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Daily Archive : Sunday January 27, 2013

News

Roselle mayor candidates have sights on downtown development
By Josh Stockinger
Longtime Roselle Mayor Gayle Smolinski is defending her record against two election challengers who say the city's approach to downtown development lacks vision. Candidates James Banks and Jim Schelling told the Daily Herald Editorial Board they would work to unite residents and involve them in setting a path for growth.
Maine West, South lose hall of fame coach, teacher
By Eileen O. Daday
George Verber hated to lose. His intensity as a longtime teacher and coach at Maine South and Maine West was infamous, but the coach finally lost a battle with leukemia he couldn't win. "He was one in a million," said Dave Scott, who took over the basketball program from Verber at Maine West in 1990.
Immigration deal includes path to citizenship for 11 million here
Associated Press
A bipartisan group of leading senators has reached agreement on the principles of sweeping legislation to rewrite the nation's immigration laws. The deal, which is to be announced at a news conference Monday afternoon, covers border security, guest workers and employer verification, as well as a path to citizenship for the 11 million illegal immigrants already in this country. Although thorny...
Quinn signs bill giving undocumented immigrants access to licenses
By Tara García Mathewson
Ivan Cuevas of Elgin said he's looking forward to the day he can get on the road and drive to work with no fear of being caught without a license. Thanks to Governor Pat Quinn's signature on a bill allowing undocumented immigrants to get driver's licenses, Cuevas soon will breathe easy on his commute. Quinn signed the bill into law Sunday, turning Illinois into the fourth and most populous state...
7 dead, 6 wounded in Chicago weekend violence
Associated Press
Chicago authorities say seven people were killed and six wounded in gun violence in one day.Among those killed Saturday was a 34-year-old man whose mother had already lost her three other children to shootings. Police say Ronnie Chambers, who was his mother's youngest child, was shot in the head while sitting in a car.
Springfield session begins with full plate of money woes
By Mike Riopell and Doug T. Graham mriopell@dailyherald.com
When lawmakers return to Springfield this week, suburban officials will be among the leaders on a handful of tough issues. The underlying challenge will once again be the state's troubled finances. "I expect this year to be even tougher than last year." said state Rep. Fred Crespo, a Hoffman Estates Democrat and chairman of a House budget committee.
Ice turns to thunderstorm as temperatures rise
Daily Herald report
A Sunday afternoon of sleet and freezing rain turned to a January thunderstorm as temperatures around the Chicago area continued to warm up Sunday night and Monday morning. Illinois State Police said Monday morning there had been no serious injuries from any of the more than a dozen accidents they had responded to Sunday night.
Images: The Week in Pictures
This edition of The Week in Pictures features more weather photos as people live with freezing temperatures, Martin Luther King Jr. programs, and a couple of Husky dogs.
Deadly smoke, lone blocked exit: 230 die in Brazil
Associated Press
Flames raced through a crowded nightclub in southern Brazil early Sunday, killing more than 230 people as panicked partygoers gasped for breath in the smoke-filled air, stampeding toward a single exit partially blocked by those already dead. It appeared to be the world's deadliest nightclub fire in more than a decade.
‘Speedy Delivery!’ at Naperville museum from ‘Mister Roger’s Neighborhood’
By Susan Sarkauskas
Remember Mr. McFeely, the Speedy Delivery man from "Mister Rogers' Neighborhood?" He visited Naperville Sunday to mark the end of an exhibit inspired by the show, and the start of a charity sweater collection drive at the DuPage Children's Museum.
Holocaust victims mourned at Auschwitz and beyond
Associated Press
Holocaust survivors, politicians, religious leaders and others marked International Holocaust Remembrance Day on Sunday with solemn prayers and the now oft-repeated warnings to never let such horrors happen again.
Egypt declares state of emergency in 3 provinces
Associated Press
Egypt's president declared a state of emergency and curfew in three Suez Canal provinces hit hardest by a weekend wave of unrest that left more than 50 dead, using tactics of the ousted regime to get a grip on discontent over his Islamist policies and the slow pace of change.
