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Daily Archive : Sunday May 12, 2013

News

Des Plaines man dies after police chase
Daily Herald report
A Des Plaines man died in a St. Louis emergency room Friday after being shot by Missouri state police during a chase, a Mercy Hospital spokesman confirmed Sunday. Jose H. Garcia, 49, was taken to the hospital with gunshot wounds after the car chase ended in Eureka, Mo., according to a St. Louis news report.
Review chairman: Clinton didn't make Benghazi call
Associated Press
The seasoned diplomat who penned a highly critical report on security at a U.S. outpost in Benghazi, Libya, defended his scathing assessment but absolved then-Secretary of State Hillary Rodham Clinton. "We knew where the responsibility rested," Thomas Pickering said Sunday.
Resounding election victory for Pakistan's Sharif
Associated Press
Former Pakistani Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif looked poised Sunday to return to office with a resounding election victory — a mandate that could make it easier to tackle the country's daunting problems, including growing power outages, weak economic growth and shaky government finances.
Ginsburg says Roe gave abortion opponents target
Associated Press
One of the most liberal members of the U.S. Supreme Court, Justice Ruth Bader Ginsburg could be expected to give a rousing defense of Roe v. Wade in reflecting on the landmark vote 40 years after it established a nationwide right to abortion. Instead, Ginsburg told an audience Saturday at the University of Chicago Law School that while she supports a woman's right to choose, she feels the ruling...
Deadline nears for Illinois' concealed carry proposal
Associated Press
The courts, the Capitol and the clock are complicating a debate over how to end the prohibition on carrying concealed firearms in Illinois. There are fewer than 30 days to go before a judicial deadline for developing a framework on allowing public weapons possession in the only state that currently has a ban. Attempts at legislative remedies failed in the House late last month.
‘SNL’ vet Meyers to succeed Fallon
Associated Press
Seth Meyers is moving from his “Weekend Update” desk to his own late night show on NBC. The network said Sunday that the 12-year “Saturday Night Live” cast member will replace Jimmy Fallon at the 12:35 a.m. “Late Night” show next year. Fallon is moving up an hour as Jay Leno’s replacement on the “Tonight” show.
GOP's Rauner says he has 'scared the political establishment'
By Kerry Lester Political Editor
Republican gubernatorial hopeful Bruce Rauner sits down with the Daily Herald to talk about his focus, the state of the state party, and potential political baggage he might have.
19 New Orleans shooting victims included 2 kids
Associated Press
Gunmen opened fire on people marching in a neighborhood Mother's Day parade in New Orleans on Sunday, wounding at least 19. The shooting — described by the FBI as a flare-up of street violence — shattered the festive mood surrounding the parade that drew hundreds of people to the 7th Ward neighborhood of modest row houses not far from the French Quarter.
One injured in I-94 crash
Daily Herald report
At least one person has been injured in a multiple vehicle crash that is backing up traffic on eastbound I-94 in Lake county Sunday night, officials said.
Sheriff: Limo driver drunk while taking students to prom
Daily Herald report
A limousine driver faces drunk driving charges alleging he transported 23 high school students to their prom near Glen Ellyn while intoxicated. Richard L. Madison, 54, of Palos Heights, was charged with two counts of driving under the influence of alcohol and one count of reckless conduct stemming from his arrest Saturday night after delivering a group of Oswego East High School teens to...
2 bodies found after NJ standoff; suspect killed
Associated Press
Police stormed a New Jersey home early Sunday and fatally shot a registered sex offender who had held his girlfriend's three children hostage, ending their 37-hour ordeal and recovering the bodies of the captives' mother and another sibling, authorities said.
Women rescued in Cleveland happy to be home
Associated Press
The three women allegedly imprisoned and sexually abused for years inside a padlocked Cleveland house asked for privacy Sunday, saying through an attorney that while they are grateful for overwhelming support, they also need time to heal.
Senator: IRS targeting of tea party is `chilling’
Associated Press
Republicans said Sunday that the Internal Revenue Service's heightened scrutiny of conservative political groups was "chilling" and further eroded public trust in government. Lawmakers said President Barack Obama personally should apologize for targeting tea party organizations and they challenged the tax agency's blaming of low-level workers.
Countryside fundraiser
Daily Herald report
Palatine-based Countryside Association for People with Disabilities hosts its eighth annual Opportunity Walk/Run/Roll fundraiser at 9:30 a.m. Sunday, June 2, at Independence Grove in Libertyville.
Chill doesn’t keep crowds from Lilacia Park concert
By Matt Arado
It was a chilly Mother's Day, but that didn't keep hundreds of people from gathering in Lombard's Lilacia Park on Sunday for an afternon of live big-band music.
