Daily Archive : Monday April 8, 2013

News

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    Gambling wins, loses in Prospect Heights
    By Deborah Donovan
    Gambling was on the agenda of the Prospect Heights City Council Monday night, and the votes produced winners and losers.

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    Roberto B. Ramos

    Aurora man charged with two gas station holdups
    By Harry Hitzeman
    A 28-year-old Aurora man, who was out on bond on a weapons charge, is now charged with armed robberies last month of two Aurora gas stations and another weapons offense.

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    Mary Michaud accepts a ceremonial check for $2 million along with her husband, Gil, during a presentation Monday at a BP store in Elgin where she had purchased the winning ticket on Good Friday. The Elgin couple say they will invest their money wisely, but splurge on a Harley-Davidson for Gil. “I’ve got it on hold,” he said. See our video of the couple at dailyherald.com.

    Elgin couple pledge not to blow through lottery winnings
    By Lenore T. Adkins
    Mary Michaud may have won a $2 million lottery, but she and her husband, Gil, insist the money won’t change them and that they will use common sense with their newfound wealth. “We just want to make it last for the rest of our lives,” Mary Michaud said. Illinois Lottery officials presented the Elgin couple with a ceremonial $2 million check Monday afternoon at the McLean BP Gas...

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    State Rep. Ed Sullivan, a Mundelein Republican, is the first Illinois House Republican to speak in support of same-sex marriage.

    Two suburban Republicans back same-sex marriage
    By Mike Riopell State Government Writer
    The first two Illinois House Republicans to publicly back same-sex marriage legislation are two suburban members — state Reps. Ed Sullivan of Mundelein and Ron Sandack of Downers Grove. "I thought long and hard about this issue," Sandack said.

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    Work will begin soon on the Elk Grove Park District's planned $7 million renovation/expansion of the Pavilion Aquatic Center.

    Elk Grove swimmers will be going elsewhere this summer
    By Madhu Krishnamurthy
    Elk Grove Park District will begin a nearly $7 million renovation/expansion of the Pavilion Aquatic Center after Sunday, that will result in a six-lane, 25-yard outdoor lap pool, a warm water exercise pool, an eight-lane, 25-yard indoor lap pool with diving area, new locker rooms, updated showers in the fitness center, and a new entrance to the aquatic area.

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    Waukegan Regional Airport's control tower could go dark unless someone intervenes to halt federal cuts.

    Waukegan airport might pay to keep tower operating under sequester
    By Marni Pyke
    Waukegan Regional Airport stakeholders are scrambling to keep air-traffic controllers in the tower despite federal cutbacks. Meanwhile, the FAA delays the deadline for cutting funding amid legal turbulence.

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    Gary King

    Property values in DuPage drop; taxes don't
    By Robert Sanchez
    DuPage County homeowners can expect to pay more property taxes to school districts and other local governments, even though land values countywide continue to plummet.

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    Plans for a virtual online school being pitched to 18 suburban districts have drawn pointed questions and considerable criticism. Here, Tennessee state Rep. Gloria Johnson told a gathering in Geneva last month how the charter school company, K12 Inc., is failing students in her state.

    Districts U-46, 300 deny virtual charter school proposal
    By Tara García Mathewson
    The school boards in Elgin Area School District U-46 and Community Unit District 300 unanimously denied a charter proposal during their meetings Monday night that would have allowed a virtual charter school to open in the coming school year. The Virtual Charter School at Fox River Valley was proposed by Virtual Learning Solutions, a nonprofit group formed specifically to open a school for...

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    Wisconsin bishop held in fatal pedestrian crash
    Associated Press
    olice say a Lutheran bishop was intoxicated when he struck and killed a pedestrian in Sun Prairie. The 52-year-old victim was hit on the northbound off-ramp of Highway 151 Sunday afternoon. The woman was taken to St. Mary's in Sun Prairie where she later died. She was not been identified.

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    McKnight Foundation grants to fight climate change
    Associated Press
    The McKnight Foundation is putting $25 million into two programs that are working to combat climate change with a focus on the Midwest. The grants from the foundation's new Midwest Climate & Energy program will aim to support strategies that reduce greenhouse gas emissions through the use of renewable energy and increased energy efficiencies in agriculture and transportation, the Star Tribune...

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    Jury selection to start in Wis. starved girl case
    Associated Press
    Prosecutors and defense attorneys are set to choose jurors for the trial of a Madison woman accused of torturing and starving her teenage stepdaughter. Jury selection was scheduled to begin Monday morning. The trial is expected to last at least two weeks.

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    Johnny Borizov

    Darien triple-murder suspect portrayed himself as 'wiseguy,' prosecutors say
    By Josh Stockinger
    A man accused of orchestrating the murders of three members of his ex-girlfriend's family repeatedly portrayed himself as a ruthless gangster in a ploy to get an acquaintance to do the killing, DuPage County prosecutors said at a pretrial hearing Monday. Eventually, they said, the gunman believed his family members would be killed if he didn't follow Johnny Borizov's orders.

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    The Village of Round Lake Beach retired K-9 Gunnar from the police department Monday night at village hall. Gunnar has served the village for the last 7 1/2 years working with handler Officer Ken Rydz. Rydz now takes ownership of Gunnar.

    Gunnar the German shepherd honored for years of service in Round Lake Beach
    By Mick Zawislak
    Round Lake Beach village officials on Monday retired its police dog and honored K-9 Gunnar for his years of dedicated community service. Gunnar, a 100-pound German shepherd his handler Officer Ken Rydz formed the first K-9 team for the village since the 1980s.

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    In this Oct. 20, 1990, photo, actress and former Mickey Mouse Club member Annette Funicello arrives for the 15th annual Italian American Foundation dinner in Washington.

    Annette Funicello, Mouseketeer and film star, dies
    Associated Press
    Annette Funicello, who became a child star as a perky, cute-as-a-button Mouseketeer on "The Mickey Mouse Club" in the 1950s, then teamed up with Frankie Avalon in a string of `60s fun-in-the-sun movies with titles like "Beach Blanket Bingo" and "Bikini Beach," died Monday. She was 70.

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    Geneva says ‘no’ to online charter school
    By Susan Sarkauskas
    The Geneva school district Monday joined the list of area school districts opposing the formation of an online charter school. The board voted unanimously to deny the application of Illinois Virtual Charter School @ Fox Valley. Basically, the board didn't think IVCS had its ducks in a row.

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    President Barack Obama hugs Newtown family members after speaking at the University of Hartford in Hartford, Conn., Monday. Obama said lawmakers have an obligation to the children killed and other victims of gun violence to act on his proposals.

    Obama’s domestic agenda on the line this week
    Associated Press
    President Barack Obama's second-term agenda will be robustly tested this week, with gun control and immigration in the spotlight on Capitol Hill and the White House releasing his long-delayed budget blueprint. In a taste of what lies ahead, Democratic gun legislation arrived on the Senate floor Monday — facing an aggressive Republican effort to block it.

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    Michael Highsmith

    Police: Man cut friend's throat, slashed his eyelids
    By Mick Zawislak
    A Milwaukee man is held in the Lake County jail on $1 million bond in connection with an attack Sunday on a friend. A motorist saw the victim, a 66-year-old Genoa City, Wis. man laying in the woods bleeding on Crawford Roaad south of Route 173 in Old Mill Creek and called sheriff's police.

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    Anne Smedinghoff, 25, was killed Saturday, April 6, southern Afghanistan, the first American diplomat to die on the job since last year’s attack on the U.S. diplomatic installation in Benghazi, Libya.

    Father: Slain diplomat died doing what she loved
    The family of an American diplomat who was among those killed in a terrorist attack in southern Afghanistan has taken solace in knowing she died doing what she loved. Anne Smedinghoff, a River Forest native and the first American diplomat to die on the job since last year's attack in Benghazi, Libya, was one of five Americans killed Saturday in a suicide car bombing while they were delivering...

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    Great Oaks of Barrington contest deadline Friday
    Daily Herald report
    Barrington Area Conservation Trust staff and judges are preparing to pore over Great Oaks of Barrington Contest entries and visit the most beautiful oaks in the area to select five winning trees based on condition, location, form, classic beauty and personal stories. The contest entry deadline is Friday, April 12.

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    Arlington Economic Alliance breakfast on Thursday
    Submitted by Village of Arlington Heights
    Registration is still open for this week's Economic Alliance Breakfast in Arlington Heights where the presentation will focus on consumer shopping habits. The breakfast, themed "Who is your customer?," will take place from 7:30 to 9 a.m. Thursday, April 11 in the Community Room on the third floor of Village Hall, 33 S. Arlington Heights Road.

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    Shaun Sperling

    Suburban “Madonna Bar Mitzvah Boy” now a motivational speaker
    By Jamie Sotonoff
    The Stevenson High School alumnus who became a YouTube sensation for dancing to Madonna's "Vogue" at his bar mitzvah will speak to students about being their authentic selves. He'll give presentations Monday at Stevenson, and Tuesday at Maine East High School in Park Ridge.

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    Dist. 15 says bus outsourcing will save $1.3 million
    By Kimberly Pohl
    Palatine Township Elementary District 15 and its transportation union are more than $4 million apart in calculating what it will cost to outsource busing. District officials will make a presentation at a school board meeting Wednesday estimating savings of $1.3 million over three years, while the transportation union maintains it will cost the district about $2.8 million more.

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    Fox Valley police reports
    An estimated $1,000 damage was done to the exterior paint on two vehicles in the 14N800 block of Brier Hill Road near Hampshire after they were pelted with eggs between 6 p.m. April 1 and 7 a.m. April 2, according to a sheriff's report.

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    Daniel P. McDade

    Lombard man charged with threatening courthouse attack
    Daily Herald report
    A 32-year-old Lombard man was being held Monday in Denver County jail on a pair of felony charges resulting from threats he made to engage in a "Columbine-type" shooting spree at the DuPage County courthouse, authorities said.

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    St. Francis de Sales open house:
    Daily Herald report
    St. Francis de Sales Parish School, 11 S. Buesching Road, Lake Zurich, host open houses on Wednesday, April 10 and Wednesday, April 24 from 8 a.m. to 2 p.m.