Hundreds of people take icy Lake Michigan plunge
Associated Press
Several hundred people in Chicago have taken a leap into an icy Lake Michigan.It might have been 20 degrees outside, but the annual Polar Bear Plunge was for a good cause.WBBM radio reported that the money raised will go to help the family of a sick child and a marathon runner who was struck by a car.
Berlusconi defends Mussolini for backing Hitler
Associated Press
Former Italian Premier Silvio Berlusconi praised Benito Mussolini for "having done good" despite the Fascist dictator's anti-Jewish laws, immediately sparking expressions of outrage as Europe on Sunday held Holocaust remembrances.
Weather doesn’t deter ‘hardy’ ski jumping fans
Tara García Mathewson
The 108th annual International Ski Jumping Tournament at Norge Ski Club in Fox River Grove was scheduled to take place rain or shine. On Sunday, snow and sleet were added to that list as hundreds of spectators braved wintry weather for the twice-per-year competition. "I knew the weather was not going to scare off this crowd," said Guy Larson, coordinator for the Nordic combined programs at Norgi...
Aurora gets $10.8 million grant to fund new library
By Amy Roth
The Aurora Public Library has been awarded a $10.8 million state grant that will be applied toward the $28 million cost of building a new downtown library.
Director solves mysteries of ‘Sherlock’ production
By Jo-Ann Ledger
It's no mystery why Annie-Walker Bright ended up directing "Sherlock Holmes: The Final Adventure" at Wheaton Drama's Playhouse 111. Walker-Bright says she's always attracted by comedies — especially farces — and "The Final Adventure" was the perfect choice.
Allowing women into combat could reopen draft debate
Washington Post
The Pentagon's decision to allow women to join combat units is expected to reopen a legal debate the Supreme Court settled in 1981: Should women have to register with the government so it knows where to find them in the event of a new draft?
Lawmakers see immigration overhaul this year
Associated Press
Republican and Democratic lawmakers were cautiously optimistic Sunday that a long-sought overhaul of the nation's immigration system that includes a pathway to citizenship for the 11 million illegal immigrants currently in the country will clear Congress this year, the result of changes in the political landscape shown in November's election.
Suburbanites audition for ‘America’s Got Talent’
By Matt Arado
They charmed the suburbs; now they're focusing on the rest of America. The two members of the beat-boxing musical group known as iLLest Vocals were among the many hopefuls who auditioned in Chicago over the weekend for a chance to perform in the upcoming season of NBC's "America's Got Talent."
Leading Democrat: Gun control faces uphill climb
Associated Press
Sen. Dianne Feinstein, who's leading the push to restore an assault weapon ban, acknowledged Sunday the effort faces tough odds to pass Congress and she blamed the nation's largest gun-rights group. Feinstein on Thursday introduced a bill that would prohibit 157 specific weapons and ammunition magazines that have more than 10 rounds.
Images: 108th Annual Norge Ski Jumping
Images from the 108th annual Norge International Ski Jumping Tournament Saturday/Sunday at the Norge Ski Club, in Fox River Grove. The junior competition and junior national championship qualifier K70 was Saturday. The K70 U.S. Cup Five Hills Tournament and the Long-Standing Competition was Sunday.
Fox Lake Hills water meeting
Daily Herald report
A public information open house meeting on the drinking water supply for the Fox Lake Hills water system is set for 5:30 to 7:30 p.m. Tuesday, Jan. 29 at Thompson Elementary School, 515 Thompson Lane, Lake Villa.
Open house on Quentin Road plan
Daily Herald report
An open house regarding Quentin Road from Route 12 to Route 22 in Kildeer and Lake Zurich is set for 5 to 7 p.m. Wednesday, Feb. 6 at Lake Zurich High School, 300 Church St., Lake Zurich.
Annual International Festival showcases cultures in Naperville
By Susan Sarkauskas
People danced, made samurai helmets out of newspaper and learned about Naperville-area foreign-exchange programs at the 17th annual "Around the Corner, Around the World" International Festival Sunday at North Central College. The event drew dozens of participants and wowed spectators like Mayor George Pradel and Congressman Bill Foster.