Crash, gas leak cancel Masses at Arlington Hts. church
Daily Herald report
Masses at Our Lady of the Wayside Church in Arlington Heights were canceled Sunday after a vehicle struck the church, causing a gas leak that forced responders to cordon off the area while making repairs. Arlington Heights police said the crash occurred about 6:30 a.m. Sunday, and crews remained on the scene at 434 W. Park Street until about 11 a.m.
Kane County State’s Attorney puts diversion information up front
By Harry Hitzeman
The Kane County State's Attorney's Office wants to make sure first-time offenders get the information they need for a possible second chance. The office recently consolidated information about the county's five pretrial divesion programs onto its website.
Politics commandeer stage in Mideast TV contest
Associated Press
TV singing contests around the world tend to serve up light, glitzy entertainment with a dash of emotional drama. But in the Middle East's version of "American Idol," it's the region's troubles that often take center stage.
Pope Francis gives church hundreds of new saints
Associated Press
Pope Francis on Sunday gave the Catholic Church new saints, including hundreds of 15th-century martyrs who were beheaded for refusing to convert to Islam, as he led his first canonization ceremony Sunday in a packed St. Peter's Square.
Job boot camp
Daily Herald report
State Rep. Sam Yingling and DeVry University will host a Job Boot Camp from noon to 1:30 p.m. Saturday, May 18 in the Epstein Room of the Grayslake Area Public Library, 100 Library Lane, Grayslake.
Self-defense class for Vernon Hills women
Daily Herald report
The Vernon Hills Police Department will hold a women's self-defense class from 7 to 9 p.m., Tuesday, May 21 at the department headquarters, 740 Lakeview Parkway. The class is free and open to women residents of Vernon Hills, age 8 and up (children under 14 must be accompanied by a parent).
Lambs Farm charity car show
Daily Herald report
The Lambs Farm Charity Car & Bike Show returns after an 11-year hiatus. The event is set for Sunday, June 2 from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. and will feature all makes and models of cars, trucks and bikes.
Rauner to speak to Elk Grove Republicans
Submitted by Republican Organization of Elk Grove Township
Bruce Rauner, Republican candidate for Illinois governor, will be the guest speaker at the Republican Organization of Elk Grove Township monthly meeting 9 a.m. Saturday, May 18, at Rose Garden Café, 111 Higgins Road, Elk Grove Village.
Des Plaines buys AEDs for police squad cars
Daily Herald staff report
The Des Plaines city council recently approved the purchase of 25 automatic external defibrillators and other equipment for police squad cars.
What comes next for proposed virtual charter school in suburbs?
By Tara García Mathewson
Despite emphatic no votes from 18 suburban school districts, plans for an online charter school are far from dead. In this first of a three-part series, the Daily Herald examines the reasons for local schools' objections -- and the state agency that could disregard them. The state board could discuss the case as soon as Wednesday.
A look at new saints canonized by Pope Francis
Associated Press
VATICAN CITY (AP) — Pope Francis has made hundreds of new saints at his first canonization ceremony in St. Peter’s Square. Here is a look at the people receiving the Church’s highest honor:————ANTONIO PEZZULLA AND 812 FELLOW MARTYRS
It took a team to save this baby and his mom
By Burt Constable
As a pregnant teenager, Sofia Espinoza lugged her backpack and extra weight up and down the stairs at Addison Trail High School. She took advantage of pregnancy advice from school counselors, graduated early and married her boyfriend, Juan Carlos Guzman. Even with the 12 hours of labor, becoming a mom was almost a breeze.“I wanted a girl, so I even accomplished that. It was great,”...

Sports

Danks getting closer to return to White Sox’ rotation
By Scot Gregor
After pitching 7 innings and giving up 2 runs with Class AAA Charlotte Sunday, John Danks hopes to make one more rehab start before rejoining the White Sox' rotation.
White Sox’ Sale near perfect against Angels
By Scot Gregor
Chris Sale pitched the first complete shutout of his career Sunday night, a 1-hit gem over the Angels. Alexei Ramirez's clutch 2-run single in the seventh inning also helped spark the White Sox to a 3-0 win.
Chris Rongey: Bad White Sox defense has to stop
By Chris Rongey
The White Sox this year have always been — going back to February — a team that would have very little room for error if they wanted to truly compete. Unluckily, all we've seen this season is too many of those. Errors.