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    Get dinner and a show at Mundelein High School
    Daily Herald report
    Mundelein High School's Community Education and Alumni Foundation will host its second annual Drive n' Dine event Sunday, May 5,

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    District 95 preschool open house
    Daily Herald report
    An information night meeting for the Lake Zurich Unit District 95 Little Leaders Preschool Program is set for Wednesday, April 10, at 6 p.m. at May Whitney Elementary School, 100 Church St., Lake Zurich.

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    Blackhawks party tickets available
    Daily Herald report
    Tickets are still available for the Chicago Blackhawks Roadwatch Party on Tuesday at the Libertyville Sports Complex, featuring Tony Esposito.

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    Addison seafood company admits mislabeling
    Daily Herald report
    The owner of an Addison-based seafood distributor has agreed to resolve federal civil and criminal charges stemming from the mislabeling of fish and misstating weights of packaged shrimp. Patrick Bruno, president of Gourmet Express Marketing Inc. has agreed to federal mandates in future packaging of products. The 71-year-old Addison resident has also told prosecutors he will plead guilty to...

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    Tri-Cities police reports
    Beligca L. Marrero, 27, of Aurora, was arrested at 2:11 a.m. Thursday in the 1100 block of South Batavia Avenue, according to a police report. Marrero was charged with aggravated driving under the influence, no license, possession of drug paraphernalia, improper lane use, driving without a valid license, and driving under the influence of alcohol.

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    A 1980 file photo of British Prime Minister Margaret Thatcher.

    Margaret Thatcher, Britain's 'Iron Lady,' dies at 87
    Associated Press
    Love her or loathe her, one thing's beyond dispute: Margaret Thatcher transformed Britain. The Iron Lady, who ruled for 11 remarkable years, imposed her will on a fractious, rundown nation — breaking the unions, triumphing in a far-off war, and selling off state industries at a record pace. She left behind a leaner government and more prosperous nation by the time a political mutiny ousted...

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    Daniel Baker

    Sentencing in Vernon Hills murder delayed until May
    By Lee Filas
    The sentencing of a Deerfield man found guilty of murdering a Vernon Hills woman has been delayed again to consider his mental fitness. A daylong court hearing is set for May 6 to determine if Daniel Baker, 24, can understand any potential prison sentence he faces. Sentencing has been delayed a couple of times now, most recently to give psychiatrists time to meet with Baker.

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    Officials take photos of the bus after it was set back onto its wheels Friday afternoon.

    Newport School getting back to normal after crash, principal says
    By Russell Lissau
    Three days after a horrific bus crash injured more than 30 students and killed one person, the mood at Newport Elementary School was positive and upbeat, Principal John Coburn said Monday. "We're getting back to normal." Coburn said. "We just thank God that the kids are fine."

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    Schaumburg Interim Police Chief Ken Bouche describes what his role will be in the department through the selection of a permanent chief. Bouche said he expects a permanent chief in place before the end of the year.

    Interim Schaumburg Police Chief aims to heal department
    By Eric Peterson
    The Schaumburg Police Department began 2013 as an agency widely recognized and respected for its professionalism and community outreach. Interim Police Chief Ken Bouche is confident it will end the year the same way. Bouche is helping the force heal itself from the blow that came Jan. 16 with the arrests of three undercover officers on multiple drug conspiracy charges.

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    In this Jan. 16 file photo, President Barack Obama, accompanied by Vice President Joe Biden, discusses proposals to reduce gun violence, at the White House. Obama is bringing 11 relatives of those killed in the shooting at Connecticut’s Sandy Hook Elementary School to Washington on Air Force One Monday so they can personally encourage senators to back gun legislation that faces tough opposition.

    Obama to bring some Sandy Hook families on AF1
    Associated Press
    President Barack Obama is providing a ride on Air Force One to 11 relatives of those killed at Connecticut's Sandy Hook Elementary School so they can attend his gun control speech Monday before heading to Washington to personally plead with senators reluctant to back gun legislation.

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    Cori Sorensen, a fourth grade teacher from Highland Elementary School in Highland, Utah, receives firearms training with a .357 magnum from personal defense instructor Jim McCarthy in West Valley City, Utah, where teachers and administrators are allowed to bring guns to school.

    Even in pro-gun states, bid to arm teachers stalls
    Associated Press
    At first, bills to arm school personnel proliferated in Republican-led states as the National Rifle Association called for armed officers in every American school. Yet less than four months later, the quest to put guns in schools has stalled in many traditionally gun-friendly states after encountering opposition from educators, reluctance from some governors and ambivalence from legislative...

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    Mrs. Mayor, played by Katie Das; Mr. Mayor, played by Charlie Karner; and The Grinch, played by Ben Cisco, rehearse for CTE’s production of “Seussical Jr.”

    ‘Seussical Jr.’ comes to the Hemmens
    Children’s Theatre of Elgin
    Children's Theatre of Elgin wraps up its 25th anniversary season with the popular musical "Seussical Jr." Come along with The Grinch, Yertle The Turtle, The Cat In The Hat, and many more interesting characters as they capture your attention, spark your imagination, and take you on a roller-coaster ride.

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    Mourners leave Holy Name Cathedral after film critic Roger Ebert’s funeral.

    Mourners remember famed film critic Roger Ebert
    Associated Press
    Acclaimed film critic Roger Ebert's funeral will be at a Catholic church in downtown Chicago. Ebert's funeral is scheduled for 10 a.m. on Monday at Holy Name Cathedral. The Pulitzer Prize-winning movie reviewer died Thursday at age 70 after a long battle with cancer. He worked for the newspaper for more than 40 years.

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    Mark Mlynarczyk

    Hoffman Estates man accused of shooting officer with BB gun
    By Jessica Cilella
    A Hoffman Estates man is being held on $500,000 bond after shooting a police officer with a BB gun over the weekend, authorities said today. Mark Mlynarczyk, 47, of the 1800 block of Ashley Road, was arrested after a confrontation with police responding to a report of a family problem at his home.

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    Zhili Xiao

    NIU professor honored for research, mentoring
    Submitted by Northern Illinois University
    Northern Illinois University has named three faculty members, including Zhili Xiao of Naperville, as its 2013 Board of Trustees Professors — a top university honor that recognizes faculty members for international renown in their research and excellence in all facets of teaching.

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    Jersey Mike’s Subs employee Matt Stickrod puts a sandwich together on the first day of business for the new location in South Elgin.

    Jersey Mike’s opens in South Elgin
    By Amy E. Williams
    A friendly rivalry between St. Charles North and South Elgin High Schools helped welcome a new Jersey Mike's sandwich shop to South Elgin this month. Jersey Mike's employees handed out 8,000 coupons throughout the area for a free sub with a $1 donation. When customers brought the coupon to the counter, they could decide whether the $1 donation would go to the boosters club of either school.

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    Hospital group says ‘alarm fatigue’ can be deadly
    Associated Press
    Constantly beeping alarms in hospitals are being linked to patient deaths and other dangers in a new alert from the Joint Commission. The alarms can lead to "noise fatigue," and doctors and nurses sometimes inadvertently ignore the sounds

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    Community gardens, road work set for approval in Aurora
    By Marie Wilson
    The Aurora City Council is set to approve measures that will create three new community gardens and a garden network, and authorize the purchase of temporary easements for road work on East New York Street during a meeting at 6 p.m. Tuesday at city hall, 44 E. Downer Place. Both topics received preliminary approval last week and should get the final nod Tuesday.

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    The Human Race, started last year by Giving DuPage, features a 5K run and 2-mile fitness walk in which participants choose which DuPage County cause benefits from their entry fees.

    Human Race benefits range of DuPage charities
    By Christie Willhite
    The thing about the human race is that we're all here together and, different as we may be, we can make life better for each other. The same is true about the Human Race. The 5K organized by Giving DuPage brings together runners and walkers for a charity fundraiser. But rather than raising money for a single cause, the participants in the Human Race each are supporting their own cause;...

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    Singer Eric Church performs at the 48th Annual Academy of Country Music Awards at the MGM Grand Garden Arena in Las Vegas on Sunday, April 7, 2013.

    Images: 48th Annual Academy of Country Music Awards
    The 48th Annual Academy of Country Music Awards was held at the MGM Grand Garden Arena in Las Vegas on Sunday, April 7, 2013.

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    Talk with the Editor: We're partnering with Reboot to hold pension forum
    By John Lampinen
    In this Talk with the Editor, John Lampinen announces that the Daily Herald and Reboot Illinois are hosting a public discussion of public pension reform. Here's your chance to participate. Reboot Illinois is a civic-minded nonpartisan digital media operation that aims to engage the citizenry in understanding and addressing the state's challenges.

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    Running the Human Race: Glen Ellyn Youth and Family Counseling Service
    Glen Ellyn Youth and Family Counseling Service wants to make sure no one in town — from the children in its schools to the adults in the community — lacks for mental health care.The not-for-profit group, begun in 1979, offers a variety of services aiming to ensure the mental health and well-being of children and families. Robert Dobosz, president of the board of directors for Glen...

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    In this June 23, 1982 file photo, Britain’s Prime Minister Margaret Thatcher gestures with her pen as she answers a reporters question during a news conference at the United Nations. Ex-spokesman Tim Bell says that Thatcher has died. She was 87. Bell said the woman known to friends and foes as “the Iron Lady” passed away Monday morning, April 8, 2013.

    Images: Margaret Thatcher through the years
    Margaret Thatcher, the former U.K. prime minister who helped end the Cold War and was known as the "Iron Lady" for her uncompromising style, died Monday. She was 87.

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    Supporters of the DuPage Homeownership Center took part in the inaugural Human Race, including Executive Director Debra Olson, kneeling from left, and board members Joan Rickard and Linda Shea.

    Running the Human Race: DuPage Homeownership Center
    The DuPage Homeownership Center aims to help people looking to buy their first home, or who are struggling with their mortgage, find their way to responsible, sustainable homeownership. Linda Shea, a board member for DuPage Homeownership Center, tells us more about her support for the organization and why she chooses to run in the Human Race.

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    Tricia Fuglestad asks her students one more question about famous paintings.