More kudos for North Aurora police officer
By Harry Hitzeman
Congratulations to Mark Shillair, who was named the North Aurora Police Officer of the Year for 2012 by the village's Lion's Club. Shillair is credited with saving a 33-year-old man who threatened to jump off an overpass and into oncoming traffic on Interstate 88 after a domestic dispute.
Grandwood Park preschool
Daily Herald report
Grandwood Park Park District hosts a preschool open house/registration on Sunday, Feb. 24 from 1 to 3 p.m. at the park district community center at 36630 N. Hutchins Road, Gurnee.
Dist. 128 board meets Tuesday
Daily Herald report
The Libertyville-Vernon Hills Area High School District 128 board will hold a rare Tuesday meeting this week.
Push for futuristic guns builds on embattled past
Associated Press
It sounds, at first, like a bold, next-generation solution: personalizing guns with technology that keeps them from firing if they ever get into the wrong hands. But when the White House called for pushing ahead with such new technology as part of President Obama's plan to cut gun violence, the administration did not mention the concept's embattled past.
Restaurant shuffle in the Tri-Cities
By Dave Heun
When a restaurant closes in the Tri-Cities, I almost get tired of hearing my familiar reaction — "Gee, I kind of liked that place." Well, "kind of liking" a place hasn't done a lot of good for restaurants during the economic climate of the past five years. Let's hope the restaurant that replaces Mike & MIguel's in Geneva does a booming business.
After Schaumburg cop arrests, how can integrity be guaranteed
By Eric Peterson
Police officers exist from a recognition that people don't always obey the law. But who bears the responsibility of ensuring that officers working undercover, don't cross the line between acting like a criminal and becoming one? The arrest of three undercover Schaumburg officers is raising that question. "I personally think this is an aberration for them," DEA Special Agent Jack Riiley said of...
Ronald McDonald House coming to Winfield
By Robert Sanchez
The first Ronald McDonald House in the western suburbs will open in 2015 across from Central DuPage Hospital in Winfield, providing a "home away from home" for families of hospitalized children. It will provide low-cost and often free temporary housing for families who travel great distances to get treatment for seriously ill or injured children. "It is a phenomenal service that's going to be...
Elk Grove teen’s idea blossoms into pizza for 488,000 troops
By Burt Constable
In 2008, retired Air Force Sgt. Mark Evans of Elk Grove Village wanted to ship pizzas to the soldiers fighting in the Middle East. An effort that started with a goal of 300 pizzas has shipped more than 122,000 pizzas to troops overseas."God has made me a pizza delivery man," Evans says.
Mundelein’s new police chief ready for ‘big responsibility’
By Russell Lissau
When Mundelein Police Chief Raymond J. Rose steps down Jan. 31 after 20 years, Deputy Chief Eric Guenther will become the town's next top cop."It's a big responsibility," Guenther says. While some initiatives, such as community-oriented policing will continue, Guenther said the department will have to be innovated and continue to look for ways to improve.
‘Finders keepers’ for Grafton Twp. food pantry?
By Lenore T. Adkins
A Huntley neighborhood leader accuses Grafton Township Supervisor Linda Moore of playing a cruel version of "finders keepers," when it comes to more than $1,000 that was mistakenly donated to the township food pantry. But Moore says she needs written documentation before she can make a refund.
Bad times can make a marriage stronger
By Ken Potts
It's easy for marriages to survive the good times, our Ken Potts says, but much more difficult when the going gets rough. That's the time, he says, when we need to pull closer together.

Sports

Hawks keep historic streak alive with win over Detroit
By Tim Sassone
Nick Leddy’s goal at 2:45 of OT was set up nicely by Viktor Stalberg’s dash up the ice, giving the Blackhawks the win over Detroit and their best start ever. “It’s unbelievable. I heard that stat before the game and it’s just unbelievable,” Leddy said.
Butler’s play will make it easier to part with Boozer, Deng
By Mike McGraw
Jimmy Butler’s temporary run as the Bulls’ starting small forward will come to an end soon, with Luol Deng likely to return from a right hamstring strain on Monday against Charlotte. But Butler as the full-time starter could be a more distant destiny. His presence in the lineup served as a reminder of the unsettled future of the Bulls’ roster.