Deng slowly improving; doubtful for Game 4
By Mike McGraw
Luol Deng sat and watched while his teammates shot around after Sunday's practice. As much as he'd like to contribute to the Bulls' playoff effort, Deng is having trouble sustaining any sort of pysical activity. “I’m just trying to get back to how I do things normally,” he said. “It hasn’t been that easy. It’s easier not eating solid food.”
Wings win Game 7, will face Blackhawks
Associated Press
ANAHEIM, Calif. — Henrik Zetterberg and Valtteri Filppula each had a goal and an assist, and the Detroit Red Wings finished off the Anaheim Ducks with a 3-2 victory in Game 7 on Sunday night.Detroit will face the top-seeded Blackhawks in the second round, capping off a longtime rivalry that will be split up by conference realignment next season.The Wings’ Justin Abdelkader scored a short-handed goal and Jimmy Howard made 31 saves as seventh-seeded Detroit won three of the first-round series’ final four games to oust the Ducks, who had the NHL’s third-best record in the regular season.Emerson Etem and Francois Beauchemin scored and Jonas Hiller stopped 29 shots for the Ducks, who failed to win their first playoff series since 2009 despite home-ice advantage.After the clubs played four overtimes in the series’ first six games, the Red Wings largely dominated the anti-climactic clincher.
What would Len Kasper do as commissioner?
By Len Kasper
My partner Jim Deshaies was once asked what he would do if he could be baseball commissioner for a day. His answer was vintage JD: “I’d make myself commissioner for life.”I think all baseball fans ponder this question for fun. In the end, it’s not a job I could ever handle with all the various constituencies I’d have to keep happy.But, if I could be commish for a day, here’s what I would try to do.I would get rid of the designated hitter for good. And add a 26th roster spot to appease the union. The DH makes for a less strategic game. I like managers managing their lineup card in the late innings, and I want every player on the diamond to be a two-way player. That’s baseball.I would cap September game-day rosters at the same limit as the rest of the season. It is crazy that in the season’s most crucial month, we see clubs with different roster sizes and bloated bullpens, taking away a good manager’s ability to out-strategize his opponent.You can have 40 on your September roster, but each day you have to have “healthy scratches” like hockey does.I would create a team error statistic. The popup that drops between two defenders now is either a cheap hit or an error on one of the players. Balls that should be caught but aren’t and have no obvious offender need to be considered team errors. It’s the equivalent of the NBA’s team rebound.I would have five umpires work every game. The fifth would have his own booth upstairs with a TV monitor and he would be in charge of replay reviews.I would expand replay to fair/foul calls in addition to the current boundary calls. And I would allow that replay official to immediately alert the crew chief when a call needs to be changed.I would put a microphone on the home-plate umpire, who would, like an NFL referee, be able to announce to the crowd (and broadcasters!) lineup changes and rulings on unusual plays. Too often, calls are made and never properly explained until the game is over.I would either say goodbye to interleague play or devise a schedule that has every team playing at least one series vs. every team in baseball. The current schedule has too much quirkiness to it. I want teams in my own division to play the same schedule my team plays.I would add two expansion teams (how about bringing Montreal back to the National League and adding a third New York area team, maybe in New Jersey?) and create four eight-team divisions.And the playoff system would be simple: four division winners and one wild card per league. The top team in each league gets a first-round bye. The other division winner gets homefield advantage over the wild-card team. All playoff series would be seven games.I would require every team to schedule at least one old-fashioned doubleheader each season. Not the day/night type, but the old-school, two-for-the-price-of-one variety. Maybe have a couple of days every season on which every matchup on that day’s slate is a double dip. I guarantee it would be very popular.I would ban alternate uniforms. I want all the teams to pick one home and one road jersey and stick with it. If you want one “retro” day at home per year, fine. But enough with the myriad extra looks.I think that’s pretty much all I would change. Nothing outrageous. Just help move the game forward while maintaining and bringing back some tradition, too.ŸLen Kasper is the TV play-by-play broadcaster for the Chicago Cubs. Follow him on Twitter @LenKasper and check out his [URL]blog entries;http://wgntv.com/news/stories/len-and-jds-cubs-baseball-blog/[URL] with Jim Deshaies at wgntv.com. To post comments or questions for Len, click on the comment link with his column at dailyherald.com.[/URL]
Report: Rizzo, Cubs agree on new deal
By Bruce Miles
The Cubs would not confirm reports Sunday night that first baseman Anthony Rizzo and the team had agreed on a seven-year, $41 million contract extension. However, sources say an official announcement could come as early as Monday, when the Cubs return to Wrigley Field from Washington to open a series with the Colorado Rockies.
