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Daily Archive : Tuesday January 1, 2013

News

Fans celebrate Northwestern's win, bear with NIU loss
By Mick Zawislak and Tara García Mathewson
Suburbanites traveled to Florida for Northwestern's Gator Bowl matchup against Mississippi State and Northern Illinois University's faceoff with Florida State University. Some made the day-long drive while others flew and whether their teams won or lost, fans were glad to be there.
Newspapers help to tell story of American Revolution
By Susan Dibble
Long before social media was credited with igniting the Arab Spring revolution in the Middle East, colonial newspapers helped unite and motivate Americans to throw off the yoke of Great Britain. Todd Andrik, a leading authority on 18th century newspapers, argues without the newspapers the American Revolution might not have happened in his book "Reporting the Revolutionary War: Before It Was...
In Hollywood, suburban strengths shine through
By Dann Gire
Even before we started our “From Suburbs to Showbiz” news team, we knew people from the suburbs were something special. We quickly found out how right we were. Every time we talked to local people who've made it big in show business, we heard testimonials about the strengths and qualities that come from growing up around here. It's not that they're any better than the others. It's...
2013 brings higher license fees, safeguards against school violence
By Mike Riopell State Government Writer
New state laws that take effect Jan. 1 will raise annual license plate sticker costs by $2 and tax strip club visits to help fund sex crime prevention efforts.More new laws range from an effort to stop school violence like the stabbing of Elgin teacher Carolyn Gilbert several years ago to more obscure legislation like a ban on shark fin soup.
DuPage Birding Club invites guests on field trips
By Jeff Reiter
Get out, enjoy the fresh air, enjoy the winter beauty. The public is invited to join DuPage Birding Club members on the following winter field trips. All skill levels are welcome, including beginners and children ages 10 and up.
Cliff avoided: Congress staves off tax hikes
Associated Press
Past its own New Year's deadline, a weary Congress sent President Barack Obama legislation to avoid a national "fiscal cliff" of middle class tax increases and spending cuts late Tuesday night in the culmination of a struggle that strained America's divided government to the limit.
$275 million more for Illinos roads this year
Assocaited Press
Illinois could have $275 million more for road and bridge projects this year if lawmakers approve a Department of Transportation funding plan, according to a summary obtained Tuesday by The Associated Press.
Algonquin couple rings in new year with first baby born in Kane County
By Susan Sarkauskas
An Algonquin couple's fifth child claimed first baby honors of the New Year for Kane County Tuesday morning at Sherman Hospital in Elgin. Isabel Hernandez entered the world at 8:43 a.m. In McHenry County, the first baby title belongs to Christopher Canache. He was born at 12:10 a.m. at Centegra Hospital in Woodstock, to Daniela and Pedro Canache of Huntley.
Runner-up for DuPage’s first baby ‘something special,’ mom predicts
By Susan Sarkauskas
The first baby of 2013 born in DuPage County arrived at 12:29 a.m. at Central DuPage Hospital in Winfield. Not far behind was Isabella Katalin, born at 12:50 a.m. at Adventist Hinsdale Hospital.
Fire leaves Woodridge home uninhabitable
By Tara García Mathewson
A fire at a Woodridge home on Tuesday was extinguished with no injuries to occupants or responders, officials said. Lisle-Woodridge Fire Protection District Battalion Chief Jeff Toepper said the call came in at 2:14 p.m., and crews arrived to see smoke — but no flames — coming from the home. The fire was out quickly, and firefighters remained on the scene for more than an hour to help...
Chicago finishes 2012 with 506 homicides
Associated Press
Chicago Police say the city finished 2012 with 506 homicides, about 16 percent more than were recorded in 2011.The total, 71 more than the 435 committed in 2011, was the highest for the city since 2008, when 512 homicides were recorded
Many weddings as gay marriage becomes legal in Md.
Associated Press
Same-sex couples in Maryland were greeted with cheers and noisemakers held over from New Year's Eve parties, as gay marriage became legal in the first state south of the Mason-Dixon Line on New Year's Day.
Sandy Hook students, teachers head back to school
Associated Press
Since escaping a gunman's rampage at their elementary school, the 8-year-old Connors triplets have suffered nightmares, jumped at noises and clung to their parents a little more than usual. Now parents like David Connors are bracing to send their children back to school, nearly three weeks after the shooting rampage at Sandy Hook Elementary School in Newtown. It won't be easy.
Brain image study: Fructose may spur overeating
Associated Press
Scientists have used imaging tests to show for the first time that fructose, a sugar that saturates the American diet, can trigger brain changes that may lead to overeating.After drinking a fructose beverage, the brain doesn't register the feeling of being full as it does when simple glucose is consumed, researchers found.