Big surprise: All offense in Pro Bowl
Associated Press
Sack-happy defensive end J.J. Watt went out for a couple of passes as a wide receiver, retiring center Jeff Saturday snapped to two Mannings on opposite teams and the NFC blew past the AFC 62-35 in a Pro Bowl that could be the league’s last.
Burlington Central’s Morrow commits to Wisconsin
By John Radtke
Burlington Central sophomore pitcher Angie Morrow first went to a University of Wisconsin softball camp when she was in eighth grade, the same year Yvette Healy left Loyola University in Chicago to become the Badgers’ head coach. Morrow continued to attend Wisconsin camps and form a relationship with Healy and her staff and in the process, the 5-foot-10 righthander hatched a dream to one day play college softball at Goodman Diamond in Madison. This weekend, that dream became a reality when Morrow accepted a scholarship offer from Wisconsin.
Blackhawks sure don’t miss Nicklas Lidstrom
By Tim Sassone
The Red Wings are still adjusting to life after Nicklas Lidstrom, the future Hall of Fame defenseman who retired after last season. “We’re trying to be a work in progress and get better each game and help our defense be better,” Detroit coach Mike Babcock said prior to Sunday’s 2-1 overtime loss to the Blackhawks. “We’re going to miss Nick. He’s a generational type player, a first ballot Hall of Famer, I think. He’s the greatest d-man since I’ve been in the league for sure. You don’t replace those people.” Hawks coach Joel Quenneville won’t miss game-planning for Lidstrom.
Blackhawks go 6-0 for the first time
Associated Press
Nick Leddy scored 2:45 into overtime and the Blackhawks improved to 6-0 — the best start in franchise history — with a 2-1 win over the Detroit Red Wings on Sunday night at United Center.After taking a cross-ice pass from Viktor Stalberg, Leddy fired from the left circle and beat Detroit goalie Jimmy Howard with a shot that slipped just under his glove.Detroit’s Johan Franzen connected early in the third to tie the game at 1 and set up overtime. Duncan Keith scored a power-play goal in the first period for Chicago, and Corey Crawford finished with 29 saves in his fifth start in six games. Howard, who has started all of Detroit’s games so far, made 25 saves.The Blackhawks started 5-0 in 1971-72 — Hall of Famer Bobby Hull’s final season in Chicago — and matched it on Saturday night with a 3-2 win in Columbus.
‘83 Sox flashback: ‘We really had a lot of fun’
Along with manager Tony LaRussa, players from the 1983 "Winning Ugly" team were honored at SoxFest over the weekend. Tom Paciorek played for the '83 White Sox before heading to the TV booth, and he remembered the good - and bad - from the season.
Michigan could be No. 1 after win over Illini
Associated Press
Trey Burke scored 19 points and No. 2 Michigan never trailed after the opening minutes of a 74-60 win Sunday over Illinois that could push the Wolverines to No. 1 in the nation for the first time since the 1992-93 season. Duke's lopsided loss to Miami earlier in the week opened the door for a new No. 1 when the AP poll comes out Monday — and Michigan put itself in position to take the top spot.
These days, off-field action far more compelling
By Mike Imrem
Joakim Noah and Patrick Kane made remarkable plays that were fun to see last week, but not even those were as compelling as the latest adventures of Lance Armstrong and Manti Te'o.
No. 7 Hoosiers hold off No. 13 Spartans
Associated Press
Gary Harris got a chance to show his home-state team what it missed out on Sunday. He made five 3-pointers, defended hard and did enough little things to put Michigan State in position to win, thought this one may go down as one that got away.
Elk Grove Village skater finishes second at nationals
Associated Press
While Ashley Wagner became the first woman since Michelle Kwan in 2005 to win back-to-back titles in the U.S. Figure Skating Championships, up-and-comer Gracie Gold of Elk Grove Village soared to a second-place finish with the second-highest score ever in the competition. And Des Plaines native Agnes Zawadzki, who started the evening in second place, held on for third after a fall.

Business

Gas prices show little change over 2 weeks
Associated Press
The average U.S. price of a gallon of gasoline is up two cents over the past two weeks.
