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Daily Archive : Thursday January 3, 2013

News

Northwest suburban police blotter
By Freida Gad
Two men stole 77 packages of over-the-counter medications from Walmart, 850 S. Barrington Road, Streamwood between noon and 12:30 p.m. Dec. 26. They carried the merchandise out in a tote and garbage can and fled in a dark-colored pickup truck. Value was estimated at $1,962.
Northwest suburbs in 60 seconds
By Freida Gad
Vandals punctured or slashed tires on at least 12 vehicles in Hanover Park on Jan. 1 and 2 on the 7600, 7700, and 7800 blocks of Kensington, 8000, 8100 and 8200 blocks of Northway, 7300 block of Barrington, 1100 and 1200 blocks of Yorkshire, 8000 block of Carrolton, 1200 block of Bristol, and 7900 block of Sherwood.
Victim speaks publicly about being hazed at Maine West
By Madhu Krishnamurthy
A former Maine West High School soccer player who claims he was sodomized as part of a hazing ritual by members of the varsity soccer team spoke publicly for the first time Thursday about the attack. The victim, who was a 14-year-old freshman at the time the hazing occurred on campus in the fall of 2007, is among four plaintiffs who have filed a lawsuit against the school district.
Challenge could leave Buffalo Grove board race uncontested
By Steve Zalusky
The race for three seats on the Buffalo Grove village board could wind up uncontested. Trustee Andrew Stein is challenging the candidacy of the race's only non-incumbent, Jeffrey Battinus, claiming the newcomer failed to provide a mandatory statement of economic interest receipt by the Dec. 26 filing deadline. Battinus has vowed to fight the challenge.
Carol Stream photographer wins our monthly prize
By Bob Smith
Carol Stream photographer Angela Cichosz wins our December Photo Finish photography contest with her colorful and slightly off-beat look at, of all things, a paperweight. DuPage Photo Director Scott Sanders says her efforts paid off. “I like it because the photographer turned a simple object into a colorful and graphically interesting photo using macro photography,” Sanders said.
Schaumburg mayor to share village’s 2013 plans
By Eric Peterson
Schaumburg has reason to be optimistic about continued economic growth in the year ahead and Mayor Al Larson wants to tell you all about it. Larson will give his state-of-the-village address before the Schaumburg Business Association at its monthly breakfast Tuesday, Jan. 8. Larson will open with a film about the village’s wellness program and then talk about all that will be new in...
Kirk returns to Capitol after stroke: 'Let's go to work'
By Kerry Lester Political Editor
One. Two. Three. U.S. Sen. Mark Kirk could be seen methodically counting to himself as he made his way up the U.S. Capitol steps for the first time since he suffered a massive stroke nearly a year ago. In roughly 10 minutes, he had climbed all 45 steps — an emotional and triumphant return to the upper chamber. “Let's go to work, you guys!” Kirk said.
Same-sex marriage gets through Senate committee, but floor vote delayed
Associated Press
The push to legalize gay marriage in Illinois has stalled for the moment, as the full state Senate likely won't vote on the issue today. A panel of lawmakers this afternoon might debate the proposal, but full approval would have to wait until Tuesday, the last day of the current General Assembly's term.
Link: No vote on gambling until new session
By Mike Riopell State Government Writer
Yet another term of the Illinois General Assembly will come to an end next week without approval of slot machines for Arlington Park and new casinos in Lake County, Chicago and elsewhere, state Sen. Terry Link said Thursday. "I pretty much think we'll be waiting until the new session," Link said.
Walsh welcomed back to the suburbs, planning for 2014
By Melissa Silverberg
Joe Walsh may not be a congressman anymore, but on his first day back in the suburbs, the former 8th District representative made it clear that voters haven't heard the last from him. "I don't know, maybe a guy like me can never get elected again, maybe I have too big of a mouth," Walsh said. "I have no idea what I'm doing in two years, but I want to be a part of the fight."
Kirk’s stroke draws former Porter staff together
By Kerry Lester Politics Editor
“We should really get together,” the onetime staffers in former North suburban U.S. Rep. John Porter’s office would say, year after year. But life interceded, until news of U.S. Sen. Mark Kirk’s stroke helped rekindle the close-knit relationships they developed on Capitol Hill nearly three decades earlier.
Obama’s warning to Boehner led budget deal
Bloomberg News
President Barack Obama had a warning for John Boehner at a Dec. 13 White House meeting: Stop opposing higher tax rates for top earners, or the president would dedicate his second term to blaming Republicans for a global recession. The next day, the House speaker called the president and said he was open to a tax-rate increase on annual income of more than $1 million.
Grease fire damages Fox River Grove restaurant
By Lenore T. Adkins
A grease fire Thursday afternoon caused between $150,000 and $200,000 in damage to the New China restaurant on the 300 block of Northwest Highway in Fox River Grove, officials said. Fox River Grove Fire Protection District Deputy Chief Jim Kreher said the blaze appears to have started in the kitchen about 4:45 p.m. The restaurant owner burned his hand and was treated at the scene, but there were...
School starts at new building for Sandy Hook kids
Associated Press
Sandy Hook students settled in at their old, familiar desks but in a different school in a different town Thursday. Less than a month after the tragic Connecticut school shootings, students were met by a large police presence outside the new school in a neighboring town, where a middle school was overhauled and renamed for them.
NY county: Releasing gun names endangers public
Associated Press
A New York county clerk justified his refusal to release the names and addresses of handgun permit holders to a newspaper, saying it would give stalkers and thieves a convenient roadmap to target potential victims — and determine whether they have a gun.
Votes not there for gun control legislation
By Doug T. Graham
Gun control plans proposed by Senate Democrats are on hold despite early support this week, state Sen. Dan Kotowski said Thursday. "The votes aren't here," Kotowski told reporters from the Senate floor Thursday afternoon.