Villa Park fire kills woman, dog
By Tara García Mathewson
A Villa Park woman and her dog died in an apartment fire Sunday that is still under investigation, according to fire officials. The Villa Park Fire Department arrived just three minutes after an 11:16 a.m. call about a fire in a four-unit apartment complex in the 300 block of North Princeton Avenue. They found the woman, 58, already unresponsive.
Meet author Travis Thrasher at Geneva bookstore
By Amy Williams
Local author Travis Thrasher will read from his latest novel at the Geneva Barnes and Noble along the Randall Road corridor this week. The popular young adult author will be on hand at 6 p.m. Friday, Jan. 4, at the store in Geneva Commons, 102 Commons Drive.
Comedy, improv workshops available
Daily Herald report
Adult stand-up, improv comedy, acting, and commercial voice over workshops are being offered by Improv Playhouse in Libertyville beginning Jan. 14. Workshops are designed for the beginner to advanced participant, and feature staff from Improv Playhouse, Goodman, Straw Dog, House Theatre, Second City, and nationally booked entertainment business professionals.
Audubon members share tales Jan. 7
Daily Herald report
In a departure from its regular format, the Lake County Audubon Society will feature multiple speakers at its meeting from 7:30 to 9 p.m. Monday, Jan. 7 at the Libertyville village hall, 118 W. Cook Ave. Several members will tell true stories related to different aspects of nature. Pictures will accompany some of the accounts.
Gurnee library candidate drawing Wednesday
Daily Herald report
Warren-Newport Public Library District in Gurnee on Wednesday will settle the ballot positioning for candidates in the April election. A lottery for simultaneous filers for library trustee candidates will take place at 11:30 a.m. in the library's McCullough board room.
Elgin man faces drug charges
By Susan Sarkauskas
An Elgin man appeared in Kane County bond court Tuesday morning on felony charges of possession of cocaine and marijuana with intent to deliver. Carlos Islas, 21, faces 4 to 30 years in prison if convicted of the most serious charge, possession of a controlled substance (cocaine) with intent to deliver.
Illinois Sen. Kirk to return a year after stroke
Associated Press
Nearly a year after a stroke left him barely able to move the left side of his body, U.S. Sen. Mark Kirk is expected to climb the 45 steps to the Senate's front door this week — a walk that's significant not just for Illinois' junior senator, but also for medical researchers and hundreds of thousands of stroke patients.It's estimated only one-third of patients return to work after a stroke,...
North Chicago man dies three days after fall
Daily Herald report
A 50-year-old North Chicago man died early Tuesday three days after collapsing outside his mother's home. Gregory Phrall was talking with some people in an alley at his mother's home on Saturday morning when he collapsed, according to Lake County Coroner Thomas Rudd.
Over the fiscal cliff: Soft or hard landing?
Associated Press
The Senate on Tuesday approved a bill to prevent the nation from going over a Jan. 1 "fiscal cliff." The legislation is now in the hands of the House, which is expected to vote on it Tuesday or Wednesday; if the House approves, it would go to the White House for President Barack Obama's signature. A look at why it's so hard for Republicans and Democrats to compromise on urgent matters of taxes...
Survivor: Bus crash like dream of 'world ending'
Associated Press
Investigators in Oregon are trying to piece together the final moments before a tour bus carrying 48 people careened down the side of a steep hillside, ejecting some of the passengers and killing nine. Police said Monday they still weren't sure how fast the bus was travelling before the crash on a partly icy highway in a rural mountain pass east of Pendleton. The bus was carrying tourists, many...
Israeli-Palestinian clashes erupt in West Bank
Associated Press
Palestinians say a raid by Israeli soldiers disguised as vegetable vendors to seize members of a militant group has sparked clashes in the northern West Bank. Residents in the town of Tamoun say youths are tossing stones and bottles at Israeli troops, while the soldiers have responded with what appears to be live fire.
61 killed in New Year's stampede in Ivory Coast
Associated Press
Authorities say that at least 61 people were killed in a stampede when New Year's revels turned into a panicked stampede in Abidjan, Ivory Coast's commercial center.State radio and a fire department rescue worker, who refused to give his name, said that many more people were injured in the incident at about 2 a.m. after a fireworks display in the Plateau district of Abidjan.
Colorado gets members-only clubs for legal pot use
Associated Press
With reggae music pumping in the background and flashing disco-style lights, members of the recreational pot club lit up in celebration of the new year — and a new place to smoke legally among friends. Club 64, in an industrial area just north of downtown Denver, opened at 4:20 p.m. on Monday, with some 200 people signed up. The opening came less than 24 hours after organizers announced...