Sale throws 1-hitter against Angels
Associated Press
Chris Sale took a perfect game into the seventh inning before finishing with a one-hitter, and the White Sox beat the Los Angeles Angels 3-0 on Sunday night to avoid a three-game sweep.Mike Trout’s sharp single to center ended the perfect game bid with one out in the seventh, on Sale’s 70th pitch. Sale (4-2) struck out seven on just 98 pitches for his first career shutout and third consecutive win. Sale’s one-hitter is Chicago’s first since Zach Stewart had one on Sept. 5, 2011, at Minnesota. Alexei Ramirez’s two-run two-out single in the bottom of the seventh drove in Tyler Flowers and Tyler Greene to give Sale the lead and chase Los Angeles’ C.J. Wilson. Alex Rios then doubled off reliever Michael Kohn to drive in Ramirez, who had three hits and scored a run.Chris Iannetta reached base on Ramirez’s throwing error in the ninth for Los Angeles, which had two base runners.Wilson (3-2) gave up three runs and six hits while striking out three and walking four in 6 2-3 innings. He lost his second straight decision after losing to Houston on Tuesday.While Chicago’s offense was last in the American League in hitting at .227, the White Sox had shown signs of improvement, having scored 16 runs over their previous three games.It didn’t carry over Sunday, but Chicago at least had some early chances. After doubling with two outs in the bottom of the second, Casper Wells was thrown out by Josh Hamilton at home plate on a single by Tyler Flowers to end the inning. It was the second game in a row Hamilton threw out a runner at home, after he got Ramirez on Saturday.The White Sox threatened in the fourth after Wilson walked Paul Konerko and Dayan Viciedo, but didn’t score. With one out, Mark Trumbo made a diving catch on Jeff Keppinger’s liner to left, and then Wells flew out to right to end the inning.Chicago also had a scoring chance in the sixth as Ramirez led off with a single and stole second and third, but was stranded on third when Keppinger flew to left.
Maple Leafs push Bruins to 7 games
Associated Press
TORONTO — Captain Dion Phaneuf and Phil Kessel scored third-period goals and the Toronto Maple Leafs edged the Boston Bruins 2-1 Sunday to send their playoff series back to Boston for Game 7.Game 7 is Monday night in Boston.Not only did the win keep the Leafs alive, it snapped a 54-year run of home playoff failures against the Bruins. Toronto’s previous home playoff win against Boston was March 31, 1959, when the Leafs won 3-2 in overtime. Nine straight postseason home losses followed in the decades since.Milan Lucic scored for Boston with 26 seconds left in the third.The only time Toronto has come back from a 3-1 deficit to win a series was the 1942 Stanley Cup finals against the Detroit Red Wings. The Leafs trailed 3-0 in that series before reeling off four straight wins.Toronto’s last Game 7 win was in 2004 — the last time the Leafs made the playoffs — when it beat Ottawa 4-1 to wrap up a first-round series.
Bulls say physical play will continue
By Mike McGraw
Game 2 between the Bulls and Miami featured 9 technical fouls, one flagrant and two ejections. Game 3 included 3 technicals and one ejection. The Bulls dropped those two contests, but won Game 1 when there were no serious infractions of any sort. So how physical should they play in Monday's Game 4?
Bears’ Greene finds linebacker more to his liking
By Bob LeGere
Fourth-round pick Khaseem Greene had a major impact on the Rutgers' defense when he was moved from safety to linebacker, especially with his ability to force fumbles, a skill that should help him fit in nicely in the Bears' defense.
It’s time for Blackhawks to take it to next level
By Tim Sassone
The Blackhawks weren't at their best in dispatching the Minnesota Wild in the first round, and they know it. The Hawks better be ready to elevate their game in the second round or the dream of a second Stanley Cup in four years will come to an end. Everything gets harder from here.
Trestman impressed with QB Blanchard
By Bob LeGere
Lake Zurich High School's Matt Blanchard is getting a long look in the off-season, and he hopes to impress the new coaching staff enough to hang on to the No. 3 quarterback job behind Jay Cutler and Josh McCown.
Blackhawks’ Bolland prefers ‘shutdown role’
By Tim Sassone
Dave Bolland, who will return from a groin injury for Game 1 of the second round, says it's a different mindset centering the third line, which he will do. And it sounds as if Bolland prefers playing on the third line.
Rangers force Game 7 with Capitals
Associated Press
NEW YORK — Henrik Lundqvist stopped 27 shots in earning his seventh NHL playoff shutout, and Derick Brassard scored a second-period goal for the New York Rangers, who stayed alive with a 1-0 victory over the Washington Capitals on Sunday that forced a Game 7 in the first-round series.Brassard handed Lundqvist the lead at 9:39 of the second period, with a goal that was originally credited to struggling forward Rick Nash. The reigning Vezina Trophy winner made it stand up, and helped send the series back to Washington for the deciding game Monday night.The home team has won all six games in the series.The game ended with a melee in the far left corner in the New York zone after the final buzzer had sounded.