Suburban teachers protest pension changes at Capitol
By Mike Riopell
As no deal on how to cut the state's rising retirement costs appears imminent, suburban teachers were among a throng of workers at the Illinois Capitol Thursday urging lawmakers not to cut their pension benefits.
CDC: 1 in 24 admit nodding off while driving
Associated Press
This could give you nightmares: 1 in 24 U.S. adults say they recently fell asleep while driving. And health officials behind the study think the number is probably higher. That's because some people don't realize it when they nod off for a second or two behind the wheel.
Kirk’s stroke draws former Porter staff together
By Kerry Lester
News of U.S. Sen. Mark Kirk's stroke traveled fast among the group that had worked alongside him years earlier in longtime North suburban Congressman John Porter's office. Reminded of the fragility of life, the once close-knit group began to reconnect and even held a reunion in April.
Fox Valley police reports
Tonya Aguiniga, 32 and her 30-year-old husband, Terry Bolan, both of West Dundee, were each charged Dec. 22 with unlawful use of credit cards, according to a police report. Police said the pair used two credit cards to ring up charges at several area stores.
Schaumburg Boomers seeking host families
Daily Herald report
The Schaumburg Boomers baseball team is searching for residents of the Northwest suburbs to become part of the club's Host Family Program, housing a player for the summer and getting free season tickets along with other perks. Families are asked to provide a separate, private bedroom and bathroom for their hosted player; everything else is up to the players themselves.
Meet Arlington Heights mayoral candidates
Daily Herald report
Arlington Heights Chamber of Commerce and the Lions Club are hosting an event next week for residents and members of the business community to meet the three candidates running for village president in the April consolidated municipal elections. Thomas Hayes, Ron Drake and Mark Hellner are running to replace retiring Mayor Arlene Mulder, who is stepping down after more than 20 years in office.
Tri-Cities police reports
Two rocks and three bricks were used to break a window of a business in the 3N500 block of North 17th Street in St. Charles between 5 p.m. Dec. 28 and 8 a.m. Wednesday, causing an estimated $500 damage, according to a sheriff's report.
Motorola Mobility’s Libertyville complex up for sale
By Bob Susnjara
Google Inc. is trying to unload Motorola Mobility's expansive Libertyville campus and has hired a company to market the property to interested buyers. Philadelphia-based Binswanger Corp. announced Thursday it is exclusively in charge of finding a taker for the 84-acre site off Route 45 on Libertyville's far west side.
Aspen Drive library soup talk
Daily Herald report
M. Eileen Brown, author of the Daily Herald food column, Soupalooza, and an incredible soup-a-holic talks about making great soup at 7 p.m. on Jan. 9 at the Aspen Drive Library.
No injuries in Lakemoor crash
Daily Herald report
Lakemoor police said a pregnant woman declined medical attention after the car she was driving was rear-ended while stopped in traffic Thursday morning.
Century Park ice rink to open
Daily Herald report
The basketball and volleyball courts in Century Park North north of Route 60 and west of Lakeview Parkway in Vernon Hills have been transformed into an ice rink that will open Saturday, Jan. 5 and will be lighted until 9 p.m. daily.
D41 financial forums
Daily Herald report
Lake Villa Elementary District 41 will host two community forums to discuss the work of the district's financial advisory committee.
Gurnee memorial lawsuit settlement gets court approval
By Bob Susnjara
Attorneys for Gurnee Trustee Kirk Morris and the village are expected in Lake County court today to officially end a lawsuit he iniitiated in 2010 after his private foundation was removed as developer of a memorial to troops who died in Iraq and Afghanistan. Under the lawsuit settlement that received a Lake County judge's final approval Thursday, Gurnee's insurance carrier paid $200,000 to the...
East Dundee church celebrates 150th anniversary
By Gerard Dziuba
For the past 15 months, members of the Immanuel Lutheran Church in East Dundee have been celebrating and testifying to the strength of their 150-year-old landmark Route 72 church with services, songs, and gatherings. In addition, the congregation put together a book, detailing their predecessors' struggles and accomplishments.
Low temperatures mean winter sports in Palatine
By Kimberly Pohl
If you're seeking any sort of silver lining to the plunge in temperatures we're bound to experience before winter is done, look no further than the Palatine Park District's winter sports offerings. The park district runs two unsupervised ice-skating rinks — one for public skating and one for hockey — at Community Park, 250 E. Wood St.
Images: Mark Kirk Returns to Capitol Hill
Images of Sen. Mark Kirk, R-Ill., accompanied by Vice President Joe Biden and Sen. Joe Manchin, D-W.Va., walking up the steps to the Senate door of the Capitol building and returning to work Thursday on Capitol Hill in Washington. Kirk said he often visualized climbing the 45 steps of the U.S. Capitol as a source of inspiration during his months of grueling physical therapy after suffering a...
House re-elects Boehner speaker
Associated Press
The House and Senate ushered in a new Congress Thursday, re-electing embattled Republican John Boehner as speaker and hailing Illinois Sen. Mark Kirk who returned a year after being felled by a stroke.
ECC board race attracts political newcomers
By Tara García Mathewson
Six people filed for three open seats on the Elgin Community College board of trustees. Rise Jones, who was recently appointed to fill John Dalton's seat, will try to maintain her position and trustee Clare Ollayos will push for re-election against a diverse pool of challengers. Two 6-year seats are up for election as is one 4-year seat — the remainder of Dalton's term, which he cut short...