Fragile economy, other global woes dominated Davos
Associated Press
The fragile state of the world economy, coupled with the relentless turmoil in Syria and the rocky fallout from the Arab Spring, dominated discussions during this year's annual gathering of the global elite at Davos, leaving many participants uneasy about what lies ahead as they left for home Sunday.
Consumer alert: new health care markets on the way
Associated Press
Buying your own health insurance will never be the same. This fall, new insurance markets called exchanges will open in each state, marking the long-awaited and much-debated debut of President Barack Obama's health care overhaul. The goal is quality coverage for millions of uninsured people in the United States.
Boeing 787 flying only 3 weeks before battery fire
Associated Press
Federal investigators say the Boeing 787 Dreamliner that experienced a battery fire earlier this month was delivered to Japan Airlines less than three weeks before the fire. The National Transportation Safety Board said Sunday in an update of its investigation of the incident that the airliner was delivered on Dec. 20.
Small business uneasy about tax collection bills
Associated Press
Small business owners may be closer to losing an advantage they've enjoyed during the e-commerce boom — being exempt from collecting sales tax in states where they're not located. And they're worried they will have to spend more money in the process. Washington lawmakers currently have several bills in the works that would force companies to collect the tax. Businesses are split over the issue.
Career coach: tips for baby boomers wanting change
Some baby boomers feel, given their age, there may not be hope for them in today's marketplace. That would be a grim outlook for the 78 million boomers. But rest assured, there is hope — and many resources — for older workers.
Work advice: Skills matter more than degrees
By Karla L. Miller
Karla L. Miller writes an advice column on navigating the modern workplace. Each week she will answer one or two questions from readers. This week, a reader who fears that a lack of a specific degree might cost her a job she already has.

Life & Entertainment

Images: SAG awards arrivals
The stars of the big and small screen get glammed up Sunday night for the Screen Actors Guild Awards.
Images: SAG awards
The Screen Actors Guild Awards may not have provided a lot of surprises, but they did have Hollywood's hottest stars rubbing elbows.
Boundaries, not BMI, important to her health
By Carolyn Hax
Q. I am a 30-year-old woman with a BMI of 24.9, the top of the "healthy" range. I believe I am attractive and healthy and I am consistently told by friends, boyfriends, and other family members that I am beautiful. Sure I wouldn't mind losing a couple of pounds, like most other women in this country, but I like myself the way I am.
'Argo,' Lawrence, Day-Lewis win at SAG
Associated Press
The CIA thriller “Argo” continues to steamroll through awards season, winning the top honor for overall cast performance at the Screen Actors Guild Awards. SAG's lead-acting honors Sunday went to Jennifer Lawrence won for her role as a troubled widow in a shaky new relationship in the lost-souls romance “Silver Linings Playbook” and Daniel Day-Lewis as Abraham Lincoln in the Civil War epic “Lincoln.”
‘Hansel & Gretel’ nabs $19 million, No. 1 at box office
Associated Press
“Hansel & Gretel: Witch Hunters” cooked up $19 million in its opening weekend. Paramount’s R-rated action film update on the classic fairytale topped the box office, according to studio estimates Sunday. “Hansel & Gretel” features Jeremy Renner and Gemma Arterton as grown-up renditions of the title characters battling witches with crossbows.
Yoga expert opens up about body insecurities in new book
Associated Press
Yoga students are often motivated and even inspired by watching teachers twist their strong bodies into pretzeled poses. In her new memoir, "May I Be Happy," yoga guru Cyndi Lee may surprise yogis as she pulls back the curtain to share deep-seated insecurities about her body.
‘Insane Devotion’ a heavy meowmoir
By Troy Patterson, Slate
Peter Trachtenberg's "Another Insane Devotion" is a discursive essay on personal growth, a public exercise in private exorcism, and a collection of notes toward a philosophy of love. . The book inspired many thoughts in me, foremost that I need to clean the litter box. "Another Insane Devotion" is a cat memoir.
10 tips for getting into college
By Josh Stockinger
There've been enough comedies made about getting into college to know it can be a head-spinning affair. So what's a college-minded student to do? For the best advice, the Daily Herald interviewed admissions professionals from around the suburbs, across the state and beyond.
