright on the three yard line. Bears Quarterback Jay Cutler didn’t play at all. Full story.
Cubs rookies get first taste of Wrigley Field
Even Cubs staff members were finding it hard to get used to the new look and feel of the Wrigley Field clubhouse last night, according to beat writer Bruce Miles. While Rookie Brett Jackson was in the starting lineup for his first game at the Friendly Confines, fellow call-up Josh Vitters started the game on the bench. “I finally got a little sleep the last couple nights, which is nice,” Jackson said before the game. “I’m starting to settle in a little bit. This is a whole new experience, though, playing in Chicago tonight.” Full story.