Armed robber hits Glen Ellyn hair salon
By Bob Smith
A man armed with a handgun robbed a Glen Ellyn hair salon Thursday morning and escaped with a small amount of cash, police said. It was the second time in two days a hair salon was robbed along Roosevelt Road. Glen Ellyn Deputy Chief William Holmer said police are investigating the similarities between Thursday's incident and a robbery Wednesday morning at Hair Cuttery in Lombard.
Cop comes home for dinner break to burglary in progress
By Elena Ferrarin
An Elgin man was charged with burglary Wednesday after police say he was caught inside an Elgin police officer's home. Ryan Hukill, 21, of the 500 block of Redtail Ridge, was arrested at about 8:15 p.m. Wednesday when the police officer came home for a dinner break, Elgin Police Cmdr. Glenn Theriault said.
Authorities charge 5 in New Delhi gang rape
Associated Press
Five men accused of raping a university student for hours on a bus as it drove through India's capital were charged Thursday with murder, rape and other crimes that could bring them the death penalty. In a nation where court cases often linger for years, the government set up a special fast-track court Wednesday to deal with crimes against women, and that is where the charges against the five men...
Grayslake library seeking participants in long-range planning process
Grayslake Area Public Library District submission
The Grayslake Area Public Library District is creating the next five-year plan and officials are seeking interested community members to participate in the Community Focus Group portion of the long-range planning process.
Hoffman Estates passes budget, raises levy by 0.6 percent
By Jessica Cilella
Expenditures in the Hoffman Estates 2013 budget are $204,950 over revenues, but if this year is anything like 2012, there will ultimately be a surplus, according to village officials. The village board approved the $46.5 million budget — which is a 3.9 percent increase from last year's budget. Ray Kincaid was the only trustee to vote no.
Fighting rages around Syrian military air base
Associated Press
Syrian troops and rebels fought intense battles Thursday around a strategic air base in the country's north and a suburb of the capital that government forces have been trying to capture since last month, activists and state media said. The Britain-based Syrian Observatory for Human Rights said rebels stormed parts of the Taftanaz air base in the northwestern province of Idlib before withdrawing.
Pakistan says U.S. drones kill senior Taliban figure
Associated Press
Two U.S. drone strikes on northwest Pakistan killed a senior Taliban commander who fought American forces in Afghanistan but had a truce with the Pakistani military, intelligence officials said Thursday. The commander, Maulvi Nazir, was among nine people killed in a missile strike on a house in the village of Angoor Adda in the South Waziristan tribal region near the border with Afghanistan late...
Suburban Democrats vow bipartisanship in Congress
By Kerry Lester
The swearing in today of U.S. Rep.-elects Tammy Duckworth of Hoffman Estates, Bill Foster of Naperville and Brad Schneider of Deerfield represents a 180-degree departure from the "red wave" of 2010, which saw a crop of Tea Party freshman elected to Congress. All Democrats, the three weathered staunch opposition in November's election. They vow to be voices of compromise when the 113th Congress...
Boone County dispatchers learning Spanish
Associated Press
BELVIDERE, Ill. — Authorities in Boone County are hoping to improve response time by teaching emergency dispatchers some Spanish.
Coroner: 2 paralyzed brothers die in house fire
Associated Press
A coroner says two brothers who were paralyzed after separate car wrecks died when fire consumed their southern Illinois home. Randolph County Coroner Randy Dudenbostel says 45-year-old Dennis Monroe and 42-year-old Willie Monroe were killed in the fire near Sparta on Tuesday.
Autopsy: Springfield homicide victims were shot
Associated Press
The Sangamon County coroner says two people found dead inside a Springfield home were both shot.Coroner Cinda Edwards tells The (Springfield) State Journal-Register that an autopsy performed Wednesday found that 24-year-old Larry Grice suffered two gunshot wounds.
2012 was 2nd warmest, 10th driest year in Illinois history
Associated Press
The state climatologist says 2012 was Illinois' second warmest and 10th driest year on record. Climatologist Jim Angel of the Illinois State Water Survey says the average temperature statewide in 2012 was 55.5 degrees. That's 3.3 degrees above normal. 1921 holds the record as the warmest year at 55.6 degrees.
2016 politics on display as Congress ends term
Associated Press
While the next presidential primary voting is still three years away, the political implications of the actions and whereabouts of the potential field of 2016 candidates hung over extraordinary year-end Washington drama. The fiscal cliff vote forced those in Congress who are eyeing presidential runs to stake out early positions which signal how they may be aligning themselves — and which...
Car bomb in Iraq kills 12 Shiite pilgrims
Associated Press
BAGHDAD — Iraqi officials say a car bomb has struck a procession of Shiite pilgrims south of Baghdad, killing at least 12 and wounding dozens. A police official says the bomb exploded late Thursday afternoon in the town of Musayyib, about 40 miles south of the Iraqi capital.
Dawn Patrol: Police handling crash at busy Lakemoor intersection
By Jessica Cilella
The Illinois Senate began moving a gun control plan that would ban a wide scope of firearms. Retired teachers at a meeting in Aurora bristled at a proposal to address the state pension crisis. And a star of "Modern Family" was in Naperville to promote marriage equality.
Wauconda to review boundary agreement with neighbors
By Mick Zawislak
Wauconda officials will review their boundary pacts with neighboring communities to see where things stand 20 years later. The village is among six towns covered by a boundary agreement enacted in 1993 and set to expire in November. "The board wanted to review it and see where we're at," said Chris Miller, Wauconda's director of planning and zoning.
Suburban Standouts continue to shine on local, world stage
By Kimberly Pohl and Elena Ferrarin
We weren't quite sure what we'd find in May 2011 when we set out to showcase extraordinary young people for our new Suburban Standouts column. The suburbs, it turns out, are teeming with gifted minds, accomplished athletes, talented artists and driven students who thrive, often in the face of hardship. We checked in with six of our favorites to see what they've been up to.