    Top teacher serves as a muse for students
    By Melissa Silverberg
    Art takes many forms. The 500 students in Tricia Fuglestad's classes at Dryden Elementary School in Arlington Heights learn history, videomaking, filmwriting, tweeting, blogging, uploading, singing, acting, graphic design, animation and more, but all of it is art. "We are definitely a hands-on art program," said Fuglestad, now in her 21st year of teaching, all in Arlington Heights Elementary...

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    CTA invests $20M for Green Line track improvements
    Associated Press
    The Chicago Transit Authority is putting $20 million worth of improvements into a train line that stretches into the west and south sides of the city. The agency has announced the work on the Green Line is to help prepare the line to handle an increase in passengers due to a five-month reconstruction of the Red Line. The Red Line stops include Chicago's Chinatown and U.S. Cellular Field, home of...

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    14-year-old killed in Chicago drive-by shooting
    Associated Press
    Authorities say a 14-year-old boy was shot to death Sunday afternoon on Chicago's West Side.Chicago Police say the boy was shot in the chest in a drive-by shooting. He was taken to Mount Sinai Hospital where he was pronounced dead. Police detained three males and recovered a weapon after locating a vehicle that matched a description of one seen near the shooting.

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    Dawn Patrol: Streamwood hit-and-run; Hawks clinch playoffs
    By Melissa Silverberg and Lee Filas
    Pedestrian struck in Streamwood hit-and-run crash; teenager hospitalized after car crashes into house in Des Plaines; several DuPage taxing bodies asking for more money; Chicago area diplomat killed in Afghanistan; Blackhawks clinch playoff spot; Kasper: Something special about Wrigley Field; early, yes, but White Sox looking good so far

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    Commuters head to Pace buses after getting off the Blue Line train at the Rosemont station. Suburban commuters who use PACE and CTA patrons soon will have access to the transit agencies universal fare card, known as Ventra.

    CTA, Pace face learning curve on joint fare cards
    By Marni Pyke
    What will Pace and the CTA's new Ventra card mean for suburban commuters? The move's drawn fire from some Chicago commuters but officials say it should ease travel for riders switching between the systems. The jury's still out on what it means for Metra riders who transfer to CTA from Union or Ogilvie stations.

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    Pointing to a photo of the barrier island community of Stone Harbor in New Jersey, Charley McLenna shows where he lost his Cubs hat. The Lake in the Hills man recently reclaimed his hat, which somehow survived Hurricane Sandy.

    Cubs fan finds hope in lost hat returned from hurricane
    By Burt Constable
    A favorite Cubs hat, thought to have been lost to Hurricane Sandy during a fall filled with bad news, miraculously reappears. And its Lake in the Hills owner thinks that could be a sign. “It was nothing short of a miracle finding this hat,” the 44-year-old Lake in the Hills man says as he tenderly removes his beloved 1934 replica wool Cubs hat, which recently found its way back to...

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    The Cubs return to Chicago for their season home opener Monday after dropping two games to the Atlanta Braves over the weekend.

    Weekend in Review: Case costing Schaumburg; Crash investigation continues
    What you may have missed over the weekend: Island Lake robocall prompts investigation; Schaumburg cop case fallout adding up; Sleepy Hollow man dies in Carpentersville fire; fatal bush crash investigation continues; Round Lake Park man wins $3 million in second-chance lotto; suburban diplomat killed in Afghanistan; Blackhawks clinch playoff spot; Bulls lose to Pistons; so far so good for White...

Sports

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    In this photo provided by the Chicago Fire, New York Red Bulls forward Tim Cahill, right, and Chicago Fire midfielder Jeff Larentowicz go for the ball during the second half of an MLS soccer match, Sunday, April 7, 2013, in Bridgeview, Ill. The Fire won 3-1. (AP Photo/Chicago Fire, Brian Kersey)

    Fire won’t catch a break this weekend
    By Orrin Schwarz
    As hard as it was for the Chicago Fire to get its first victory of the season last weekend, it might be even harder to get No. 2 Sunday at Houston.

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    While Bulls center Joakim Noah, right, felt fine after Sunday's game against Detroit, coach Tom Thibodeau said Noah was still experience pain in his feet on Monday and may sit out a few more games.

    Another setback for Bulls and Noah
    By Mike McGraw
    Joakim Noah returned to the court Sunday against Detroit after missing eight games to rest chronic plantar fasciitis in his feet. Noah played well (13 points, 7 rebounds in 21 minutes), but his feet didn't react well Monday morning, according to coach Tom Thibodeau. That's not the kind of news the Bulls need with six games left in the regular season.

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    Cubs President of Baseball Operations Theo Epstein, right, and general manager Jed Hoyer watch the team’s batting practice before Monday’s home-opener at Wrigley Field.

    Cubs would never go for this win-win-win solution
    By Mike Imrem
    The craziness revolving around the Cubs' attempt to renovate Wrigley Field has reached new heights, or maybe depths: A Wrigleyville group believes more parking is a bad idea. Ricketts said when asked whether he was surprised at a Wrigleyville group’s objection to more parking, “Honestly, we haven’t had public hearings on that. I’m not sure what the objections are.”

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    Cubs catcher Welington Castillo tosses the ball to teammate third baseman Luis Valbuena to tag out Milwaukee Brewers' Milwaukee Brewers right fielder Norichika Aoki at Monday's Wrigley Field home-opener. Aoki was trying to score from third on a hit by Ricky Weeks.

    Ricketts ought to fly the coop and set up in suburbia
    By Barry Rozner
    Only in the City of Chicago would a man have to wait to spend money to fix up his own house, but Tom Ricketts and the Cubs still have their plans on hold. By the time Ricketts got to Wrigley Field on Opening Day Monday, he found a mayor, an alderman and assorted other clowns — who have conspired to make Ricketts' life miserable — occupying the first row and blocking his way.

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    Monday’s softball scoreboard
    High school results from Monday's varsity girls softballl games, as reported to the Daily Herald.

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    Monday’s girls track scoreboard
    High school results from Monday's varsity girls track meets, as reported to the Daily Herald.

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    Monday’s girls soccer scoreboard
    High school results from Monday's varsity girls soccer games, as reported to the Daily Herald.

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    Monday’s girls water polo scoreboard
    High school results from Monday's varsity girls water polo matches, as reported to the Daily Herald.

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    Monday’s badminton scoreboard
    High school results from Monday's varsity girls badminton meets, as reported to the Daily Herald.

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    Monday’s boys volleyball scoreboard
    High school results from Monday's varsity boys volleyball games, as reported to the Daily Herald.

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    Monday’s boys track scoreboard
    High school results from Monday's varsity boys track meets, as reported to the Daily Herald.

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    Monday’s boys tennis scoreboard
    High school results from Monday's varsity boys tennis matches, as reported to the Daily Herald.

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    Monday’s baseball scoreboard
    High school results from Monday's varsity boys baseball games, as reported to the Daily Herald.

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    Louisville forward Chane Behanan (21) reacts after defeating Michigan after the second half of the NCAA Final Four tournament college basketball championship game Monday, April 8, 2013, in Atlanta. Louisville won 82-76.

    Images: NCAA Men’s Basketball Championship Game
    Images of the NCAA men's basketball title game between the Wolverines of Michigan and Louisville at the Georgia Dome in Atlanta. The Louisville Cardinals won their their third national championship.

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    Lake Park’s strength is no accident
    By Joshua Welge
    Lake Park boarded its bus for the ride back to Roselle, fresh off pounding out 37 hits in a doubleheader sweep at Conant Saturday. Was a restaurant for a postgame meal the destination? Try the weight room for more lifting

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    Michigan guard Trey Burke (3) walks off the court as confetti falls on Louisville players, including Russ Smith (2), Luke Hancock (11), Stephan Van Treese (44) and Zach Price (25), after the NCAA Final Four tournament college basketball championship game, Monday in Atlanta. Louisville won 82-76.

    Louisville beats Michigan 82-76 to win NCAA title
    Associated Press
    Luke Hancock made all five of his 3-pointers and led Louisville to its first NCAA men's basketball championship since 1986 with an 82-76 victory over Michigan on Monday night. The celebration belonged to the Cardinals, who added this to a Sugar Bowl victory this year and also have their women's team in Tuesday's national final against Connecticut. "I had the 13 toughest guys I've ever coached," said coach Rick Pitino.

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    Crites throws 1-hitter against West Chicago
    Daily Herald Reports
    Glenbard North 5, West Chicago 0:Kyle Crites dominated the DuPage Valley Conference opener for the Panthers (3-4, 1-0) by firing a 1-hitter with 10 strikeouts. Matt Frawley sparked the offense by launching 2 home runs with 5 RBI. Brandon Kressner also had 2 hits. Connor Dall had the lone hit for West Chicago (3-5, 0-1).Montini 15, Wheaton Academy 0:Ben Dobosenski pitched a 5-inning no-hitter for the Broncos in their Suburban Christian Conference victory over Wheaton Academy. Dobosenski also went 2-for-3 with a homer and 3 RBI. Austin Kline doubled, homered and had 5 RBI while Chris Bartosz doubled twice.Lisle 3, Plano 2:The Lions (4-3, 1-0) won the Interstate Eight Conference game in the bottom of the seventh inning when Ryan Van Volkenburg, who doubled three times, scored on an error. Van Volkenburg also struck out 9 in a complete-game win on the mound. Glenbard West 9, Hinsdale Central 6:Will Simoneit’s solo home run put the Hilltoppers (4-5, 2-4) ahead to stay in a 3-run sixth inning that broke a 6-6 tie and allowed Glenbard West to win the rubber game of the West Suburban Silver series. Daniel Simoneit also homered while Mitch Monocchio went 3-for-4 with 3 RBI. Ryan Haff blasted a grand slam for Hinsdale Central (4-3, 3-2).St. Francis 5, Marmion 2:Trailing 2-1, the Spartans (5-5, 2-0) scored 4 runs in the bottom of the sixth to stay unbeaten in the Suburban Christian Conference. Colin Doyle singled home the tying run and Jack Petrando walked to provide the go-ahead run. Winning pitcher Jason Sullivan went 3-for-4 and Josh Croci had 3 RBI. Lake Park 8, Streamwood 2:Devin Rybacki and Sam Pellegrino went 2-for-2 for the Lancers (7-1, 3-1) in their Upstate Eight Conference win. Eric Vatch was the complete-game winning pitcher, striking out five and scattering 6 hits.WW South 14, West Aurora 10:The Tigers (6-3, 1-0) struck for 16 hits in their DuPage Valley Conference victory. Eric Giltz homered twice and had 4 RBI. Matt Walsh went 4-for-5 and Mike Saccucci doubled twice and drove in 2 runs. Winning pitcher Baylor Holmes gutted out 4 innings. Addison Trail 18, Proviso East 1:Jordan Garcia went 3-for-4 with a triple, 2 runs scored and 4 RBI as the Blazers (4-4, 3-0) capped a three-game sweep in the West Suburban Gold. Brad Schonder and Mike Rybarczyk, who drove in 3 runs, had 2 hits apiece. Winning pitcher Frank Amato struck out seven and allowed 3 hits in 5 innings.St. Charles North 5, Metea Valley 2:Metea Valley (3-4, 2-2) couldn’t hold a 2-0 lead in the Upstate Eight Conference loss. Connor Archey doubled and drove in 2 runs.Morton 4, Willowbrook 3:Dom Battaglia, Tyler Vavrek and Mike Rothmund drove in runs for Willowbrook (3-6, 1-5) in their West Suburban Gold loss.