OSHA cites worker safety violations at Libertyville health club
By Bob Susnjara
Federal authorities are threatening penalties totaling $60,000 against a Libertyville health club for purportedly failing to provide personal protective equipment to employees who worked with hazardous chemicals. Officials announced the proposed action Monday against the parent company of XSport Fitness. The U.S. Department of Labor's Occupational Safety and Health Administration said an...
World looks to 2013 after violence, economic woes
Associated Press
As the world rang in 2013 with spectacular fireworks displays and showers of confetti, the specter of economic uncertainty and searing violence dimmed some festivities and weighed on the minds of revelers hoping for a better year. "With all the sadness in the country, we're looking for some good changes in 2013," Laura Concannon, of Hingham, Mass., said as she, her husband, Kevin, and his parents...
Calif. ban draws interest in using hounds to hunt
Associated Press
After Jan. 1, California hunters will no longer be able to use dogs to hunt bobcats and bears
West Coast girds for more tsunami debris in winter
Associated Press
Volunteers who patrol California beaches for plastic, cigarette butts and other litter will be on the lookout this winter for flotsam from last year's monstrous tsunami off Japan's coast. Armed with index-size cards, beachcombers will log water bottles, buoys, fishing gear and other possessions that might have sailed across the Pacific to the 1,100-mile shoreline.
Duckworth to be sworn into Congress on Thursday
Associated Press
Congressman-elect Tammy Duckworth, an Iraq war veteran, will be sworn into the U.S. House of Representatives at the Disabled American Veterans office in Washington. Duckworth's office made the announcement Monday. She will be sworn in on Thursday afternoon to represent Illinois' 8th Congressional District.The Democrat was elected in November to the U.S. House, defeating first-term Republican...
Oswego family back home after mom delivers baby along Reagan Tollway
By Robert Sanchez
Megan Martinez knew time was critical when she woke around 7:30 a.m. and realized she was in labor. What the Oswego woman never expected is that she would give birth to a baby girl less than an hour later along I-88. Martinez' husband, Chad, helped her deliver the baby at 8:27 a.m. in the back seat of the SUV. "It was a blessing and a miracle," Megan said.

Sports

Northwestern finally gets bowl monkey off its back
By The Sports Xchange
Northwestern ended a postseason drought that lasted six decades before the run of defeats reached double digits. The Wildcats won a bowl game for the first time in 64 years — taking down Southeastern Conference rep Mississippi State 34-20 in the Gator Bowl at EverBank Field. After taking leads of 13-0 and 27-13, Northwestern (10-3) resisted the urge to implode as it did in its 3 losses this season and had an answer for the Bulldogs (8-5) every time.
NIU can't overcome Florida State
Associated Press
Anxious to avoid an Orange Bowl shocker, the Florida State Seminoles kept getting tricked. An onside kick fooled them, as did a fake punt, and a pooch punt by Northern Illinois' star quarterback. But the final score was no surprise. Florida State had too much speed and depth for the Huskies and pulled away for a 31-10 victory Tuesday night. "Definitely the best defense we played all year," Huskies QB Jordan Lynch said.
Bears GM knows what he’s looking for in new coach
By Bob LeGere
Bears general manager Phil Emery has a lengthy list of qualifications he's looking for in the team's next head coach, and he's no tlimiting his search. He would like to complete the process as soon as possible but not if it means compromising on thoroughness.
Bulls tipoff
Orlando Magic at the Amway Center, 6 p.m.TV: Comcast SportsNetRadio: ESPN AM-1000Update: The Magic (12-19) has lost six in a row, but 4 of the losses were by 4 points or fewer. In Monday’s overtime loss to Miami, center Nikola Vucevic piled up 20 points and a franchise-record 29 rebounds. Orlando’s losing streak began at the same time PF Glen Davis (16.0 ppg) was lost with a left-shoulder strain; he’s expected to miss 4-6 weeks. PG Jameer Nelson has missed the past two games with a hip injury, leaving SG Arron Afflalo (17.0 ppg) and J.J. Redick (14.4 ppg) as the team’s top scorers. The Bulls have won four straight in Orlando.Next: Miami Heat at American Airlines Arena, 6:30 p.m. Friday — Mike McGraw
Status of Bulls’ Hinrich, Noah unclear
By Mike McGraw
The availability of Kirk Hinrich and Joakim Noah for Wednesday's game in Orlando is unclear. Hinrich sat out Monday's loss to Charlotte with a sore knee and Noah skipped practice because of an illness.