Sports

Oregon runs past K-State 35-17 at Fiesta Bowl
Assoicated Pesss
DeAnthony Thomas returned the opening kickoff 94 yards for the first of his two touchdowns, Marcus Mariota accounted for three scores, and No. 5 Oregon raced past No. 7 Kansas State 35-17 at the Fiesta Bowl on Thursday night.
Burke, Hardaway lead Michigan past Wildcats, 94-66
Associated Press
Trey Burke scored 23 points, Tim Hardaway Jr. added 21 and No. 2 Michigan pounded Northwestern 94-66 on Thursday night to remain unbeaten.Off to their best start since they opened the 1985-86 season with 16 wins, the Wolverines (14-0, 1-0) had no trouble in the Big Ten opener after breezing through the non-conference portion of their schedule.
Thursday’s wrestling scoreboard
Here are the varsity boys wrestling results from Thursday as reported to the Daily Herald.
Thursday’s girls gymnastics scoreboard
Here are the varsity girls gymnastics results from Thursday's events, as reported to the Daily Herald.
Thursday’s girls basketball scoreboard
Here are the results from Thursday's varsity girls basketball results as reported to the Daily Herald.
Thursday’s boys basketball scoreboard
Here are the results from Thursday's varsity boys basketball results as reported to the Daily Herald.
Eventually, Naperville North runs down Glenbard East
By Joshua Welge
Naperville North is a different team when Kayla Sharples and Zoe Swift are on the court. That couldn't have been more obvious Thursday. Sharples scored 15 points and pulled down 14 rebounds after sitting out a first quarter where the host Huskies spotted Glenbard East a 9-point lead, and even without Swift Naperville North held on for a 38-33 win.
No full talks in NHL labor fight
By Ira Podell
Any momentum gained from a long night of negotiations between the NHL and the players' association seemed to have been lost Thursday when the sides remained mostly apart. A meeting that Commissioner Gary Bettman said would begin at 9 a.m. didn't start until several hours later, and then ended quickly.
Lorenz’s shooting touch helps Harper past Daley College
By Jonathan Cregier
The first men's basketball game of the second semester at the junior college level can be full of surprises, as roster stability frequently becomes a challenge. That was the case Thursday night at the Sports and Wellness Center in Palatine as freshman guard Tyler Gaedale (Rolling Meadows) and Kyoshiro Azumaya (Hoffman Estates) weren't in the lineup for different reasons. Harper coach Anthony Amarino inserted one of his veterans into the starting five in John Lorenz (Elk Grove). Always a threat from behind the 3-point line, Lorenz made three of them and finished with 15 points to help Harper earn a 60-53 victory over Richard J. Daley College in nonconference play.
Bulls tipoff
Miami Heat at American Airlines Arena, 6:30 p.m.TV: WCIU, ESPNRadio: ESPN AM-1000Update: These teams need no introduction, obviously. LeBron James ranks fourth in the league at 26.5 points per game, to go with 8.6 rebounds, 7.1 assists and a .544 field-goal percentage. Dwyane Wade is eighth in scoring at 20.6 ppg, followed by Chris Bosh at 18.0 and newcomer Ray Allen at 11.6. This is the first of four meetings this season. The Bulls went 0-2 in Miami last year.Next: Cleveland Cavaliers at the United Center, 7 p.m. Monday— Mike McGraw
Admirals rally past Wolves
By Daily Herald News Services
Chicago Wolves game report:The Milwaukee Admirals rallied to net a pair of third-period goals and defeat the Chicago Wolves 4-3 in an Amtrak Rivalry battle at the Bradley Center on Thursday night.Forwards Andrew Gordon, Jordan Schroeder and Darren Haydar were the goal scorers for the Wolves (14-12-3-1), who lost for the fourth time in five games.
Bulls, Heat have much in common
By Mike McGraw
Friday's game in Miami won't do miuch toward deciding whether or not the Bulls can ultimately threaten the Heat when Derrick Rose returns from knee surgery. But it is interesting how much these teams have in common right now.
A fond farewell to three who made a difference
By Joe Aguilar
They were two of the finest gentlemen to ever represent Mundelein High School, guys' guys, great educators, better men, Jim-dandys. She was athletic, fiercely competitive, smart, articulate, pretty. And gone too soon. Our hearts ache for them and the so, so many they touched. Before we embrace 2013, a final farewell to Jim Ackley, Jim deRivera and Alex Scarbro.
Montini handles St. Edward
From Daily Herald reports
Montini 55, St. Edward 24: Rena Renallo poured in 11 points and Cecile Rapp chipped in 10 but the Green Wave came up short in a Suburban Christian Blue loss at No. 1 Montini Thursday night. St. Edward (1-15, 0-5) trailed by only 13 at the half but managed just 2 points in a decisive third quarter where the Broncos blew it open. Three players for Montini (19-1, 3-0) scored at least 10 points or more, including Kateri Stone, who led all scorers with 16 points, on 4 3-pointers.
All-around progress for Glenbard North’s Matesi
By Chris Walker
Mariah Matesi is starting the new year right. The Glenbard North senior scored a season-best 37.3 in the all-around to guide the Panthers to a 138.25 to 133 victory over Naperville North in Thursday's DuPage Valley Conference meet in Carol Stream.
Report: Bears interested in Colts’ Arians
By Bob LeGere
According to an NFL Network report, the Bears are the first team to request permission to speak to Colts offensive coordinator Bruce Arians for a head coaching position. Former Bears coach Lovie Smith is expected to interview with the Bills this weekend about their head-coaching vacancy.