  •  

    Focused Conant rebounds nicely
    By John Leusch
    Conant's softball players were not happy with a home field doubleheader loss to Lake Park on Saturday. "That (15-5 and 11-3 losses) has never happened to us," said Cougars all-area catcher Miranda Cavin. "We knew (Monday) we had to pick it up and stay focused the whole game." The Cougars' game was back to normal on Monday in the Mid-Suburban League where they are the two-time defending champs. They kicked off their 2013 campaign with a 15-1 victory at Rolling Meadows as freshman Kali Schumacher threw a 5-hitter with 3 strikeouts for her third win in four decisions.

  •  
    Cubs shortstop Starlin Castro reacts after striking out in late in the game against the Brewers at Wrigley Field on Monday.

    Ill wind snuffs out Cubs rally
    By Bruce Miles
    Neither the wind blowing out or blowing in was friendly to the Cubs Monday at Wrigley Field as they fell 7-4 to the Milwaukee Brewers. The Brewers took advantage of the warm conditions early in the game, and Cubs shortstop Starlin Castro had his drive to right field knocked down by a shifting wind in the ninth.

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    Stevenson bounces back, tops Hersey
    Daily Herald report
    Boys volleyballStevenson d. Hersey: Stevenson rebounded from a loss in the first game to defeat Hersey, 22-25, 25-19, 25-9. The Patriots, who improve to 6-2, got a team-high 13 kills out of both Brett Lerner and Brad Tiller. Aaron Zalewski added 9 kills. Setter Jonah May rolled up 36 assists for Stevenson, which also got a team-high 15 digs out of Brian Dubinsky, 12 digs from Kevin XU and 11 digs from Lerner.Warren d. Carmel: Bryant Holland had a complete game in leading Warren to a 25-13, 25-21 sweep of Carmel. Holland had 5 kills, 5 aces and 2 blocks for the Blue Devils, who improve to 7-3 on the season. Matt Massong led the Blue Devils with 6 kills while Arvind Kouta rolled up 15 assists.Lakes d. Lake Forest Academy: Lakes won its sixth straight match with a 25-12, 25-15 win over Lake Forest Academy. Mason Solbrig led the way with 8 kills and an ace. The Eagles (6-3) also got 5 kills from both Richard Galat and Dalton Solbrig. Galat also led the team with 8 digs. Meanwhile, setter Matt Parenti finished with 21 assists.

  •  

    Brown leads Grayslake Central victory
    Daily Herald report
    SoftballGrayslake Central 2, Huntley 1 (8): Brittany Brown was everywhere for Grayslake Central. She went 2-for-4 with a double, and she was even tougher in the field. She pitched all eight innings for the Rams and gave up no earned runs and only 2 hits and 2 walks. Katie Strickland also went 2-for-4 with a double and drove in a run for the Rams.McHenry 9, Grayslake North 2: McHenry rolled up 12 hits en route to the win. Jordyn Bowen and Maddie Tarlap led the Knights with 2 hits apiece.

  •  

    Lucas, Grant power to victory
    Daily Herald report
    Lake baseball roundup

  •  

    Elk Grove gets back to winning
    By Mike Garofola
    Kelly Naughton's opening goal in the 12th minute and Nikki Zaino's subsequent double ensured Elk Grove a return to its winning ways in a 3-0 victory Monday night at Rolling Meadows.

  •  

    BG edges Prospect
    Daily Herald report
    Buffalo Grove senior Mike DiViesti drove in 3 runs and sophomore Justin Hasek struck four in his relief stint to help the visiting Bison hold on against Prospect 4-3 in the Mid-Suburban East opener for both teams on Monday.

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    Softball/Fox Valley roundup
    Daily Herald report
    Cary-Grove 10, Hampshire 0: Cary-Grove senior Lindsay Efflandt threw a 5-inning no-hitter as the Trojans (5-0) rolled to a Fox Valley Conference crossover win. Efflandt struck out seven and walked one. Sarah Leudo (2-for-3, 2B, 3 RBI), Jaime Deering (2-for-3, 3 RBI) and Grace Pilz (RBI) led the Trojans’ offense. Jennifer Hurst took the loss for the Whip-Purs (3-5).Elgin 4, Metea Valley 1: Winning pitcher Jennah Perryman was 2-for-2 with a double and 2 RBI to lead the Maroons to an Upstate Eight Conference win. Monica Stockman also had a double and an RBI for Elgin (6-3, 2-2). Perryman threw a 5-hitter, giving up no earned runs with 6 strikeouts and 2 walks.Burlington Central 7, Streamwood 3: Brooke Gaylord allowed just 4 hits and 1 earned run with 5 strikeouts and 3 walks, and she was 2-for-3 with a 3-run home run to lead the Rockets to a nonconference win. Bekah Harnish (2-for-4, 2 RBI), Kelly Wiater (2-for-2) and Melanie Gajewski (2-for-2) also contributed for Central (9-1). Natalie Fillipo had a double for the Sabres (1-5) and Kaitlyn Hedger was the losing pitcher.Grayslake Central 2, Huntley 1: The Rams pushed a run across in the top of the eighth inning to hand Huntley its first loss of the season in this FVC crossover. Haley Spannraft took the loss for the Red Raiders (6-1), who had just 3 singles off Grayslake Central’s Brittany Brown.CL Central 8, Dundee-Crown 1: Losing pitcher Amanda Eissler had a double for the Chargers (1-3) in this FVC crossover loss.Jacobs 4, Johnsburg 3: Emily Borg was 2-for-2 with a home run and Jacquelyn Hengler had a double as Jacobs held off Johnsburg in an FVC crossover. Kelsey Peters (5-2) got the win for the Golden Eagles (5-3), allowing 7 hits with 5 strikeouts and 1 walk.Timothy Christian 12, Westminster Christian 9: Timothy scored 10 runs in its last two at-bats to win this nonconference game. Rebecca Fugiel had a double, a triple and 4 RBI for Westminster (2-3). Rachel Rich was the losing pitcher.CL South 14, Woodstock 0: Hailee Massie threw a 1-hitter as the Gators (6-0) won in FVC crossover play.

  •  

    Girls soccer/Fox Valley roundup
    Daily Herald report
    Bartlett 3, Larkin 0: Josie Dombrowski, Mariah Martinez and Kaitlin Brohan scored goals for Bartlett in its Upstate Eight crossover win. Mariela Alba had 2 saves for the Hawks (8-4). Amanda Lozada was in goal but wasn’t called on to make any saves.Jacobs 6, Woodstock 0: Kylie Dennison scored 2 goals and had 2 assists and Liz Foster made 7 saves in goal to lead Jacobs to a Fox Valley Conference win. Kelly Grady, Bailey Adams and Margaret Rivera each had a goal and an assist for the Golden Eagles (3-4, 2-0), while Payton Berg added a goal.CL South 5, Marian Central 0: MacKenzie Taldone had 2 goals and an assist as the Gators won in nonconference action. Kimmy Sulikowski, Audrey Collard and Erin Woeste added goals for Crystal Lake South and Bianca Miceli, Lauren Del Vecchio, Alexandra Romano and Jaclyn Quill each had assists. Kiley Britten made 6 saves in goal for the Gators.

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    Bartlett cruises past Elgin
    By Jerry Fitzpatrick
    Bartlett coach Chris Pemberton said he was hoping for some ground balls in Monday's Upstate Eight crossover at Elgin so his defense could find its rhythm, but starting pitcher Colin Nowak and reliever Matt Lathan rendered their teammates' mitts almost unnecessary. Nowak struck out 13 Maroons in 6 innings and Lathan struck out the side in the seventh as the Hawks cruised past Elgin 8-2.

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    Baseball/Fox Valley roundup
    Daily Herald report
    St. Edward 3, Walther Lutheran 1: St. Edward senior Jacob Koehring won a pitchers’ duel against Walther Lutheran at Wing Park in Elgin to keep the Green Wave undefeated (6-0, 4-0). Koehring tossed a complete-game 4-hitter with 1 walk and 10 strikeouts. St. Edward managed just 3 hits against Broncos starting pitcher Steven Lams, but drew 5 walks, 2 of which eventually scored. Michael Castoro and Ryan Nudd each walked and later scored on wild pitches, and Antonio Domel scored from second base on an error to make it 3-0 in the second inning. Jake LaFrenz, Tighe Koehring and Kevin Lamp had the only hits for St. Edward.Lake Park 8, Streamwood 2: Lake Park erupted for 5 runs in the top of the fourth inning and outhit the Sabres 11-6 to win this Upstate Eight Crossover. Michael Smith went 2-for-4 and drove in a run and Matt Harding and Troy Caminitti each doubled for Streamwood (1-4, 1-3). Harding was the losing pitcher. The senior allowed 8 earned runs on 11 hits, walked 2 and struck out 1.