Warriors beat Spurs in OT, even series at 2
Associated Press
OAKLAND, Calif. — Stephen Curry scored 22 on an injured left ankle, Harrison Barnes had 26 points and 10 rebounds, and the Golden State Warriors rallied past the San Antonio Spurs 97-87 in overtime Sunday to even the Western Conference semifinal at two games apiece.Jarrett Jack added 24 points in reserve and Andrew Bogut grabbed 18 rebounds to help the Warriors overcome an eight-point deficit in the final five minutes of regulation. Golden State scored the first nine points of overtime to whip the yellow-shirt wearing crowd of 19,596 into a frenzy and give this topsy-turvy series another twist.Manu Ginobili had 21 points and Tim Duncan added 19 points and 15 rebounds for the Spurs, who were outshot 35.5 to 38 percent.Game 5 is Tuesday in San Antonio.
Cougars fall in 10 innings
Special to the Daily Herald
Dillon Maples worked 5 innings in his Kane County Cougars debut and exited with the lead, but the Clinton LumberKings rallied for a 10-inning, 7-6 victory Sunday at Ashford University Field.
Unearned run helps Cubs rally past Nationals
Associated Press
WASHINGTON — Alfonso Soriano scored the tiebreaking run in the ninth inning on a throwing error by catcher Kurt Suzuki, and the Chicago Cubs rallied to beat the Washington Nationals 2-1 Sunday.The Cubs didn’t have a baserunner through the first five innings and trailed 1-0 entering the eighth before coming back in the deciding matchup of a three-game series.Facing Nationals closer Rafael Soriano (0-1) in the ninth, Alfonso Soriano singled and took second on a single by Julio Borbon. After Ryan Sweeney struck out, both runners took off on a double steal, and Suzuki’s throw bounced well to the left of third base and into foul ground, allowing Alfonso Soriano to scoot home.James Russell (1-0) worked the eighth and Kevin Gregg got three outs for his sixth save.Ryan Zimmerman drove in the run for the Nationals, who went 1 for 9 with runners in scoring position. After missing the first two games of the series with an ingrown toenail, Washington’s Bryce Harper went 0 for 2 with two walks and is mired in 4 for 35 skid.Nationals starter Gio Gonzalez retired the first 15 batters he faced, finished with seven innings of two-hit ball and left with a 1-0 lead. But the bullpen couldn’t make the advantage stand up.Gonzalez walked one and struck out six. He was flawless until Dioner Navarro opened the sixth by beating out a grounder deep in the hole that shortstop Ian Desmond gloved before opting not to attempt a throw.The Cubs then used a walk and a single to load the bases with two outs before Gonzalez retired Anthony Rizzo on a grounder to first base.Gonzalez concluded his performance with a perfect seventh.In the eighth, however, Chicago pulled even against reliever Drew Storen. Navarro drew a leadoff walk and was replaced by pinch-runner Travis Wood, who advanced on a sacrifice and scored on a two-out single by Starlin Castro.Cubs starter Scott Feldman gave up one run, five hits and three walks in six innings.The Nationals hit two doubles and drew two walks in the first inning, but they left the bases loaded after Zimmerman doubled in a run.Washington also stranded a runner in scoring position in the second and third innings. By that time, Feldman’s pitch was at 61.
Crystal Lake C. derails Grayslake Central
By Rusty Silber
The chances were there as Grayslake Central's girls soccer team pursued its third straight Fox Valley Fox Division girls soccer title. The Rams needed to get a victory in one their final two matches. It didn't happen, though, as Grayslake Central lost to visiting Crystal Lake Central 1-0 on Saturday morning in Grayslake.
Baseball/Top 20
Huntley (22-3), Downers Grove South (25-5) and Naperville Central (19-7) are the top 3 teams in this week's Top 20 rankings of baseball teams in the Daily Herald.
Softball: Top 20 rankings
Naperville Central (29-1) and Barrington (27-1) held onto the top two spots in this week's Daily Herald Top 20 rankings of area softball teams. Glenbard South (21-3) moved up to No. 3 as the regular season enters its final week.

Business

Bangladesh to raise wages for garment workers
Associated Press
Bangladesh's government plans to raise the minimum wage for garment workers, a Cabinet minister said Sunday, after the deaths of more than 1,100 people in the collapse of a factory building focused international attention on the textile industry's dismal pay and hazardous working conditions.