Plenty of fun in the forecast for Fox Valley teams
By Jerry Fitzpatrick
If the first two months are any barometer, Fox Valley area fans should brace for a thrilling second half of the high school boys basketball season.
Whitewater squad has plenty of Fox Valley personality
By Mike Miazga
The University of Wisconsin-Whitewater women's basketball team has a distinct Fox Valley area feel to it this season. The Warhawks start three former Daily Herald All-Area girls' basketball team selections in Cortney Kumerow (South Elgin), Katie Burton (Crystal Lake South) and Lisa Palmer (Bartlett). All three have played key roles in Whitewater starting the season an impressive 10-3 overall, which includes a perfect 4-0 mark in conference play to start the week.
Addison Trail turns over a new leaf
By D.J. Wanberg
It's the time of year that every one works on resolutions. The Addison Trail girls basketball team had been working on its biggest one way before it was time to break the seal on a new calendar. The team's quest to cut down on turnovers was very much in evidence Thursday afternoon during the first game of 2013 for the Blazers, a 64-47 win over visiting Lake Park in nonconference play.
Lots to like from holiday tourneys
By Dave Oberhelman
New Year's Eve celebrations hopefully were enjoyed by all. Several local boys basketball teams and players also enjoyed solid if not stellar holiday tournaments.
Newcomers making instant impact
By Chris Walker
The future is already here for the area's girls gymnastics teams.
Oswalt brings defensive identity to Naperville Central
By Ross Forman
The game plan to stop Naperville Central last season was simple: contain the high-powered offense of Jack Soneson and Shawn Nelson. But that was no simple task, and many failed, as the duo finished 1-2 in Metro West scoring. Soneson tallied 23 goals and 24 assists in the 20-game Metro West regular-season, with 3 power play and 3 game-winning goals. Nelson had 26 goals and 20 assists, with 2 power play, 4 short-handed and 5 game-winning goals. "Obviously Shawn and Jack are irreplaceable with all of the points each put up last season, but I think the returning players really learned a lot about ourselves and what we can do — and we're using that experience to help push the younger guys this season," said senior Kurt Oswalt, a three-year varsity who shoots left-handed and plays left defense. "Last year was a great experience for us; we want to grow on that this year."
A most fulfilling holiday season for DuPage County teams
By Joshua Welge
It was a good holiday season for DuPage County girls basketball teams. Five of them — Metea Valley, Montini, Naperville Central, St. Francis, Wheaton Warrenville South — won six tournaments.
Many Sosa artifacts at Cooperstown
By Bruce Miles
Even though former Cubs slugger Sammy Sosa may not gain election to the Baseball Hall of Fame, he still has a presence in Cooperstown. The National Baseball Hall of Fame and Museum has a number of artifacts from Sosa's storied career.
No buzz at all for Sosa’s Hall of Fame bid
By Bruce Miles
As the announcement nears for this year's Baseball Hall of Fame class, one name seems to be getting less than its fair share of attention: former Cubs slugger Sammy Sosa. While most of the attention on players from the so-called Steroid Era has focused on Barry Bonds and Roger Clemens, Sosa seems to be the forgotten man.
Autopsy: Cowboys player killed in crash was sober
Associated Press
An autopsy has found that Dallas Cowboys practice squad player Jerry Brown Jr. was sober when he was killed in a crash that led to an intoxication manslaughter charge against the teammate at the wheel.
Images: Irish, Tide prep for BCS title game
Notre Dame and Alabama practiced for the first time since arriving in Miami for the BCS title game. The two teams square off Monday night.
Tide, Irish feature old school offenses
Associated Press
The BCS championship is going old school. In this era of wide-open, pass-happy offenses, college football's ultimate prize will be decided next Monday night by two throwback teams, No. 1 Notre Dame and No. 2 Alabama. The Fighting Irish (12-0) have run for nearly has many yards as they've managed through the air. The Crimson Tide (12-1) is coming off a dominant ground performance in the Southeastern Conference championship game.
Manti Te’o, Barrett Jones, 2 of college football’s good guys
Associated Press
Alabama center Barrett Jones was hobbling toward the plane, awkwardly clutching crutches and a bag when a helping hand reached out. "Here, let me get this for you," said Manti Te'o, Notre Dame's star linebacker. Just a show of good manners from one of college football's best to another as they started an awards circuit that took them from New York to Houston to Orlando. And now they'll meet again, even farther south in the BCS championship Monday.
Notre Dame’s Farley takes long route to BCS title game
Associated Press
Matthias Farley's path to the BCS title game is far from conventional. He'll start at safety for top-ranked Notre Dame on Monday night, when the Fighting Irish take on No. 2 Alabama to decide this season's college football national champion. That notion would have seemed impossible four years ago. "He's a great player and he's done a great job so far," said Notre Dame safety Zeke Motta, who starts alongside Farley.
Source: Reid, Chiefs close to a deal
By Dave Skretta
Andy Reid was in deep negotiations with the Kansas City Chiefs to become their next coach, a person familiar with the situation told The Associated Press on Thursday. The two sides were working out the details and Reid had cancelled plans to interview for other openings, according to the person who spoke to the AP on condition of anonymity because they were not authorized to discuss the negotiations.
Notre Dame vs Alabama a championship classic
Associated Press
No. 2 Alabama vs. No. 1 Notre Dame. Even casual sports fans understand this is a college football classic. "I think it's basically because they've won more national championships than anybody else, and they've been doing it since the `20s," said Dan Jenkins, an award-winning sports writer and author who is also the historian for the National Football Foundation and College Hall of Fame.
Dark side can be so tempting for college sports
By Mike Imrem
As Northwestern and Northern Illinois enjoy reaching new levels in the shady world of college football, they should be careful about where they go from here.