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    Starai, Saints shut out Waubonsie Valley
    By John Lemon
    With a curveball, slider, change-up and fastball, senior Matt Starai had his choice of four pitches to keep Waubonsie Valley off-balance Monday afternoon in St. Charles. Starai showed great command of each pitch, allowing just 3 hits in a 10-0 victory in six innings. In improving his own record to 3-0 and his team's to 5-4 overall and 3-1 in the Upstate Eight Conference, Starai fanned nine without walking a batter.

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    South Elgin exploits Geneva defense
    By Kevin McGavin
    There were two defining elements in the Upstate Eight Conference crossover baseball game between visiting South Elgin and Geneva on Monday afternoon: defense and baserunning. South Elgin turned double plays to largely negate its two miscues, but Geneva could only wish for such an outcome. Committing 8 errors on the day, Geneva could only watch helplessly as the Storm parlayed the Vikings' mistakes into several scoring opportunities en route to an 8-3 victory.

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    Panko homer just part of Benet offense
    Daily Herald Reports
    Marissa Panko hit her first varsity home run, a three-run shot, and No. 3 Benet rolled past Plainfield East 15-5 on Monday in Lisle. Julianne Rurka and Stephanie Abello both doubled for the Redwings (5-1).Naperville Central 4, Oswego East 0:Julie Kestas (3-0) struck out nine in a four-hitter and Maddi Doane doubled and tripled for the No. 5 Redhawks (7-0).Lake Park 7, Glenbard West 0:Danielle Jecmen (8-0) threw a one-hitter, Sam Cummings hit a three-run homer and Stephanie Sturino a two-run shot for the No. 12 Lancers (10-1).Addison Trail 8, Resurrection 7:Alex DiSilvio drove in the game-winning run in the seventh inning for the Blazers (4-3). Kelly Delawder had 2 hits, including a triple.Montini 12, Rosary 2:Sara Ross hit her fifth homer, a three-run shot that set a Montini single-season record, for the Broncos (7-3, 2-0 Suburban Christian Conference Blue).St. Francis 7, IC Catholic Prep 2:Aly Germanos was 3-for-4 with 2 triples and 2 runs scored and Aly Dittrich 2-for-3 with 2 RBI for the Spartans (7-1).Plainfield South 3, Willowbrook 1:Darian Pelsor was 2-for-3 with an RBI and Olivia Domin 2-for-3 with a double for No. 20 Willowbrook (5-2). Adri Curi was 3-for-3 with a double, run scored and RBI for Plainfield South (7-0).St. Charles East 6, Naperville North 1:Kailee Budicin’s double was one of just 2 hits for the host Huskies (3-2).Lisle 7, Plano 6:Winning pitcher Summer Sitt was 3-for-4 with a double and Lauren Holub homered for Lisle (3-1, 1-1 Interstate Eight Conference).

  •  

    Neuqua Valley snaps Batavia’s 8-game streak
    By Craig Brueske
    Neuqua Valley baseball coach Robin Renner refers to Josh Piotrowski as "a second leadoff hitter at the 9-spot." Piotrowski, a junior outfielder, certainly lived up to the billing Monday afternoon as he enjoyed a perfect 4-for-4 day at the plate and helped ignite a 4-run sixth inning to snap a 3-3 tie during the Wildcats' 7-5 Upstate Eight Conference victory over host Batavia (8-1, 3-1) ending the Bulldogs' 8-game winning streak.

  •  
    Lake Bachar of Wheaton North pitches against Naperville North during baseball on Monday in Naperville.

    Wheaton North gets good start in DVC play
    By Kevin Schmit
    As two-time defending DuPage Valley Conference champions, Wheaton North's baseball team knows how to separate the sprints from the marathons. So while the Falcons took a moment to celebrate Monday's come-from-behind 5-3 road victory over Naperville North, the moment didn't last long.

  •  

    Everything working for Cherry
    By Joshua Welge
    Lindsey Cherry is proof that good location, changing speeds and a tremendous infield can carry a pitcher a long way.

  •  

    White to join Stetson’s football reintroduction
    Daily Herald report
    Warren senior Shayne White has earned a tip of the hat, so to speak. White has signed an institutional letter of intent with the Stetson University Hatters in Deland, Fla., where he will play football. The 6-foot-2, 225-pounder started on the offensive line last fall and earned honorable mention All-North Suburban Conference honors in helping the Blue Devils earn a state playoff berth.

  •  
    Ashley Berggren’s run as Schaumburg girls basketball coach is over, but she’s looking forward to developing other professional and personal opportunities.

    Berggren ready for new challenge
    By John Leusch
    Ashley Berggren, who has directed the Schaumburg girls basketball team to back-to-back winning seasons, will not be returning to her post of head coach. The former all-state basketball player said that with the numbers for special education students declining significantly at the high school, her teaching position is no longer available. "That is the nature of education, it is constantly changing," said Berggren, who starred at Barrington High School and the University of Illinois, where she was the Big Ten Player of the Year in 1997. "Things happen for a reason, and I'm thankful for my time at Schaumburg."

  •  
    Rolling Meadows starter Matt Dennis delivers at Hersey on Monday.

    Rolling Meadows’ Dennis a menace to Hersey
    By Bill Esbrook
    Matt Dennis of Rolling Meadows wasn't about to let his well-pitched game go to waste Monday against host Hersey. So the senior took matters into his own hands at the plate. With the Mustangs trailing 2-0 in the 7th inning, Dennis blasted a long 2-run homer over the fence in left-center to send the game into extras. Rolling Meadows (3-2-1, 1-0) plated a run in the top of the 10th to defeat the Huskies 3-2 in the Mid-Suburban East opener for both teams.

  •  

    Cougars notch first win
    Special to the Daily Herald
    For the third straight game, the Kane County Cougars worked overtime. But Monday afternoon, the extra effort finally paid off as the Cougars (1-4) notched their first victory of the season, a 6-5 triumph over the Clinton LumberKings at Fifth Third Bank Ballpark in Geneva. With the score tied at 5-5 in the bottom of the 10th, Rock Shoulders led off with a single against reliever Blake Hauser (0-1). Shoulders advanced to second on Pin Chieh Chen's groundout and scored when Bijan Rademacher dropped a bloop single in front of center fielder Jabari Henry for the game-winning tally.

  •  

    Chicago Christian blanks St. Edward
    By Brian Schaumburg
    Very few things went right Monday for the St. Edward softball team. The Green Wave was held to 2 hits and, while not credited with any errors, didn't have a great defensive effort either as Chicago Christian beat St. Edward, 4-0, at the Elgin Sports Complex in Suburban Christian Conference action.

  •  

    Burlington Central controls Hampshire
    By Allen Oshinski
    With the spring sports season off to a late start, Burlington Central's girls soccer team is just trying to get better one half at a time. The Rockets took a step in that direction Monday with a 3-1 non conference victory against Hampshire. The game was rescheduled due to frigid conditions earlier in the season, but the weather was ideal on a Monday night in Hampshire. Alyssa Messina, Cali Andrew, and Ellen Jayne scored as the Rockets improved to 6-0 on the season.

  •  

    For Grace and Sullivan, old school is new again
    By Dave Oberhelman
    Put a Tiger and a Falcon in the same training room and what happens? Personal records.

  •  

    Epstein: Sveum made right call about Marmol’s role
    By Bruce Miles
    Cubs president Theo Epstein said Monday he fully supports manager Dale Sveum demoting embattled closer Carlos Marmol, who worked 1 inning of mop-up relief in the home-opening 7-4 loss to the Brewers.

  •  

    Ricketts cautiously confident about Wrigley Field deal
    By Bruce Miles
    Even though reports abound that the Cubs are close to a deal with the city of Chicago on a plan to renovate Wrigley Field, team chairman Tom Ricketts was cautiously optimistic in his assessment Monday before the opener at Wrigley Field.

  •  

    A snapshot of the White Sox (4-2) so far
    By Scot Gregor
    The first week of the season is in the books, and beat writer Scot Gregor takes a closer look at the White Sox, from all of the home runs to the empty seats at U.S. Cellular Field to a strong start from Addison Redd, Jesse Crain and the rest of the bullpen.

  •  
    Wayne Messmer sings the national anthem before the Chicago Cubs vs Milwaukee Brewers at Wrigley Field in Chicago on Opening Day of the 2013 season.

    Images: Cubs lose home opener
    The Chicago Cubs opend their home season on Monday at Wrigley Field with a game against the Milwaukee Brewers. The Cubs made a 9th inning charge but lost 7-4.

  •  
    Cubs shortstop Starlin Castro reacts after striking out late in Monday’s home opener against the Milwaukee Brewers at Wrigley Field.