Seyfried delves into dark material in ‘Lovelace’
Associated Press
It took a French revolution to pull Amanda Seyfried away from her role as 70s porn star Linda Lovelace. Seyfried delved deep into her character in the biopic "Lovelace," which premiered this week at the Sundance Film Festival. The 27-year-old actress says she was only able to shed the dark role by playing Cosette in the Oscar-nominated "Les Miserables."
X-Force creator finds passion in Extreme Comics
By David Weigel, Slate
In the early 1990s, before he quit Marvel Comics, X-Force creator Rob Liefeld was inventing new characters the way Doritos invents extreme flavors. Nearly every issue introduced a new hero (Cable) or villain (Stryfe, Cable's clone) or five (the Mutant Liberation Front). In 1992, when he joined a big-talent exodus from the company. "I had notebooks of characters and concepts. Every artist waits for their moment where they can do exactly what I did; I ran with it."
On the road: Sky-high skating
By Jacky Runice
While it may not be the city's tallest building, the John Hancock Building and Observatory can certainly brag about having the world's highest ice skating rink. Also, the historic town of Woodstock is ready and waiting for its annual Groundhog Days celebration with a Shake Off the Winter Blues Dinner Dance, the Awakening of the Groundhog ceremony and "Groundhog Day" movie trivia.
Macy proud of his role in ‘Shameless’
By Frazier Moore
On "Shameless," William H. Macy stars as Frank Gallagher, a boozy, shiftless grifter whose brood of six mix-and-match offspring (do any of them share the same mother?) care for one another and, by necessity, him. And he loves every minute of it.
Myanmar begins to open its doors to the world
Associated Press
The rising sun streaked a light blanket of fog with pink and yellow. Suddenly, pagodas popped out from the mist, some grand and intricate, others squat and modest, some crumbling, others glinting with gold — a carousel of Buddhist temples. If not for a monolithic red brick silo in the middle of this scene, you could almost imagine yourself in the 11th century, when the ancient city of Bagan was home to the first kingdom of Burma.
It’s best to vent bathroom fans downward
By Henri de Marne
Q. I have paid close attention to your recommendations for venting bathroom exhaust fans. I have a 40-year-old brick ranch home with a hip roof (thus no gables to vent through) in the cold Chicago suburbs. I don't, however, believe that I have read your advice for my situation.
Can Elgin National coffee grinder brew up profits?
By Helaine Fendelman and Joe Rosson
Q. I have a coffee grinder — it is an Elgin National and is 25 inches tall. It will not grind coffee — it just falls through. I have had it for 70 years and my father-in-law had it before that. What is its history and value?
5 of Jodie Foster’s greatest performances
By Christy Lemire
Jodie Foster had everyone talking when she took the unusual step of revealing she's a lesbian on the Golden Globes stage. This hadn't exactly been a secret, given that she has two sons with her former partner. But the two-time Oscar winner has been notoriously protective of her privacy, which made the rambling and emotional speech such a riveting aberration. But this is also a good opportunity to talk about what made Foster famous in the first place: the strong screen persona and versatile talent she's displayed over her 47 years as an actress.
Nearly all oil is replaced when changed
By Doug McAllister
Q. My question is about engine oil capacity. The owner's manual states when changing the oil and filter it takes 7.7 quarts. I had my first oil change done by my Ford dealer. They replaced the filter and six quarts of oil.
‘Artist edition’ fixtures dress up bathrooms, kitchens
By Ed Del Grande
Q. I recently read online that "artist edition" plumbing fixtures are becoming a popular choice in new bathrooms. I'm a little confused. What exactly is an "artist edition" plumbing fixture?
Michelle Obama has bangs — let the analyzing begin
Associated Press
Before we start rambling on obsessively about Michelle Obama's bangs, let's be clear: The president started it. It was he, after all, who called the new hairdo, unveiled just a few days before the historic occasion of his second inauguration, "the most significant event of this weekend." And he hasn't stopped there. Last Tuesday night, he introduced his wife at the Staff Inaugural Ball: "And the First Lady of the United States, bangs and all ..."