Business

Stocks fade after Fed discloses split on stimulus
Associated Press
A two-day rally in the stock market came to an end Thursday afternoon when an account of the Federal Reserve's last meeting revealed a split between bank officials over how long the Fed should keep buying bonds to support the economy.
Walgreens project will improve busy Lakemoor corner, village officials say
By Mick Zawislak
With the lease on an old liquor store finally coming to an end, the owners of property at Darrell Road and Route 120 in Lakemoor are set to proceed with a new Walgreens store. Ground is expected to be broken this spring for the project.
SafeClickID to help with background on workers at your home
By Anna Marie Kukec
Oakbrook Terrace-based SafeClickID launched a new online service where homeowners can check the identity of repairmen or others coming to their home to do work. SafeClickID will recruit companies as members and do background screenings of the employees who work in or around a customer's home, said co-owner and co-founder Howard Hamilton of St. Charles.
Pan-Arab Al-Jazeera buys Current TV from Al Gore
Associated Press
With its purchase of left-leaning Current TV, the Pan-Arab news channel Al-Jazeera has fulfilled a long-held quest to reach tens of millions of U.S. homes. But its new audience immediately got a little smaller. The nation's second-largest TV operator, Time Warner Cable Inc., dropped Current after the deal was confirmed Wednesday.
Boeing delivered 601 planes last year
Associated Press
Chicago-based Boeing Co. said on Thursday that it delivered 601 planes last year, putting it on track to beat European rival Airbus as the top plane maker for the year. Airbus has beaten Boeing in deliveries in recent years, but Boeing is now cranking out its new 787 and a revamped 747 after delays for both aircraft.
Floods blamed for 16 pipeline spills
Associated Press
Pipeline spills caused by flooding dumped 2.4 million gallons of crude oil and other hazardous liquids into U.S. waterways over the past two decades, according to a new report from federal regulators.
Fed minutes show some concerns on bond purchases
Associated Press
Federal Reserve policymakers expressed broad support last month for the Fed's plan to buy bonds to support the U.S. economy. But they differed over how long to keep buying bonds to drive down long-term interest rates.
FTC: Google to license patents, exclude snippets
Associated Press
U.S. antitrust regulators say they have found no evidence to claims that Google unfairly favors its own services in search results. The Federal Trade Commission also says Google is agreeing to license patents deemed to be "essential" for rival mobile devices such as Apple Inc.'s iPhone and iPad.
Retailers report higher December sales
Associated Press
A last-minute surge in spending helped many major retailers report better-than-expected sales in December, a relief for stores that make up to 40 percent of annual revenue during the holiday period. Twenty retailers reported sales in December rose an average of 4.5 percent compared with the year-ago period, according to the International Council of Shopping Centers.
U.S. rate on 30-year mortgage slips to 3.34%
Associated Press
Average U.S. rates on fixed mortgages moved closer to their record lows this week, a trend that has made home buying more affordable and helped sustain a housing recovery. Mortgage buyer Freddie Mac said Thursday that the average rate on the 30-year loan slipped to 3.34 percent from 3.35 percent last week.
Weekly U.S. jobless aid applications rise to 372K
Associated Press
More Americans sought unemployment benefits last week, though the winter holidays likely distorted the data for the second straight week. The Labor Department said Thursday that weekly applications rose by 10,000 to a seasonally adjusted 372,000 in the week ended Dec. 29. The previous week's total was revised higher.
U.S. employers add 215K jobs in December, survey says
Associated Press
Payroll processor ADP said Thursday that employers added 215,000 jobs in December. That's more than November's total of 148,000, which was revised higher. The survey showed companies added 39,000 construction jobs last month. That was partly in response to the storm but also an indication of the housing recovery under way.
Hormel buying No. 2 peanut butter Skippy for $700M
Associated Press
Hormel Foods apparently has a hankering for a peanut butter and bacon sandwich. The company primarily known for Spam and other cured, smoked and deli meats said Thursday that it's buying Skippy, the country's No. 2 peanut butter brand, for about $700 million.
Starbucks to open its first cafe in Vietnam
Associated Press
HANOI, Vietnam (AP) — Starbucks Corp. will open its first Vietnam cafe early next month in Ho Chi Minh City as part of its strategy to expand across Asia, the company said Thursday.The Seattle-based chain will be entering a country of coffee lovers that already has an established market. At least two popular homegrown chains have dozens of locations nationwide, and family-run sidewalk cafes dot the streets and alleys of larger Vietnamese cities.Starbucks said it operates more than 3,300 stores across 11 countries in China and the Asia-Pacific region, but its Vietnam cafes will celebrate the country’s “coffee culture and heritage.”“We are looking forward to serving our customers in Vietnam in an authentic and locally relevant way,” Jinlong Wang, president for Starbucks Asia Pacific, said in a statement.Vietnam is the world’s second-largest coffee producer behind Brazil and already provides high-quality beans for Starbucks stores in other countries.The company said it has designated a subsidiary of Hong Kong-based Maxim’s Group as its licensee in Vietnam.French colonizers introduced coffee to Vietnam in the nineteenth century, but coffee here typically is stronger than European espresso and can be served with tea.Starbucks, named after a character in Herman Melville’s nineteenth-century novel Moby Dick, opened in 1971 and has nearly 18,000 retail stores in 60 countries.
Chrysler reports best sales year since 2007
Associated Press
Chrysler's U.S. sales jumped 21 percent last year, the carmaker's strongest performance since 2007. The company's impressive increase outpaced the U.S. auto industry, which is expected to post a 13 percent gain for 2012. Chrysler's sales were a strong sign that Americans felt more confident about the economy as they replaced aging cars and trucks last year.