Small step for Bulls’ Rose, but it’s a step
By Mike McGraw
The day after the Bulls sent their booing fans streaming for the exits in a loss to lowly Charlotte, they changed the subject with some news about Derrick Rose.He won't be playing Wednesday against Orlando, but he did do something for the first time all season.
Bears GM should be looking for next great coach
By Mike Imrem
Instead of looking for an experienced full-service coach like Jon Gruden or Bill Cowher, maybe it wouldn't be such a bad idea for the Bears to break ground with the next Gruden or Cowher.
Stanford holds off Wisconsin in Rose Bowl
Associated Press
PASADENA, Calif. — Although Stanford didn’t score many style points in the 99th Rose Bowl, the Cardinal could celebrate because they didn’t let Wisconsin score any points at all after halftime.Stepfan Taylor rushed for 89 yards and an early touchdown, Kevin Hogan passed for 123 yards, and No. 8 Stanford won its first Rose Bowl since 1972, beating the Badgers 20-14 on Tuesday night.Usua Amanam made the decisive interception near midfield with 2:30 to play as the Pac-12 champion Cardinal (12-2) ended their four-decade drought in the Granddaddy of Them All with arguably the biggest bowl win yet during the long-struggling program’s recent renaissance.Stanford clamped down on the Big Ten champion Badgers (8-6), who lost the Rose Bowl in heartbreaking fashion for the third consecutive season. Montee Ball rushed for 100 yards and his FBS-record 83rd touchdown, but Wisconsin managed only 82 yards after halftime.With impressive defense of its own, Wisconsin still stayed in position for an upset in the one-game return of Hall of Fame coach Barry Alvarez, who was back on the Badgers’ sideline in his red sweater-vest seven years after hanging up his whistle.When Bret Bielema abruptly left Wisconsin for Arkansas after winning the Big Ten title game, Alvarez agreed to coach his fourth Rose Bowl before handing off his program to new coach Gary Andersen, who met with Alvarez on the field before the game.But the Badgers’ third straight Rose Bowl appearance ended in much the same way as the last two: With the Wisconsin offense failing to get the late score they desperately needed.Curt Phillips went 10 for 16 for 83 yards passing and that crucial interception for Wisconsin, doing more with 64 yards on the ground. Jordan Fredrick caught a short TD pass right before halftime, but no Badgers receiver had more than Jared Abbrederis’ three catches.And though Ball became the first player to score touchdowns in three Rose Bowls, the powerful back fell short of Ron Dayne’s career Rose Bowl rushing record, swarmed under by waves of tacklers from one of the toughest defenses in the nation.Kelsey Young rushed for a score on Stanford’s opening possession, and Taylor scored on the second. Wisconsin kept the Cardinal out of the end zone for the final 51 minutes, but Stanford’s defense didn’t need any more help.Stanford won its first conference title and earned its first Rose Bowl appearance in 13 years with seven straight wins. The Cardinal ousted top-ranked Oregon on the way to the biggest season yet in the improbable surge of success started by Jim Harbaugh and Andrew Luck, and extended by coach David Shaw and Hogan, who took over as the starter in November.Wisconsin returned to Pasadena in a much more roundabout way as the first five-loss team to make it, losing three overtime games and making the Big Ten title game only because Ohio State and Penn State were ineligible. The Badgers then steamrolled Nebraska to become the first Big Ten team in three straight Rose Bowls since Michigan in the late 1970s.The Cardinal led 14-0 on Taylor’s 3-yard TD run just 8½ minutes in, but Wisconsin finally got rolling behind Ball, who rushed for 296 yards in his first two Rose Bowls. Stanford stopped James White inside the 1 on fourth down early in the second quarter after a touchdown run by Ball was wiped out by a holding penalty, but Ball scored on the next drive.The Badgers then mounted an 85-yard drive in the waning 2 ½ minutes of the first half, with Phillips’ 38-yard run setting up Fredrick’s short TD catch to trim Stanford’s halftime lead to 17-14.After halftime adjustments, both defenses dominated the scoreless third quarter, allowing just three combined first downs.Wisconsin’s personal foul on a fair-catch punt return finally sparked Stanford early in the fourth quarter. Stanford got inside the Wisconsin 5 before stalling, and Jordan Williamson’s short field goal put the Cardinal up by six points with 4:23 to go.
Pennsylvania governor to sue NCAA over Penn State sanctions
Associated Press
Gov. Tom Corbett said Tuesday he plans to sue the NCAA in federal court over stiff sanctions imposed against Penn State University in the wake of the Jerry Sandusky child sexual abuse scandal.