How to transfer property from parent to child
By Tom Resnick
Q. My mother is in a nursing home and doesn't have long to live, although mentally she is fine. Her only asset is her house. To avoid probate, someone told her to create a living trust and to put the property in the trust. That way, when she passes, the property will transfer to whoever she specifies in the trust.
Catalogs, websites offer the stuff of your garden dreams
By Laura Stoecker
As the cold winds blow outside, now is an ideal time to get cozy with a warm blanket on the couch to design and choose color palettes for this year's garden. Bold, intense colors pop from catalog pages, natives continue to rise in popularity and after the dry summer of 2012, many will be looking for heat- and drought-resistant plants.
Create an organization hub at home
By Melissa Rayworth
Getting a family organized requires more than a few well-chosen New Year's resolutions. Increasingly, homeowners are carving out a physical space — anything from a single kitchen cabinet to an entire spare room — that can function as a family information center and workstation.
Mardi Gras welcomes back ‘baby dolls’ tradition
Associated Press
The "baby dolls," an on-again, off-again Mardi Gras tradition of New Orleans' African-American community, are on again. The troupes of women strutting and prancing in bonnets, garters, and skimpy or short, ruffled dresses on Fat Tuesday also are being spotlighted in a new book and museum exhibit that trace their history and modern rebirth.
Sunday picks: Pal around with penguins at Travel & Adventure Show
By Scott Morgan and Laura Stewart
Feel free to interact with Sea World penguins and sled dogs or scuba dive in a 15,000 gallon scuba tank at the 2013 Travel & Adventure Show at the Donald E. Stephens Convention Center in Rosemont. Head down to the John Hancock Building and Observatory to skate on the world's highest ice skating rink at the 94th floor observatory. Plus, Drury Lane Theatre revives “Sunset Boulevard” starting this weekend.

Discuss

Editorial: Sports, the disabled and equal opportunity
The Daily Herald Editorial Board
A Daily Herald editorial voices support for the concept of sports opportunities for students with disabilities -- but adds that the concept needs to be implemented in a reasonable, affordable and sure fashion.
Some suggestions for improving Congress
By Lee Hamilton
Guest columnist Lee Hamilton: People don't go to Washington because they want to accomplish nothing. Rather, they get caught in a destructive cycle whose dynamics are often shaped by political forces out of their control
Gun control, followed by genocides
An Elgin letter to the editor: Background checks, no problem. Gun registration is a big problem. Every genocide in modern history has started with a gun registration, followed by confiscation, followed by genocide.
Clear your sidewalks; it’s common courtesy
A Rolling Meadows letter to the editor: Many people like myself work out during the winter by walking or running, or continue to exercise their four-legged family members throughout the season.
Legislators must move on pensions now
A Barrington Hills letter to the editor: Let's put the most recent bipartisan bill with no cost-shift on the floor as the base bill. Let's have an open rule that would allow a reasonable amount of amendments to be voted on.
Gay marriage would threaten our survival
A Palatine letter to the editor: God gave the human race the great privilege of procreation. In order for our human race to keep our population at a number to maintain our civilization, a male and female need to cooperate in marriage to maintain this family. There is no life that results from a sexual relationship of two men and two woman.
GOP: More specifics on spending cuts
An Elgin letter to the editor: The Republicans' brand is spending cuts. Cutting spending has appeal in the abstract, but has no appeal in the detail. All spending items benefit somebody, and therefore all spending items have a constituency somewhere among the electorate.
Elect those who’ll stand up to NRA
A Wheaton letter to the editor: The new NRA ad, which focuses on President and Mrs. Obama's daughters, is indecent and disgusting. The president's family, and especially his children, should never be used in radical and threatening ways.
GOP did cutting that led to Benghazi
A Naperville letter to the editor: Secretary of State Clinton was grilled by Republicans for the failure of the State Department to supply adequate security at the U.S. Embassy in Benghazi, Libya. For Republicans to blame the Obama administration is the height of utter hypocrisy.
Local elections teem with ballot challenges
By Jim Davis
It's a common occurrence during the local election season: Trying to knock candidates off the ballot. Whether it's nitpicking or holding potential office holders to exacting standards is a matter of debate, says Jim Davis, news director for the DuPage and Fox Valley editions.