Has the gold rush come to an end?
Associated Press
When the price of gold plunged $200 last month, many people thought they caught the sound of the gold bubble popping. What Peter Schiff, the CEO of brokerage Euro Pacific Precious Metals believes he heard was a stampede of fair-weather speculators fleeing the precious metal. He and other champions of gold weren't shaken.
Project aims to track big city carbon footprints
Associated Press
For years, carbon dioxide and other greenhouse pollutants have been closely monitored around the planet by stations on the ground and in space. Last week, worldwide levels of carbon dioxide reached 400 parts per million at a Hawaii station that sets the global benchmark — a concentration not seen in millions of years.
Hobbies provide balance for professionals
By Joyce E.A. Russell, The Washington Post
Finding time for ourselves is key to our own sanity. It can actually improve all the other aspects of our lives. Having a hobby may be even more important to people who lead very full and busy lives. Research has shown that people who have hobbies are generally healthier, and have a lower risk of depression and dementia. Many executives that I have coached say a sport or physical fitness routine as a hobby keeps their blood pressure down, enables them to manage their anger and daily frustrations, and puts them in a much better frame of mind.
Ferguson key in Manchester United's financial transformation
Associated Press
Manchester United and Sir Alex Ferguson. Apple and Steve Jobs. Will one of the world's most recognized soccer clubs face the same challenges the world's technology darling did after the departure of its iconic leader? Almost 27 years after Ferguson took the helm of an underperforming club, Manchester United is back at the top of the English Premier League and among the highest echelons of Europe's elite soccer teams, alongside Real Madrid and Barcelona.
China's struggling automakers jump on SUV boom
Associated Press
BYD is known for electric cars but this year's flagship model is the S7, a gasoline-powered SUV. It comes with an interior air purifier, radar to help with backing and digital TV. An onboard hard drive can hold 1,000 films. This is China's Year of the SUV. Whatever their specialties used to be, automakers ranging from global brands to China's ambitious rookies are scrambling to cash in on the explosive popularity of sport utility vehicles.
For some Detroit services, call the D.I.Y. Dept.
Associated Press
Detroit may be broke but it will soon have a first-rate motor pool, featuring 23 new ambulances and a fleet of 100 new police cars. Some city parks also are getting tender loving care. But that's not because city departments are functioning as usual. They're not. Instead, a growing collection of volunteers, some affluent, some just average guys riding their Toros, are trying to pick up some services that local government can't provide.
Fund manager: Don't get caught up in Asia numbers
Associated Press
Investors are worried about the slow pace of U.S. economic growth, but we're just one player in the international arena. To assess the global outlook, two numbers are critical: China's gross domestic product and Japan's inflation rate. They're important because China and Japan are the world's second- and third-largest economies, and both are faltering. The outlooks in both countries could continue to have a big impact on stocks around the world as Chinese and Japanese policymakers try to stimulate their economies.
6 tips to manage student loan debt
Associated Press
Finding a job in a slow-growing economy is daunting enough without new financial obligations. Yet that's the challenge many university students graduating over the next few weeks will face before too long. The clock on their student loans will begin counting down to their first payment due date. A study released in January by credit reporting agency TransUnion found that the average student loan debt rose 30 percent between 2007 and last year to $23,829.
Work advice: The benefit of office bereavement policies
By Karla L. Miller
Karla L. Miller writes an advice column on navigating the modern workplace. Each week she will answer one or two questions from readers.
Irksome dome light hard to diagnose
By Doug McAllister
Q. My overhead interior dome lights do not turn off after turning the car off. I have to manually turn them on and off. Also, my left rear passenger door does not open with the remote. Any suggestions would be greatly appreciated.
Cars made in Brazil are more deadly
Associated Press
Manufacturers earn a 10 percent profit on Brazilian-made cars, compared with 3 percent in the U.S. and a global average of 5 percent, according to IHS Automotive, an industry consulting firm.Only next year will laws require frontal air bags and antilock braking systems on all cars.

Life & Entertainment

Water and fire features on the upswing for outdoor living
By Jean Murphy
No matter where you go in the country, fire and water features are uppermost on homeowners' back yard wish lists. National studies show that fire features rank No. 1 among homeowners, while water features come in at No. 4, according to Mike Haumersen, outdoor living specialist with Belgard Hardscapes.
Barbara Walters makes retirement plans
Associated Press
Barbara Walters said Monday that retirement from her epochal television career is near, but it’s not happening right away. Walters, who began in television news as a “Today” girl in 1961, became the medium’s best-known interviewer and invented a daytime talk show at an age many people would be going fishing, said on “The View” that she will step away from the camera next summer.