    Cubs drop home opener to Brewers
    Associated Press
    Marco Estrada pitched seven effective innings and doubled home a run Monday, helping the Milwaukee Brewers stop a five-game slide with a 7-4 victory over the Cubs in the first game of the season at Wrigley Field.With a strong wind blowing out at the start of the game — a rare sight for an April date at the iconic neighborhood ballpark — Estrada allowed two runs and five hits while bouncing back from a lackluster season debut against Colorado. The right-hander also drove in Alex Gonzalez with a drive into the gap in right-center during Milwaukee’s two-run seventh.Norichika Aoki collected three more hits and Ryan Braun had a successful return to the lineup as the Brewers won for the first time since opening day.Aoki had a career-high four hits in Milwaukee’s 8-7 loss to Arizona on Sunday and is batting .714 (10 for 14) in his last four games.Welington Castillo belted a two-run homer for the Cubs, who have dropped four in a row and five of six. Edwin Jackson was hit hard in his first home game since he signed a $52 million, four-year contract over the winter, surrendering five runs and eight hits in six innings.The Cubs rallied for two runs in the ninth and had the bases loaded when Dave Sappelt struck out and Starlin Castro flew out to the warning track in right to end the game.Braun, who missed Milwaukee’s weekend sweep by Arizona due to spasms on the right side of his neck, went 3 for 4 with two doubles before he was replaced by Logan Schafer in the eighth inning. The 2011 NL MVP has at least one hit in each of his four games this season.It was Braun’s first road game since his name surfaced in records from the now-defunct Biogenesis of America LLC clinic alleged to have provided banned substances to several players. After his name was connected to the clinic, he issued a statement in which he said he used the clinic’s operator, Anthony Bosch, as a consultant in appealing a positive drug test that was overturned last year.Braun was lustily booed by the crowd of 40,083, but he is the best player on one of Chicago’s division rivals. And the fans hardly seemed to notice he was at the plate after they got done jeering struggling reliever Carlos Marmol when he came on to pitch the eighth.The day began with a tarp over the infield as showers rolled through the area, but the grey clouds soon gave way to sunshine for an unusually warm opener at the 99-year-old ballpark. Hall of Famers Fergie Jenkins and Billy Williams each threw out a ceremonial first pitch, and Ernie Banks led the crowd in the singing of the “Take Me Out to The Ball Game” during the seventh-inning stretch.As soon as Jenkins and Williams left the field, the Brewers jumped all over Jackson (0-2).With runners on first and second and two down, Jonathan Lucroy and Alex Gonzalez had consecutive walks to force home a run. Martin Maldonado then delivered a bases-clearing double into the right-field corner, lifting Milwaukee to a 4-0 lead.The Brewers added another run in the second when Aoki reached on a leadoff double and scored on Braun’s one-out double to center.That was more than enough for Estrada (1-0), who struck out six and walked one. He was coming off a no-decision against the Rockies, when he allowed four runs and nine hits in five innings.

  •  
    Due to injuries, Nate Robinson started Sunday’s game against Detroit. Bulls coach Tom Thibodeau said Monday, however, he thought his second unit missed Robinson’s energy and he may use him in a reserve role Tuesday against Toronto.

    Thibs questions his lineup-shuffling in Bulls’ loss
    By Mike McGraw
    With a day to reflect, coach Tom Thibodeau felt he might have shuffled the lineup too much in Sunday's 99-85 loss to Detroit. The Bulls started Kirk Hinrich and Nate Robinson together in the backcourt, with Jimmy Butler, Joakim Noah and Carlos Boozer. Marco Belinelli came off the bench in his return from a muscle pull.

  •  
    Brandon Saad celebrates with Blackhawks teammates Duncan Keith and Patrick Kane after he scored in the third period against the Nashville Predators on Sunday. The Hawks have clinched a playoff spot and can no focus on securing home-ice advantage in the Western Conference.

    Winning the West next target for Hawks
    By Tim Sassone
    Now that the Blackhawks have clinched a playoff spot, they can turn their attention to winning the Western Conference to assure home ice for the first three rounds. And i you don't think that's important, Duncan Keith would beg to differ. “It makes a difference,” Keith said. “You always want to have home-ice advantage if you can get it."

  •  
    Blackhawks coach Joel Quenneville liked what he saw Sunday from defenseman Nick Leddy, here carrying the puck away from a host of players in the win.

    Same old story: young Hawks continue to shine
    By Tim Sassone
    The kids continue to be all right. Defenseman Nick Leddy and forwards Marcus Kruger, Brandon Saad, Andrew Shaw and Brandon Bollig all can take a bow knowing they contributed greatly to the Blackhawks clinching a playoff spot in the Western Conference."Nick Leddy had a special game on the back end," coach Joel Quenneville said after Sunday's 5-3 win over Nashville. "Saad has been special all year, Shaw looked like he was back on track and Krugs has been Mr. Reliable, so we're happy with all of them."

  •  

    Wolves playoff tickets on sale Wednesday
    By Daily Herald News Services
    Individual playoff tickets for the first round of the 2013 Calder Cup Playoffs with the Chicago Wolves will go on sale to the public at 11 a.m. Wednesday. The American Hockey League's postseason schedule will be released after the Wolves wrap up the regular season on April 21 with a 4 p.m. game against Grand Rapids at Allstate Arena.

  •  

    Mike North video: NCAA Championship Pick. Big Ten or Big East?
    By Mike North
    Mike North tells you who he thinks will win the game tonight between Michigan and Louisville. He also reveals who he thinks has the best basketball mind in college basketball right now.

Business

  •  
    Caribou Coffee in Libertyville is among those that will close for good on Sunday.

    Suburban Caribou stores to close
    By Anna Marie Kukec Daily Herald Business Writer
    Minneapolis-based Caribou Coffee plans to close 80 stores, including those in Arlington Heights, Palatine, Naperville, Libertyville and Crystal Lake, possibly by April 14. Caribou was founded in 1992 and is one of the leading brands nationwide.

  •  
    U.S. stocks rose, after the biggest weekly drop of the year for the Standard & Poor’s 500 Index, as investors awaited the beginning of the earnings season.

    Stocks rise ahead of earnings season
    Associated Press
    Stocks ended modestly higher Monday, shrugging off an early decline, as investors waited to see whether big U.S. companies would deliver on expectations of strong earnings in 2013. Alcoa became the first major U.S. company to report earnings late Monday, and the results were mostly good.

  •  
    The U.S. Postal Service delivers mail to 11 million more homes, offices and other addresses than it did a decade ago, even as the amount of mail that people in the United States receive has dropped sharply. That combination may be financially dicey, some analysts say.

    Postal Service loses money despite customer growth
    Associated Press
    What business gets more customers every year, yet keeps losing money? The U.S. Postal Service delivers mail to 11 million more homes, offices and other addresses than it did a decade ago, even as the amount of mail that people in the United States receive has dropped sharply.

  •  

    Tyco: No proof Lilly thieves used security report
    Associated Press
    A security company being sued over the theft of $60 million worth of pharmaceuticals from an Eli Lilly and Co. warehouse in Connecticut in 2010 insists there is no proof the thieves used a report it prepared detailing the building's security weaknesses.

  •  
    Kathy and Mark Shangraw

    Bartlett photographer's artistic eye memorializes students
    By Anna Marie Kukec
    A Bartlett couple met while college students and that changed their lives. And years later, a connection to other students still impacts their lives, but in a different way. Kathy and Mark Shangraw own Clique Photography in Bartlett and they artistically photograph high school seniors who pose while at the cusp of their own lives.

  •  

    Why would a successful web retailer open a traditional store?
    By Jim Kendall
    After more than a dozen years successfully selling sunglasses on the Internet — not just sunglasses but such top-of-the-line brands as Porsche Design, Serengeti, Vuarnet, Bolle and Callaway Golf — Andy Hortatsos opened an eyewear store in downtown Glen Ellyn.

  •  
    This product image provided by Old Spice shows the company’s new campaign for their new bar soap products. Old Spice is aiming to breathe new life into a stodgy category--bar soap--with new ěmanlyî scented bars and a quirky new ad campaign.

    Old Spice expands into bar soap
    Associated Press
    Old Spice is raising the bar, literally. The aftershave brand, which is known for appealing to more mature men, is introducing a line of scented soap bars this month. It may seem odd that Procter & Gamble, which has fought in recent years to refashion its 75-year-old Old Spice brand to target younger men, is rolling out something that some people consider antiquated.

  •  

    Ericsson to buy Microsoft’s Mediaroom television-software unit
    Bloomberg News
    Ericsson AB agreed to buy Microsoft Corp.'s Mediaroom business, adding software used by phone companies to deliver television over the Internet. Mediaroom, based in Mountain View, California, has more than 400 employees globally and will help Ericsson be the largest provider of IPTV technology, with a market share of over 25 percent, Ericsson said today in a statement. The value of the deal wasn't disclosed.

  •  
    The newspaper industry’s revenue declined at its slowest pace in six years, as publishers turned to new businesses and raised more money from online subscriptions.

    Newspaper revenue fell 2 percent to $38.6B in 2012
    Associated Press
    The newspaper industry's revenue declined at its slowest pace in six years, as publishers turned to new businesses and raised more money from online subscriptions. The industry's total revenue in 2012 fell 2 percent to $38.6 billion from $39.5 billion in 2011, according to the Newspaper Association of America.

  •  

    Report: SEC inconsistent on Ponzi scheme victims’ status
    Bloomberg News
    The Securities and Exchange Commission is taking inconsistent positions on whether victims of a Ponzi scheme like Bernard L. Madoff Investment Securities Inc. should have their claims increased to reflect how long they were investors before the fraud blew up.

  •  
    The nation’s largest baby food makers face a lawsuit by an environmental group aimed at forcing them to alert consumers that some products contains low amounts of lead.

    Trial begins over baby food lead warning
    Associated Press
    The nation's largest baby food makers face a lawsuit by an environmental group aimed at forcing them to alert consumers that some products contains low amounts of lead.The case scheduled for trial Monday will determine whether they should put warning labels on such products sold in California. Gerber Products Co., Del Monte Foods, Beech-Nut Nutrition Corp. and many other makers of baby foods and juices are selling products containing lead at levels that require warning labels under California Proposition 65, the Environmental Law Foundation asserts.

  •  
    The White House is warning friend and foe alike: They’re not going to like every part of President Barack Obama’s budget when it is released this week.

    Obama aide: Budget will make both parties unhappy
    Associated Press
    he White House is warning friend and foe alike: They're not going to like every part of President Barack Obama's budget when it is released this week. White House senior adviser Dan Pfeiffer is telling Republicans their "my way or the highway" approach would spell the GOP's defeat in upcoming budget negotiations. He also is telling Obama's Democratic allies that they, too, will have to bend on the spending plan that is due Wednesday.

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    Passengers travel through an airport in Miami. Private researchers, who have analyzed federal data on airline performance, say in a report that consumer complaints to the Department of Transportation surged by one-fifth last year even though other measures such as on-time arrivals and mishandled baggage show airlines are doing a better job.

    Full flights, small seats make passengers grumpy
    Associated Press
    Airline passenger complaints to the Transportation Department surged by one-fifth last year even though other measures such as on-time arrivals and mishandled baggage show airlines are doing a better job, according to a report being released Monday. Private researchers who have analyzed federal data on airline performance say it's not surprising that passengers are irritated. Carriers keep shrinking the size of seats in order to stuff more people into planes.