Images from the 2013 Taxyslayer.com Gator Bowl
Images from the 2013 Taxyslayer.com Gator Bowl between the Mississippi State Bulldogs and the Northwestern Wildcats at EverBank Field in Jacksonville, Florida, Tuesday January 1, 2013. Northwestern won the contest 34 to 20.
Michigan loses back-and-forth battle
Associated Press
TAMPA, Fla. — Dylan Thompson came off the bench to throw a 32-yard touchdown pass with 11 seconds remaining Tuesday, giving No. 11 South Carolina a 33-28 victory over No. 19 Michigan in the Outback Bowl.Thompson replaced Connor Shaw during the winning drive, covering the final 43 yards after the Gamecocks’ starter began the march from his own 30. Devin Gardner’s third TD pass of the game had given Michigan a 28-27 lead.Shaw threw for 227 yards and two touchdowns after missing South Carolina’s regular-season finale against Clemson with a left foot sprain. Thompson led the Gamecocks (11-2) to a victory over their archrival and threw for 117 yards and two TDs as a backup Tuesday.Gardner threw for 214 yards in his fifth start for Michigan (8-5) since Denard Robinson injured his right elbow in late October. Robinson took some snaps at quarterback, but lined up mostly at running back and rushed for 100 yards on 23 carries.
Georgia holds off Huskers
Associated Press
ORLANDO, Fla. — Aaron Murray threw five touchdown passes to set a Georgia bowl record, including two in the fourth quarter, as the sixth-ranked Bulldogs beat No. 23 Nebraska 45-31 in the Capital One Bowl on Tuesday. Murray shook off a pair of first-half interceptions, including one returned for a touchdown, and passed for 427 yards — also a Bulldogs’ bowl record — against the nation’s top-ranked passing defense.Georgia (12-2) reached 12 wins for the third time in school history.Nebraska (10-4) lost its third consecutive bowl game, and finished the two season with two straight woeful defensive performances. The Cornhuskers lost the Big Ten championship game 70-31. The Cornhuskers led 24-23 at the half, but committed two of their three turnovers in the final 30 minutes.
Northwestern snaps drought with Gator Bowl win
By Mark Long
Behind huge interceptions early and late, No. 21 Northwestern beat Mississippi State 34-20 in the Gator Bowl and snapped college football's longest postseason losing streak Tuesday. The Wildcats (10-3) earned their first bowl game win since 1949, ending a nine-game losing skid that was tied for the longest in NCAA history. They also celebrated double-digit victories for the first time since the 1995 Rose Bowl season.
For Bears GM, playoffs were factor in firing
By Bob LeGere
Bears general manager Phil Emery said it was Lovie Smith's inability to get the team to the playoffs on a consistent basis that resulted in his firing after nine years as head coach.
Purdue smothered by Oklahoma State
Associated Press
DALLAS — Clint Chelf threw three of Oklahoma State’s five touchdown passes and the Cowboys shook off a disappointing Big 12 finish by dominating Purdue 58-14 in the Heart of Dallas Bowl on Tuesday.The Cowboys, a year removed from a Fiesta Bowl win that capped the best season in school history, forced five turnovers and had another short touchdown drive after a 64-yard punt return from Josh Stewart.It was the biggest bowl win for Oklahoma State since coach Mike Gundy was the quarterback in a 62-14 rout of Wyoming in the 1988 Holiday Bowl. The Cowboys (8-5) missed out on upper-tier bowls after narrow losses in their last two Big 12 games.With former Purdue quarterbacks Drew Brees and Kyle Orton watching, Robert Mavre didn’t get to 100 yards passing until Oklahoma State led 45-0 as the Boilermakers (6-7) fell to 0-4 on New Year’s Day.Leading 28-0 at halftime, Oklahoma State erased any lingering doubt three plays into the second half when Justin Gilbert stripped Purdue receiver O.J. Ross on a short completion. The loose ball shot straight to Daytawion Lowe, who ran 37 yards down the sideline in front of the Purdue bench for a 35-0 lead. Lowe’s score was the third fumble return for a touchdown at historic Cotton Bowl Stadium dating to the namesake bowl game that started in 1937 and moved to Cowboys Stadium in 2009. Oklahoma State’s 58 points were the most in a bowl game at the Fair Park stadium, topping the 55 scored by Keyshawn Johnson and Southern California against Texas Tech in 1995.The Cowboys pushed the lead to 45-0 on Chelf’s third touchdown pass, a leaping 37-yard grab in the end zone by Isaiah Anderson, who had 78 yards receiving. Chelf was 17 of 22 for 197 yards before J.W. Walsh replaced him in the third quarter. Walsh had two touchdown passes, and freshman Wes