‘Idol’ judges drama upstaging competition
Associated Press
All is not well on TV's once dominant "American Idol," despite a shake-up at the beginning of this season that was supposed to rejuvenate the aging Fox talent competition. Instead, the drama continues to cast a shadow over the series, right up to Thursday's coronation of "Idol's" 12th season champion. A trio of chart-topping new faces on this season's panel was supposed to breathe new life into "Idol." With reported paychecks of $18 million for Mariah Carey, $12 million for Niki Minaj and $6 million for Keith Urban, there hasn't been a return on the investment.
‘Gatsby’ gives ‘Iron Man 3’ a run for its money
Associated Press
"The Great Gatsby" partied like it was the Roaring 20s with a $51.1 million debut that made it a surprisingly strong runner-up to comic-book blockbuster "Iron Man 3." Studio estimates Sunday put Leonard DiCaprio's "Gatsby" at No. 2 behind Robert Downey Jr.'s superhero sequel, which pulled in $72.5 million domestically to raise its total to $284.9 million after just 10 days in U.S. theaters.
Moms show their kids the real estate ropes
By Amy Robey
When Jeff Cadwallader moved back home from Colorado to help his mom Jeanne with her business, he became a third-generation Realtor. On this Mother's Day weekend, Jeanne and Jeff are one of many mother-child Realtor teams working in the Chicago suburban market.
'Ophelia Cut' is tense, intricate
Associated Press
A young woman makes a bad decision and her father ends up a murder suspect in "The Ophelia Cut," John Lescroart's latest courtroom drama featuring defense attorney Dismas Hardy. Friends become enemies and moral dilemmas abound in this tense and intricate tale. The story starts off a bit slow, but Lescroart is a master of legal suspense.
Hawn, Hudson talk mother-daughter beauty
By Alicia Rancilio
When Kate Hudson first burst onto the scene with the movie "Almost Famous," her uncanny resemblance to her mother Goldie Hawn had everybody talking. Hudson didn't see it. But now that she's a mother herself, the 34-year-old actress says she treasures the comparison.
Suburban locales capture life from bygone era
By Hilary Shenfeld
For a chance to breathe in some fresh air and get a hands-on sense of life in bygone years, check out the offerings at suburban locales specializing in living history. These museums let visitors immerse themselves in the sights, sounds and smells of the past. “One of our biggest goals is to get people involved,” says Keith Clow, site manager at Kline Creek Farm. “You would be amazed how much fun kids have spreading manure.”
On the road: ‘Wonder’ at the new Adler Planetarium show
By Jacky Runice
The Adler Planetarium presents the new show "Cosmic Wonder" that tells the story of how humans have pieced together an understanding of the cosmos. Also make plans for the big tulip festival in Orange City, Iowa, that celebrates the community's rich Dutch heritage.
Universal announces Harry Potter park expansion
Associated Press
Fans of Harry Potter and magic, rejoice: Universal Orlando is expanding its Wizarding World of Harry Potter with a new area based on the books' fictional scenes in Diagon Alley and London. Universal Orlando announced the new area will open in 2014.
Boone says Drury Lane shows among his last
By Laura Stewart
Pat Boone is saying hello — and goodbye — to local audiences. The legendary artist, famous for his clean-cut image and white buck shoes, plays the Drury Lane Theatre in Oakbrook Terrace for the first time Monday and Tuesday. And the nearly 79-year old singer says he won't be back: "I have a strong feeling that this is my last time around."
F. Scott Fitzgerald dead, but not forgotten
Associated Press
Has-beens in Hollywood usually stay that way. Yet one writer who died there nearly forgotten 73 years ago had one of the most remarkable posthumous revivals in literary history. F. Scott Fitzgerald is back on the big-screen with Leonardo DiCaprio and director Baz Luhrmann's "The Great Gatsby," a story adapted for film and television more than half a dozen times since the silent-movie era, when it was published to scant sales in 1925.
California wineries with celebrity connections flourish
By Michelle Locke
The MacMurray Ranch, once owned by popular actor Fred MacMurray and now owned by the Gallo wine family, is only open to the public only during the Sonoma Wine Country Weekend in Augus. It's one of several California wineries with celebrity connections, including wineries owned by "Godfather" director Francis Ford Coppola, the late "Davy Crockett" star Fess Parker, and the late "Perry Mason" star Raymond Burr.