Macy’s key revenue figure rises in December
Associated Press
Macy's said Thursday that revenue in stores open at least one year rose 4.1 in December, edging past Wall Street estimates. But the figure grew less than the company expected during the combined two-month November and December period, the key holiday shopping months, and Macy's lowered its fourth-quarter guidance.
New Jersey Gov. Christie blasts Boehner, Republicans
Associated Press
Gov. Chris Christie's blunt talk has long been one of his hallmarks. But Christie, who has verbally tangled with many, showed Wednesday he's willing to aim his barbs at the highest echelons of his own party. Christie blasted U.S. House Speaker John Boehner for delaying a vote on a $60 billion aid package for Superstorm Sandy recovery. "Do your job and come through for the people of this country," Christie pointedly said about Boehner.
Fiscal cliff market relief fades in Europe
Associated Press
Enthusiasm waned Thursday in Europe over U.S. legislators' deal to stave off the so-called fiscal cliff, a series of automatic tax increases and spending cuts that could have hurt the world's largest economy. Major indexes in France, Germany and Britain fell modestly as investors considered that U.S. politicians now have only two months to negotiate those cuts.
Depardieu, in tax fight, gets Russian citizenship
Associated Press
Gerard Depardieu, the French actor who has waged a battle against a proposed super-tax on millionaires in his native country, has been granted Russian citizenship. "I have never killed anyone, I don't think I've been unworthy, I've paid (euro) 145 million in taxes over 45 years," Depardieu wrote in an open letter in mid-December to Prime Minister Jean-Marc Ayrault, who had called the actor "pathetic."
Superstorm Sandy tops 2012 insurance claims
Associated Press
A leading insurance company says natural disasters cost the industry $65 billion last year and that Superstorm Sandy accounted for nearly two-fifths of the total. However, Munich Re AG said Thursday total insured losses from natural catastrophes were down from a record $119 billion in 2011, when devastating earthquakes in Japan and New Zealand cost the industry dear.
Oil prices tumble over ample supplies, flat demand
Associated Press
Oil prices fell Thursday as fiscal-cliff euphoria fizzled and the traders evaluated ample energy supplies against lackluster demand. Benchmark crude for February delivery fell 36 cents at late afternoon Bangkok time to $92.76 in electronic trading on the New York Mercantile Exchange.
Fiscal-cliff deal no recipe for a robust economy
Associated Press
Housing is rebounding. Families are shrinking debts. Europe has avoided a financial crackup. And the fiscal cliff deal has removed the most urgent threat to the U.S. economy. So why don't economists foresee stronger growth and hiring in 2013? Part of the answer is what Congress' agreement did (raise Social Security taxes for most of us). And part is what it didn't do (prevent the likelihood of more growth-killing political standoffs).
’Fiscal cliff’ deal leaves lots of issues dangling
Associated Press
Lawmakers bought a little time with a New Year's agreement to hold income tax rates steady for 99 percent of Americans while allowing payroll taxes to go up. But they left themselves only two months to settle seemingly irreconcilable differences over how much the United States should borrow and spend and where painful budget cuts should land.

Life & Entertainment

A look at overlooked albums of 2012
Associated Press
While everyone was buzzing about big releases from Frank Ocean, Fiona Apple, Mumford & Sons and Taylor Swift, you might have missed some must-listens. Here's what you should know about, and why.
Weekend picks: Experience 'Shatner's World' at Paramount
By Scott Morgan and Laura Stewart
William Shatner fans won't want to miss his Broadway show, "Shatner's World: We Just Live in It ...," at the Paramount Theatre in Aurora Friday. Relive the '70s Saturday at “Stayin' Alive: A Tribute to the Bee Gees” at the Metropolis in Arlington Heights. Those jesting swashbucklers Dirk Perfect and Guido Crescendo — collectively known as The Swordsmen — return to Fox Valley Repertory for an evening of humor and swordplay Saturday.
Is this wife of a cancer patient being selfish?
By Carolyn Hax
This woman's husband is in the limbo of being diagnosed with cancer what kind, how far has it spread, prognosis. She confided in a friend and told her how hard it was to not freak out, and her friend said, "Please, don't make this about you. Support your husband." Her words stung. Is the wife being selfish?
Lawsuit claims horses mistreated on HBO’s ‘Luck’
Associated Press
LOS ANGELES — An animal-rights advocate who oversaw working conditions on the canceled HBO series “Luck” has sued the network and the American Humane Association, claiming horses on the show were grossly mistreated.Barbara Casey’s lawsuit filed Monday in Los Angeles claims underweight, sick and drugged horses were used to film the series focused on the horse-racing industry.The series starring Dustin Hoffman was canceled in March after four horses died while in production.Casey was working for the American Humane Association overseeing the well-being of the horses and says she was wrongfully fired after complaining about inhumane conditions on the show.The association declined to comment, citing the pending lawsuit.HBO told The Hollywood Reporter that it took every precaution to ensure the horses’ safety on the show.
‘Lincoln,’ ‘Les Miz,’ ‘Zero’ earn producers honors
Associated Press
The Civil War saga "Lincoln," the musical "Les Miserables" and the Osama bin Laden thriller "Zero Dark Thirty" are among the nominees announced Wednesday for the top honor from the Producers Guild of America. Other best-picture contenders are the Iran hostage-crisis thriller "Argo"; the low-budget critical favorite "Beasts of the Southern Wild"; the slave-turned-bounty-hunter saga "Django Unchained"; the shipwreck story "Life of Pi"; the first-love tale "Moonrise Kingdom"; the lost-souls romance "Silver Linings Playbook"; and the James Bond adventure "Skyfall."