Lunt, who won the quarterback job in summer workouts before getting hurt during the season, played the last half of the fourth quarter.Purdue finally scored late in the third quarter when Mavre found a wide open Brandon Cottom for a 32-yard touchdown late in the third quarter. Mavre finished 21 of 34 for 212 yards and two touchdowns and two interceptions, but was just 11 of 20 for 80 yards before the first scoring drive.Gundy didn’t hide the disappointment of Oklahoma State’s bowl status sliding with an overtime loss to Oklahoma when the rival Sooners tied the score late in regulation, followed by a loss at Baylor to end the regular season. But the Cowboys seemed motivated enough against the Boilermakers.Oklahoma State went up 14-0 on a pair of short touchdown drives set up by a 64-yard punt return by Josh Stewart and Shamiel Gary’s interception of a pass tipped by Calvin Barnett. Both scores on came on passes from Chelf.Purdue answered with its best scoring chance of the first half when Akeem Shavers, who had 93 yards rushing, ran 24 yards to the Oklahoma State 23. After Gary made a strong tackle in the open field on third down, Sam McCartney missed a 34-yard field goal.The Cowboys then went 80 yards the other way, sparked by a 26-yard completion to Blake Jackson, who had a 7-yard scoring catch earlier. Oklahoma State scored on fourth-and-1 when Walsh, the short-yardage specialist, replaced Chelf and threw a 16-yard scoring pass to Jeremy Seaton. Trailing 21-0, the Boilermakers were in scoring range again when Marve threw high on fourth-and-2 to an open Kurt Freytag, who got a hand on the ball but couldn’t make a juggling catch. Purdue’s best moment came on its first possession when interim coach Patrick Higgins ran a fake punt from his 13, and punter Cody Webster easily picked up the first down with a 16-yard run. Webster ended up punting anyway five plays late.
Who might fill the NFL coaching openings
Associated Press
When NFL coaching jobs open, the names Jon Gruden, Bill Cowher and Tony Dungy immediately surface as potential candidates. Much more likely than any of those Super Bowl winners returning to the sideline for 2013 would be the hirings of more obscure assistant coaches such as Mike Zimmer, Mike McCoy and Gus Bradley. And Jon Gruden's younger brother, Jay.Sure, some of the best-known coaches, including Andy Reid, Lovie Smith and Ken Whisenhunt, who lost their jobs Monday, will be in the mix. So might college coaches Chip Kelly of Oregon and Bill O'Brien of Penn State.
NHL, union meet again. More talks on tap Tuesday
Associated Press
Hockey fans might have a reason to be a bit optimistic. The NHL and the players' association are back on speaking terms, are trading ideas, and already have plans to get back together after the first day of face-to-face meetings in nearly three weeks. The union responded to the NHL's most recent contract proposal with one of their own on Monday. And even before the league had a chance to review it with a fine-toothed comb, the sides decided they would meet again Tuesday. "We spent a good part of the afternoon with the players' association. They were responding to the proposal we made on Thursday," NHL Commissioner Gary Bettman said on a cold, wind-blown street outside's the league's New York headquarters. "Their response was a comprehensive one, dealing with the full slate of issues that we raised and proposals we put forth, and we're in the process of reviewing their response.
Smith among 7 NFL coaches sacked in firing frenzy
Associated Press
Andy Reid is the winningest coach in the history of the Philadelphia Eagles. Lovie Smith led the Chicago Bears to the 2007 Super Bowl. Now they're looking for work. Seven coaches and five general managers were fired Monday in a flurry of pink slips that were delivered the day after the regular-season ended. Ken Whisenhunt is out after helping Arizona reach the Super Bowl following the 2008 season. Also gone: Norv Turner in San Diego, Pat Shurmur in Cleveland, Romeo Crennel in Kansas City and Chan Gailey in Buffalo. Three teams made it a clean sweep, saying goodbye to the GM along with the coach — San Diego, Cleveland, Arizona. General managers also were fired in Jacksonville and New York, where Rex Ryan held onto his coaching job with the Jets despite a losing record.
Our experts: Tough call on baseball’s Hall
Daily Herald report
Mike Imrem, Barry Rozner, Bruce Miles and Scot Gregor present their ballots for the Baseball Hall of Fame in a landmark year that sees many controversial players — including Sammy Sosa — in contention for the honor.
Would Bears have kept Smith if he made playoffs?