Old floor tiles need to be removed by professionals
By Henri de Marne
Q. I need help with this floor. There is a great hardwood floor under it. However, I don't know if it's safe to go and pull this up — whether it has asbestos in it or not. It is the one-foot-square pieces glued down, and if you do pull it up, what's the best way to get the glue off the floor?
Electronic toilet features may bowl you over
By Ed Del Grande
Q. I'm remodeling my bathroom and plan on installing a new toilet. My question: Do they make a toilet with bidet features?
Sunday picks: It's all about Mom today
By Scott Morgan and Laura Stewart
It's Mother's Day, so let Mom choose what she wants to do today. Mothers and grandmothers can ride the trolley cars for free (with a paying child) at the Fox River Trolley Museum. For the active mom, spend some time riding the rides together at Santa's Village Azoosment Park, which opens for the season today. Or head to Lilacia Park in Lombard to hear Bill O'Connel's Chicago Skyliners Big Band play an outdoor concert.
2013 Summer Festival Guide
Summer's rolling in, and with it come festivals celebrating everything from jazz to corn. Keep tabs on upcoming fairs, festivals and parades in your area so you don't miss a bit of the action.

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Editorial: The time for pension reform is at hand
This Daily Herald editorial says that with momentum building for public pension reform, the legislature ought not back down now; meaningful change is required and nothing less will do.
Nekritz: Time to do the right thing over the easy thing
By Elaine Nekritz
Guest Columnist Elaine Nekritz: We cannot stay on this path, and that is why SB 1 is so important. It will save us more than $1 billion in our immediate pension payment, cut about $30 billion off our massive unfunded debt of nearly $100 billion and, over the next 30 years, reduce more than $150 billion off what we pay for pensions.
Morrison: We must rethink old ideas about retirement
By Tom Morrison
Guest columnist Tom Morrison: With state Rep. Jeanne Ives, I've introduced House Bill 3303 that provides a clear path to modernize our pension systems by moving to a defined contribution plan. Private and public entities have embraced these plans because they are sustainable and better guarantee retirement security for all.
Klickna: Coalition plan is fair, effective, constitutional
By Cinda Klickna
Guest columnist Cinda Klickna: Even SB 1's backers don't claim it will survive a court challenge. Their reaction is, "Let's find out." That irresponsible approach to public policy caused the mess that Illinois is dealing with now. We have to be smart and pass constitutional bills.
Teachers also are taxpayers
An Arlington Heights letter to the editor: What did surprise me at The Pension Forum was that many comments were made throughout the evening by the legislators and audience members that indicated that they forget teachers are taxpayers and voters
Taxpayers’ concerns being overlooked
An Arlington Heights letter to the editor: Because we are not organized, as the various unions are, the taxpayer's voice is much harder to hear.
State must clean up its own act as well
A Schaumburg letter to the editor: In July 2012, the General Assembly took away lifetime health insurance it promised to retired state employee. Now, the legislature aims to also eliminate contractually guaranteed annual COLA adjustments.The combined effect of these two unilateral changes will sharply torpedo a etiree's disposable income.
Problem creators now the problem solvers
A letter to the editor: A bit of irony for readers of the Daily Herald: The same group of legislators who are in charge of fixing the pension systems are the same ones who helped destroy those systems.
Kids’ future at stake over pension woes
A Rolling Meadows letter to the editor: I attended the pension forum at Harper College, and it was enlightening. The pension system has to be reformed or there will be no future for pensions. They say it is in the Illinois Constitution to preserve the pensions. There should be a forum on government procedures, especially the part about amending the constitution.
Gambling expansion an awful idea
An Elgin letter to the editor: Last year Governor Quinn vetoed a bill to expand gambling in the state of Illinois for the second time. The legislature is again trying to pass a gambling expansion bill that some hope will meet his approval.
See Rutland Twp. details for yourself
A Rutland Township letter to the editor: Recently reporter Lenore Adkins of the Daily Herald has run both sides of a couple of issues which have arisen in Rutland Township. If you believe in local representation via township government, I respectfully suggest that you may be interested in finding out more of the details by attending the meetings. The next two meetings may be of particular interest.
Internet sales tax bill has little value
A Batavia letter to the editor: It is obvious that Democratic Illinois Senator Dick Durbin and the other Senators who voted for the Internet sales tax never owned, operated or managed any business, especially a retail enterprise.
Don’t simply stiff the pensioners
A St. Charles letter to the editor: I was disappointed in Professor Reynolds' "analysis" in her column "Pension reform and the constitution." She argues that the legislature need not worry about the constitutional prohibition against diminishing or impairing teacher pension benefits because that provision "mirrors" the provision of the U.S. Constitution regarding impairment of contracts.