  •  
    Corinne Dawson, who took dance lessons as a child in Libertyville, recently opened The Pilates Workshop in the Lake County community.

    Former professional dancer launches Libertyville Pilates studio
    By Kim Mikus
    The Pilates Workshop is a studio where people can work one-on-one with a veteran Pilates instructor, on the best equipment, to get a true Pilates experience. Pilates helps people who want to work on postural alignment, pelvic and spinal stability, and flexibilty. Joseph Pilates created a system of movement and a collection of spring-based equipment to create balance within the body.

Life & Entertainment

  •  
    This label shows an example of the updated Uniform Retail Meat Identification Standards label for porterhouse pork chops. The American meat industry is rolling out a refresh of the often confusing 40-year-old system used for naming the various cuts of beef, pork, lamb and veal.

    Meat industry to reboot labels to help consumers
    By J.M. Hirsch
    Meat counter confusion isn’t good for sales. So after nearly two years of consumer research, the National Pork Board, the Beef Checkoff Program and federal agriculture officials have signed off on an updated labeling system that should hit stores just in time for prime grilling season.

  •  
    Jimmy Fallon, host of “Late Night with Jimmy Fallon,” in New York. The role of female talk-show hosts in late-night TV network history can be summed up in two words: Joan Rivers.

    Late-night shows still a white men’s club
    Associated Press
    The role of female talk show hosts in late-night TV network history, all 50-plus years of it, can be summed up in two words: Joan Rivers. It takes just another two — Arsenio Hall — to do the same for minorities. There's no indication that's going to change in the latest round of musical chairs involving "Tonight" and "Late Night." All the NBC, ABC and CBS showcase jobs at 10:30 p.m. and later appear likely to remain securely in white men's hands.

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    Judge Judy Sheindlin has signed a new multiyear deal to continue presiding over her top-rated show, “Judge Judy,” through 2017.

    ‘Judge Judy’ gets 2 more years with new TV deal
    Associated Press
    Judge Judy is increasing her television sentence by two years. Judy Sheindlin and CBS Television Distribution said Monday that the feisty former New York state judge has signed on for two more years of "Judge Judy." It is one of the top daytime TV shows, seen by roughly 10 million people each episode.

  •  
    Jenna Jameson has been arrested on suspicion of battery after a report that she attacked someone at an Orange County home on Saturday.

    Ex-porn star Jameson arrested on charges of battery
    Associated Press
    NEWPORT BEACH, Calif. — Police say former adult film star Jenna Jameson has been arrested after a report that she attacked someone at an Orange County home.Newport Beach police Lt. Evan Sailor says the alleged victim put Jameson under citizen’s arrest until police arrived at the home on the upscale Balboa Peninsula on Saturday night.The 38-year-old Jameson, born Jenna Marie Massoli, was given a court date to face a misdemeanor battery charge and released on her own recognizance.In May, Jameson was arrested on charges of drunken driving after hitting a light pole in Westminster. She pleaded guilty in August and was sentenced to three years’ informal probation.Jameson was among the biggest stars in porn when she left the industry in 2008. An email to her company seeking comment was not immediately returned.

  •  

    Show of support 'both wonderful and humbling'
    By Melynda Findlay
    If it takes a village to raise a child, then I'm pretty sure it takes a small city to lose weight and get fit. Or at least it certainly has in my case. Let me assure you: If it wasn't for the incredible amount of support I've been getting from, well, pretty much everyone I know during the past couple of months, this whole Fittest Loser journey of mine would've ended after about six hours, probably with me rolling around in a pile of Oreos, swearing I'd never set foot in a gym ever again.

  •  
    A hearse leaves the Municipal Auditorium in Charleston, W.Va. after a joint funeral for “Buckwild” star Shain Gandee and his uncle David Gandee Sunday afternoon. Gandee, his 48-year-old uncle, David Gandee, and 27-year-old friend Donald Robert Myers were found dead April 1 in a sport utility vehicle that was partially submerged in a deep mud pit near Sissonville.

    Mom says farewell to ‘Buckwild’ TV star
    Associated Press
    For all his on-camera carousing and cussing, "Buckwild" reality TV star Shain Gandee was a publicly proclaimed and baptized Christian, and his mother told hundreds of mourners Sunday that she will see him again. "I know where Shain is," Loretta Gandee told the family, friends and fans crammed into the Charleston Municipal Auditorium. "He said about a month ago, I know when I die I'm going to heaven."'

  •  
    John Slattery as Roger Sterling, left, Jon Hamm as Don Draper and Vincent Kartheiser as Pete Campbell returned for the sixth season of “Mad Men” Sunday.

    Don Draper: Stuck in place as ‘Mad Men’ drifts?
    Associated Press
    After watching the season premiere of "Mad Men," I have hit upon my own truism: It's such a fine line between challenging and annoying. By traditional TV standards, a lousy episode of "Mad Men" is unthinkable. From its cast to its costumes to its rich sensibility, there's always plenty to admire. But that doesn't get this brilliant series off the hook as it started its much-awaited sixth season Sunday. The two-hour opener was, simply put, a disappointment — even annoying — for how much it demanded from the viewer and how little it offered in return.

  •  
    Preparing healthy meals is a family affair for Mike Paulos.

    Support network gives contestants' a boost
    By Gerry Alger
    For weeks now we've been talking to the contestants about the Fittest Loser Challenge. We've heard about their love/hate relationship with a variety of foods, the stress they face balancing work, diet, exercise and family and we know their trainers are tough. But this week we're turning the tables and instead of talking about themselves, we asked them to talk about the people behind the scenes.

  •  
    Cherry juice, spices and yoga can help manage arthritis pain.

    Your health: Easing arthritis
    Daily Herald report
    Learn how to help ease the pain of arthritis, along with diagnosing and managing depression.

  •  
    Shiloh Fernandez, center, stars in “Evil Dead.”

    ‘Evil Dead’ rises again with $26M box-office stake
    Associated Press
    Resurrected demons and resurrected dinosaurs are helping to put some life back into the weekend box office. The demonic horror remake "Evil Dead" debuted at No. 1 with $26 million, according to studio estimates Sunday. In a tight fight for second-place were two holdovers, the animated comedy "The Croods" and the action flick "G.I. Joe: Retaliation," both with an estimated $21.1 million.

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    This image reflects brain-activation abnormalities in children and adolescents with a family history of schizophrenia, which puts them at a greater risk for the mental illness.

    Brain scans may reveal early signs of schizophrenia at puberty
    By Renee Elder
    Changes in brain function may foreshadow schizophrenia as early as puberty — nearly a decade before most patients begin showing obvious symptoms, new research from the University of North Carolina shows. Researchers looked at brain scans of 42 children, some as young as 9, who had close relatives with schizophrenia.

  •  
    Salt Creek’s Waist Management team cools down after a hot yoga session.

    Surprises don’t deter community teams
    By Kari Irwin
    With just a few weeks left in the Fittest Loser Community Challenge, teams are working even harder to counter a flurry of surprises and setbacks that hit the teams in the past couple weeks, causing two team members to drop out of the challenge and two others to reduce their levels of participation.

  •  
    Men who lose hair at the crown of the head may have a higher risk of heart disease.

    Male baldness may signal increased heart disease risk
    By Makiko Kitamura
    Losing hair at the crown of the head may signal an increased risk of heart disease in men. The strength of the association depends on the degree of baldness, researchers at the University of Tokyo's department of diabetes and metabolic diseases found by reviewing past studies. No link to heart disease was found for men with a receding hairline, said the scientists, who reviewed six studies with a total of almost 37,000 participants.

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    Some moms struggle with post-adoption depression
    By Amy Rogers Nazarov
    Everyone has heard about postpartum depression, which can be triggered when hormones go haywire after a woman has given birth and is coping with the exhausting, round-the-clock demands of an infant. But new research has focused on post-adoption depression. And it turns out it's not that uncommon.

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    Heart-lung machines prove safe even in the elderly
    By Marilynn Marchione
    One of the scariest parts of bypass surgery — having your heart stopped and going on a heart-lung machine while doctors fix your clogged arteries — is safe even in the elderly and doesn't cause mental decline as many people have feared, two landmark studies show. Bypass surgery is one of the most common operations in the world. There is great debate about the best way to do it, and patients often are given a choice.

  •  

    Norovirus spurs 1 million doctor visits by U.S. kids
    Bloomberg
    Norovirus, the most common cause of vomiting in young children, leads to more than 1 million medical visits costing $273 million each year in the U.S., according to a study that highlights the need for a vaccine to prevent it. By the time children are 5 years old, 1 in 278 in the U.S. will have been hospitalized for the vomiting and diarrhea bug, and 1 in 6 will be treated by a doctor or nurse for it, according to a report released by the New England Journal of Medicine.

  •  

    Norovirus infection can travel quickly
    By Dr. Helen Minciotti
    Norovirus is named by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention as the leading cause of acute gastroenteritis in this country, with 21 million Americans affected each year. Not surprising since one infected individual can shed billions of norovirus particles, while as few as 18 of these tiny viral particles are capable of sickening another person.

  •  

    Adults with ADHD need structure and accountability
    By Dr. Anthony Komaroff
    I am a man in my 20s and was just diagnosed with ADHD. Is it possible to be successful with this condition?

  •  
    Daniel Ellsberg requested a surgeon who would perform hip replacement surgery using the anterior method and said his experience was “amazing.”

    New method makes hip replacement easier
    By Barbara Koeppel
    Over the past two decades, the number of Americans having total hip replacements has more than doubled, to more than 300,000 a year. Though most patients eventually walk again without pain or the aid of a cane, recovery and rehabilitation can be rigorous, painful and lengthy. Typically, surgeons enter the joint from the rear, which requires cutting through muscle and cartilage. But with a relatively new procedure, surgeons enter from the front and only stretch the muscles aside, avoiding the cutting and minimizing pain and recovery time. According to those who use this anterior technique, the benefits are substantial.

  •  
    A new imaging study has found that almost a third of Gulf War veterans have what appears to be structural changes in the wiring of their brains.