Bieber calls for tough rules after paparazzo death
Associated Press
The 29-year-old photographer had just snapped shots of Justin Bieber's exotic white Ferrari when he was struck and killed by a passing car — a death that has spurred renewed debate over dangers paparazzi can bring on themselves and the celebrities they chase. The accident prompted some stars including the teen heartthrob himself on Wednesday to renew their calls for tougher laws to rein in their pursuers, though previous urgings have been stymied by First Amendment protections.
Hollywood faces fracking in 'Promised Land'
By Michael Rubinkam
The new movie "Promised Land" digs into the fierce national debate over fracking, the technique that's generated a boom in U.S. natural gas production while also stoking controversy over its possible impact on the environment and human health. But viewers shouldn't necessarily expect a realistic treatment of drilling and fracking. It's not that kind of film.
Heart joins select class with Rock Hall induction
Associated Press
The journey to the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame can be a long and winding road for some acts. For Heart, it took more than a decade, and sisters Ann and Nancy Wilson admitted they were losing hope. "(The) running joke in the band was (we) would never get in," Ann said. But all that changed when the group made the class of 2013, announced last month.
Gurnee’s new wine lounge the go-to place for notable drink list, global flavors
By Samantha Nelson
Bodega Grill & Wine Lounge took over Gurneez Diner's former space in November and is a world apart from the former occupant. Offering a destination for locals who want a nice dinner out without driving too far, the chill spot serves a menu of internationally inspired small plates and entrees paired with an impressive drink selection.
Night life events: $2 beer? McGonigal’s has it
By Sara Hooker
Remember way back in the day, when a beer cost $2? Don't strain yourself. They still do at McGonigal's Pub in Barrington. Every day, choose from one of six beers that are $2 all day everyday.
Bigelow's tension-filled drama bursts with raw power
By Dann Gire
Whatever assumptions you might have made about Kathryn Bigelow's fact-based military drama "Zero Dark Thirty" are probably wrong, because Bigelow — aided by journalist-turned-screenwriter Mark Boal — guns down the clichés and our expectations in her slow-fused explosive account of the decade-long hunt for Osama bin Laden. We may know how it ends, but how it gets there becomes the raw appeal of this dark and pensive spy procedural, fitted with an unexpected female protagonist based on a real CIA operative and played by Jessica Chastain.
Local theater: On guard, swashbucklers
By Barbara Vitello
Comedic swashbuckle's Dirk Perfect and Guido Crescendo return to Fox Valley Rep; a joint centennial production of "Pygmalion" and Rivendell Theatre's world premiere of Lisa Dillman's "American Wee-Pie" are among this week's theater openings.

Discuss

Editorial: Need grows for suburban group homes
The Daily Herald Editorial Board
Suburban residential group homes are in great demand and the agencies that operate them deserve our thanks and donations, a Daily Herald editorial says.
The anatomy of a distinction on lame-duck votes
By Jim Slusher
Columnist Jim Slusher: Daily Herald editorials have tended to disdain legislation that surfaces in a lame-duck session, but in the current state of the Illinois General Assembly, this disdain has produced some difficult reflection for our editorial board.
An urgent resolution on guns for 2013
By Eugene Robinson
Columnist Eugene Robinson: Politicians, beginning with the president, must show the courage to stand up to the gun lobby. They must do it for the children of Newtown. They must do it for all the 11,000 men, women and children who otherwise will not live to see New Year's Day of 2014.
National Guard could protect our schools
A Libertyville letter to the editor: No one has raised the issue as to why the National Guard couldn't have an individual present in the schools. We pay for the National Guard already.
Marriage fairness will protect families
A letter to the editor: My partner and I made a commitment to each other and have been blessed to be able to recognize this with a civil union. However, our relationship is no different from a straight couple’s, and we simply want to protect our family with the same rights that any married couple in Illinois currently has.
Does NRA want to arm our firefighters next?
An Arlington Heights letter to the editor: After hearing about the four firefighters who were ambushed and shot while responding to a blaze in upstate New York, is the NRA going to recommend we arm all our first responders?
Do all these guns make world safer?
A Des Plaines letter to the editor: How can we expect to make the world safe for democracy when we must arm ourselves against ourselves?
Marriage equality is the only fair way
A Palatine letter to the editor: We are not asking for special rights. History has proved that separate but equal does not work. Only through marriage equality can we have the same rights that straight couples have.
The people should vote on gay marriage
A Schaumburg letter to the editor: I really get tired of all this talk about gay marriage. We are all supposed to embrace it, but it is morally wrong. Marriage was created between a man and woman; that is how God intended a man and a woman to create life.
We should encourage licensed driving
A letter to the editor: Our goal is not to encourage more illegal immigration to Illinois but to promote safe driving. Testing, training, licensing and insuring undocumented immigrants will lead to improved highway safety and ultimately lower vehicle insurance rates for Illinois motorists.
Kids can’t go to school in jail
A Carol Stream letter to the editor: Visitor registration, photo, issued I.D., escort, locked doors immediately after school is dismissed. After-school activities where children have to leave the school, then go around the school to the room where the activity is being held and knock on a window until someone in that room leaves the room to go to an entrance door. This is safe?
Building next to Arcada wasted buy
A St. Charles letter to the editor: St. Charles, under the leadership of City Manager Brian Townsend, is wasting taxpayer funds again by purchasing the building next to the Arcada Theater. The building is in need of repairs and the city doesn't have any concrete plans for what to do with the building.
Pray for the sorry souls on earth
A Wayne letter to the editor: Twenty angels were untimely called to their deserved place in heaven Dec. 14 because of the actions by some cowardly young person who took out his warped frustrations on the young, the totally innocent and defenseless children. I have not shed as many tears since the Our Lady of the Angels school fire on Dec. 1, 1958, when 92 angels were sent heavenly. The fire, by all accounts, was an accident.