By Mike North
While Mike North would have been OK if the Bears had kept Lovie Smith as their head coach, he admits Smith wasn't the best choice to develop offensive players. And he thinks it's time to dismiss Tony Romo as a good quarterback with so much other new talent in the NFL. Mike also shares some New Year's Day picks for a few bowl games.
Images: Daily Herald prep photos of the week
The Prep Photos of the Week gallery includes the best high school sports pictures by Daily Herald photographers. This week's gallery features photos from boys and girls basketball.

Business

California newspaper defies trend to shrink costs
Associated Press
New and expanded sections to cover business, automobiles and food. A nearly five-fold increase in community news pages and more investigative reporting. Even daily color comics. It feels like a throwback to an earlier era at the Orange County Register, where a first-time newspaper owner is defying conventional wisdom by spending heavily to expand the printed edition and playing down digital formats.
US may skirt ‘fiscal cliff’ but faces higher taxes
Associated Press
A last-ditch tax deal in the Senate might let the U.S. economy escape the worst of the so-called fiscal cliff and avoid going back into recession. But even if the House goes along, the tax increases likely coming in 2013 will dent economic growth anyway.
U.S. to seek more inspections of Boeing 737s
Associated Press
Federal safety officials said Monday they are ordering additional inspections of some Boeing 737 jets after a hole tore open in a Southwest Airlines plane during flight in 2009. The Federal Aviation Administration said that it will seek more detailed inspections for cracks along the tops of the planes. The FAA estimated that the cost of inspecting 109 older Boeing 737s will be about $5.2 million. The agency said it has no idea how many planes will need repairs.The order will cover 737-300, -400 and -500 models of the popular passenger aircraft. Southwest's entire fleet is Boeing 737s, although many are newer -700 and -800 models. The agency said repairs could cost up to $17,765 per plane, or $1.94 million for all 109 U.S.-registered planes covered by the order.
Arizona stadium proving Trojan horse for taxpayers
Bloomberg News
Glendale, Arizona's bet on becoming the Phoenix area's sports and entertainment hub is resulting in higher taxes, fired workers and rising penalties on its debt. The city confronts new budget cuts after agreeing last month to pay $308 million over the next 20 years to keep the National Hockey League's Phoenix Coyotes, which had the worst attendance in the NHL last season. After downgrades by both Standard & Poor's and Moody's Investors Service that cited the hockey payments, investors demanded a 7.5 percent higher penalty on city debt compared with 11 months ago.
Feds fail to stop rampant steroid use
Associated Press
A federal crackdown on illicit foreign supplies of human growth hormone has failed to stop rampant misuse, and instead has driven record sales of the drug by some of the world's biggest pharmaceutical companies, an Associated Press investigation shows. Unlike other prescription drugs, HGH may be prescribed only for specific uses. U.S. sales are limited by law to treat a rare growth defect in children and a handful of uncommon conditions.
Money from Sandy relief concert being put to work
Associated Press
Some of the biggest names in rock n' roll were on the bill for the nationally televised "12-12-12" concert benefiting victims of Superstorm Sandy, but the charity in charge of distributing donations has been thinking small when it comes to doling out the $50 million-plus raised by Bruce Springsteen, Paul McCartney, the Rolling Stones and other stars.
What the market looks like for 2013
Associated Press
It may be a big if, but assuming Washington lawmakers can get past the "fiscal cliff," many analysts say that the outlook for stocks next year is good, as a recovering housing market and an improving jobs outlook helps the economy maintain a slow, but steady recovery. Reasonable returns in 2013 would send the S&P 500 toward, and possibly past, its record close of 1,565 reached in October 2007.
Fewer U.S. banks failing as industry strengthens
Associated Press
U.S. banks are ending the year with their best profits since 2006 and fewer failures than at any time since the financial crisis struck in 2008. They're helping support an economy slowed by high unemployment, flat pay, sluggish manufacturing and anxious consumers. As the economy heals from the worst financial crisis since the Great Depression, more people and businesses are taking out — and repaying — loans.
Financial stocks were the biggest gainers of 2012
Associated Press
Financial stocks had a stellar year in 2012, leading the industry groups in the Standard & Poor's 500 index. Utility companies were the worst performing group. Nine of the 10 sectors in the index advanced in 2012.
Wall Street 2012: Rocky ride ends up
Associated Press
If you'd told investors what was going to happen in 2012 — U.S. economic growth at stall speed, an intensifying European debt crisis, a slowdown in China, fiscal deadlock in Washington, decelerating corporate earnings growth — and asked how the stock market would perform, few would have predicted a good year. But that's just what they got.