    Brain scans find abnormalities in Gulf veterans
    By Sara Reardon
    When she returned from the Persian Gulf War in 1991, Air Force nurse Denise Nichols experienced sudden aches, fatigue and cognitive problems, but she had no idea what was causing them. They grew worse: Even helping her daughter with multiplication tables became difficult, she says, and eventually she had to quit her job. Nichols wasn't alone. About a third of Gulf War veterans — possibly as many as 250,000 Americans — returned with similar symptoms. Now an imaging study has found that these veterans have what appear to be unique structural changes in the wiring of their brains.

  •  

    Home-schoolers get more sleep, study finds
    By Valerie Strauss
    A new study of a few thousand students found that home-schoolers get more sleep than students at traditional public and private schools. What are the consequences? It may be that home-schooled students are better prepared to learn on a daily basis because they get more sleep, researchers said.

  •  

    Status report for the Fittest Loser contestants
    Fittest Loser vital statistics - Week 9

  •  
    Feldenkrais practitioner Nick Strauss-Klein works with client Kathy Combs at his home.

    Using Feldenkrais, simple movements ease muscle pain
    By Mary Lynn Smith
    By the time people come to see Lisa Walker, they're usually desperate. These injured athletes, dancers, musicians or office workers are trying to fix what's broken. Some are looking for a way around the limitations caused by a stroke, Parkinson's disease or cerebral palsy. Others just want to run faster, notch up their golf game or improve their horse riding. "In a nutshell, I help people move better," said Walker.

  •  
    1963 Ford Galaxie Country Sedan, John Hernandez, West Dundee

    1963 Ford Galaxie station wagon still makes road trips
    By Matthew Avery
    John Hernandez began his search for a full-size wagon not looking to haul a large family, but rather to stand out from the crowd. The West Dundee resident found his 1963 Ford Galaxie Country Sedan out in California.

Discuss

  •  

    A summary of our endorsements in Cook County races
    A summary of our Cook County endorsements in Tuesday's elections.

  •  

    A summary of our Lake County political endorsements
    A summary of our Lake County endorsements in Tuesday's elections.

  •  

    Endorsements summary for races in DuPage County
    A summary of our DuPage County endorsements in Tuesday's elections.

  •  

    Editorial: Local elections and democracy close to the bone
    If you took a pass on early voting, Tuesday's your day to take an active role in the future of your community, a Daily Herald editorial says.

  •  

    Burly guards or bipartisanship?
    By Donna Brazile
    Columnist Donna Brazile: The National Rifle Association has finally issued its recommendations in the wake of the Newtown massacre, where 20 children and seven adults were murdered. The 225-page report misses the target by a mile.

  •  

    Orchard church should drop plan
    Letter to the editor: Jerry Peterson of Mount Prospect wonders whatever happened to the notion of walking a little ways to church. "What is it about those who think no one must use two legs for any part of a trip?" he says.

  •  

    It's time, indeed, to build PhilHaven
    Letter to the editor: Patricia Herrmann says Wheeling should take the time given them by a federal judge to come to some agreement with the developers of PhilHaven, the proposed apartment building for mentally ill residents. "It is time for the Village of Wheeling to recognize the need for this building and approve its construction," she writes.

  •  

    Church should keep houses, save money
    Letter to the editor: Cynthia Bridges Jones thinks the Orchard Evangelical Free Church of Arlington Hts. would be better off not demolishing eight houses and not building a parking lot. "This would be devastating to the neighborhood and scary for all Arlington Heights residents as it sets a terrible precident for neighbors of the other churches in town," she writes.

  •  

    Competition helps keep Medicare working
    A Naperville letter to the editor: Medicare has plenty of issues that need to be fixed. The Part D program isn't one of them and our seniors know it — but President Obama doesn't. If the president has his way, seniors may lose a great benefit.

  •  

    Airship crash happened here, too
    A Mount Prospect letter to the editor: I appreciated the March 31 article remembering the crash of the USS Akron airship. The article is correct in stating that the incident predates the more famous Hindenburg; however, it omits an even earlier crash in our own backyard. On July 21, 1919, the Goodyear dirigible Wingfoot crashed into the Illinois Trust and Savings Building in Chicago.

  •  

    Many questions on Schaumburg chief
    Letter to the editor: Lance Dailey wonders how it came to be that the consulting firm working with Schaumburg on its police investigation manages to place its own COO as the village's interim chief. "Does anybody except me question a potential conflict of interest?" he asks.

  •  
    Lee Hamilton

    Independence from parties has a cost
    By Lee Hamilton
    A few weeks ago, the Republican National Committee issued a 100-page report aimed at reviving the GOP after its poor showing in last November’s elections. It was remarkably blunt about the specifics of the party’s shortcomings — its lack of inclusiveness, its hapless data initiatives, its poor grass-roots organizing. What it did not take on, however, was an issue the RNC can do little about: the diminished influence, if not irrelevance, of both major parties in American politics.In the early years of my political career, the parties were pretty much the only game in town. If you wanted to be a candidate, there was no one else to turn to for help with building a campaign organization, finding volunteers, making contact with activists and donors, or creating a network of supporters. People could and did win elections without official party support — but not often, and not easily.The parties also registered voters, turned them out on Election Day, and provided much of the campaign funding. They not only articulated policy and kept the other party honest, but also served to forge a policy consensus among the disparate coalitions that made them up, striving to make themselves as inclusive as possible.All this is much less evident these days. At the very top, once the nomination is sewed up, presidential candidates run independently of the party. They have their own staffs, do their own fundraising, and build their own organizations. I’ll be stunned if we don’t see future presidents take a leaf from President Obama’s playbook and form their own grass-roots organizations outside the party apparatus to pressure Washington lawmakers.The rise of increasingly influential outside players has done much the same thing for candidates lower down. They can now hire their own signature-gatherers for petitions, their own pollsters, their own consultants and specialists in virtually every aspect of modern campaigning. Scores of groups representing various factions within a party have emerged as significant players in the political process. The parties are simply outmatched in resources and organization. They’ve even lost control of campaign funding, as special interest groups with their own organizations — the NRA, say, or the Club for Growth — not only put money behind or against candidates, but also turn out voters on behalf of their favorite issues.The parties’ loss of influence is especially obvious when you look at primaries. Where party approval once was tantamount to nomination, today it’s anything but. In last year’s elections, any number of party-approved candidates were beaten by well-funded outside challengers. It’s one of the reasons that building consensus on Capitol Hill has become so difficult: with congressional districts drawn to favor one party or another, incumbents live in fear of taking a stance that might draw a challenger with special-interest backing.At the state and local level, party organizations are finding it harder than ever to recruit volunteers interested in building the party itself, rather than in promoting a favored cause by trying to take over its apparatus. Where volunteers once put in many hours licking stamps, walking the streets to identify and register voters, or getting people to the polls, today far fewer people feel they can justify the time unless it’s on behalf of a particular candidate or issue.Obviously, the parties are not entirely out of the game. Some roles only a national party can play, as with the presidential nominating process. But where they once were able to exert control, now they can at best hope for a bit of influence.

  •  

    Red carpet-bombing to save the girls
    By Kathleen Parker
    The striking juxtaposition of the preternaturally perfect Angelina Jolie, waifish and wispy in a ghostly gown, and the scrappy Pakistani schoolgirl Malala, her face cruelly misshapen by the effects of a Taliban bullet to the head, captures the confluence of feminine power assembled here to “lean on” the world to save women and girls.Not lean in, as you’ve heard incessantly the past few weeks, referring to Facebook executive Sheryl Sandberg’s book about empowering already empowered women. While Sandberg wants to help women crash through glass ceilings, Tina Brown, supernova of her own galaxy, wants the civilized world to lean on governments and corporations to scrape women and girls off the dirt floors of their man-made prisons.Brown’s fourth annual “Women in the World” summit at Lincoln Center is testament to what one woman can do to change the world. Disclosure: I am a Tina Brown fan and sometimes write for her publications, Newsweek and The Daily Beast. But I became a fan the old-fashioned way: She has done something I admire. This summit and those assembled — courageous women and girls who struggle for basic human rights — would convert even the most committed cynic into a born-again feminist.This confab isn’t about getting women into country clubs; it’s about letting girls go to school without risking a bullet to the head. It’s about letting women leave their homes to go to market. It’s about changing cultures that treat women like animals (or worse) and saving them from honor killings and abuse.Yes, there are celebrities: First-namers such as Angelina, Meryl, Oprah. “Homeland’s” Claire Danes made an appearance. Barbara Walters, journalism’s eminence grise, led a no-nonsense panel on why Americans should care about women in Syria. And yes, where there are stars, there is a red carpet. But these particular stars lend their high profiles to a cause greater than themselves. Why should Americans care, indeed?At dinner, I sat next to a tiny woman I recognized from Jody Hassett Sanchez’s human trafficking documentary, “Sold.” Sunitha Krishnan is a former Hindu nun who rescues little girls and women from the sex slave trade in India with little help and dangerous recognition. Though she has been beaten for her work, she perseveres for such beneficiaries as the 8-year-old girl who was locked in a room with a snake until she submitted to prostitution.Our conversation circled around why more Americans don’t care about honor killings, systematic rape and human trafficking of women, girls and even little boys. Perhaps it is in part tragedy fatigue, I suggested. These stories are so overwhelmingly awful that emotional exhaustion sets in. Besides, we have our own challenges and, well, you can’t save everybody.True, but when you save one woman, you save an entire family. Eventually, you save a village, and a society and finally a nation. More to our immediate interest, women’s security elsewhere corresponds directly to our own security. Former Secretary of State Hillary Clinton summed it up this way in remarks Friday at the summit: “It’s no coincidence that so many of the countries that threaten regional and global peace are the very places where women and girls are deprived of dignity and opportunity.” Among the many inspirational speakers from around the world, two of the most captivating were young Pakistani women who became activists for girls’ education, creating schools of their own, when they were just teenagers themselves. Oscar-winning documentary filmmaker Sharmeen Obaid Chinoy showed clips of one of the young women, a mere slip of a girl at the time, facing down village men, explaining to them that they thwart girls’ education because they feel threatened by independent women. For a woman or girl to even talk to such men is a revolutionary act requiring bravery of an incomprehensible order. Why should we care?

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