Life & Entertainment

Clinton receiving blood thinners to dissolve clot
Aswsociated Press
Doctors treating Secretary of State Hillary Rodham Clinton for a blood clot in her head said blood thinners are being used to dissolve the clot and they are confident she will make a full recovery. Clinton didn't suffer a stroke or neurological damage from the clot that formed after she suffered a concussion during a fainting spell at her home in early December, doctors said in a statement Monday. Clinton, 65, was admitted to New York-Presbyterian Hospital on Sunday when the clot turned up on a follow-up exam on the concussion, Clinton spokesman Phillipe Reines said. The clot is located in the vein in the space between the brain and the skull behind the right ear. She will be released once the medication dose for the blood thinners has been established, the doctors said.
Concern over Oscar voting extends deadline
Associated Press
Growing concern that problems with the new electronic Oscar voting system could lead to record-low turnout has prompted the motion picture academy to extend the deadline for members to vote for Oscar nominations. But next week's highly anticipated announcements looming, the extension is only for a day, until Friday. The Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences said Monday any votes received after the new deadline will not be counted."By extending the voting deadline we are providing every opportunity available to make the transition to online balloting as smooth as possible," said the academy's chief operating officer, Ric Robertson, in a statement. "We're grateful to our global membership for joining us in this process."
Katie Holmes’ Broadway play ‘Dead Accounts’ closes
Associated Press
Katie Holmes' return to Broadway will be much shorter than she would have liked. The former Mrs. Cruise's play "Dead Accounts" will close within a week of the new year. Producers said Thursday that Theresa Rebeck's drama will close on Jan. 6 after 27 previews and 44 performances.
2012 styles that made our heads turn
Associated Press
Angelina Jolie's leg was the star of the Oscars Jolie's picture-perfect pose to expose just enough thigh that launched a thousand memes. Every year fashion offers up the good, the bad and the ugly. But what the industry is really built on — and consumers respond to — is buzz. Here are the top moments of 2012 that made our heads turn.
Vanilla Sugar Cookies
Vanilla Sugar Cookies: Danea Chatel
Dick Wolf’s ‘The Intercept’ is compelling
Associated Press
Dick Wolf, creator of the popular TV series "Law & Order," has jumped into the literary world with "The Intercept." The tight prose, great characters and the intense twists are all signs of a master at work. Flight 903 inbound to Newark makes history when a flight attendant and five other passengers thwart an attempted hijacking. The plane lands, the hijacker is taken into custody, and the rescuers become media celebrities. That's just the beginning.
Survey: Library websites get more mobile visits
Associated Press
A new Pew study reports that around 13 percent of Americans aged 16 and older used a mobile device to visit a library website during the past year.
Danae’s Chocolate Pecan Pie
Chocolate Pecan Pie: Danea Chantal
Twentysomething an old pro in the kitchen
By Sally Eyre
Danae Chatel doesn't know how it happened. "I just got bit by the baking bug! Now that I'm old, I put on an apron and things went crazy! I got all domestic and I'm running with it!" she says with a chuckle. (The Hoffman Estates woman just turned 25.) Danae shares recipes for decorated sugar cookies, lemon bars and a chocolatey pecan pie.

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Editorial: When the business of sports affects fans
The Daily Herald Editorial Board
The firing of the Bears' Lovie Smith reminds us that sports is a business, a Daily Herald editorial says, and sometimes fans are just left to do what they do best: cheer.
Things better left unsaid
By Kathleen Parker
Columnist Kathleen Parker: 'Tis the season when columnists write mea culpas, make predictions and list their resolutions. Since my culpas are too vast for this tiny space, my predictions best in retrospect and my resolutions inevitably ignored, I thought I'd list a few resolutions for the rest of the world.
A Washington mess
By Richard Cohen
Columnist Richard Cohen: Steven Spielberg knows what President Obama does not. His Lincoln is in incessant negotiations with Congress and the rest of the Washington power structure. He does more than make grand speeches. But Obama is a grand speech sort of guy.
Bike helmet saved his life
A Prospect Heights letter to the editor: I see mothers and fathers without helmets but their children with helmets, and I ask myself what would the child or children do if mom or dad was disabled?
Women want, need access to birth control
A letter to the editor: Access to birth control is as important to improving lives overseas as it is here. It's estimated that 222 million women in developing countries don't have access to contraception. America has long been a leader on international family planning, but it's come under increasing attack.
Medicaid proposal would benefit all
A Buffalo Grove letter to the editor: With Medicaid coverage, more people will have access to preventive, acute and chronic care, as well as primary care doctors. Health problems will be treated earlier and in places other than emergency rooms, thus costing less for all of us. Our neighbors will live healthier and more productive lives.