Daily Archive : Sunday July 28, 2013

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News

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  Dist. 300 school board OKs goals for strategic plan
  By Tara García Mathewson
  Community Unit District 300 school board members discussed a strategic plan Monday as a road map for future teaching and learning in the Carpentersville-based district. Administrators have been working with educational research firm ECRA Group Inc., since the 2011-12 school year to craft the shell of plan. They presented the outline Monday, soliciting a reaction from board members who started out...
  

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  Hanover Park teen’s quinceañera wish comes true
  By Tara García Mathewson
  Two years ago, Zareli Saavedra was getting treatment for a cancerous brain tumor, knowing her family wouldn’t have enough money to throw her a lavish quinceañera when she turned 15. The coming of age celebrations routinely cost families upward of $15,000. But Sunday, Zareli did celebrate her 15th birthday in style, thanks to the Make-A-Wish Foundation and its supporters.
  

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  Master showmen try to impress Lake County Fair judges
  By Steve Zalusky
  Animals you might normally see at the end of a knife and fork were featured in the fair’s first “Master Showman” competition, where teens demonstrated their ability to “show” animals to judges who would assess the animal’s fitness to provide meat or milk.
  

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  Bus crash in southern Italy kills 38 people
  Associated Press
  An Italian tour bus plowed through several cars before it crushed through a sidewall of a highway bridge and plunged into a ravine, killing at least 38 people, authorities said Monday. Rescuers wielding electric saws cut through the twisted wreckage of the bus looking for survivors overnight, and state radio quoted a local police chief as saying the bus driver was among the dead. The bus lost...
  

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  Wheeling cop collapses during training, dies at hospital
  Daily Herald report
  Wheeling Police confirmed that a village police officer collapsed during a training exercise on Thursday and died at the hospital Saturday night.
  

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  Images: Weekend festivals in the suburbs
  Images from this weekends festivals that include the Puerto Rican Heritage Fest, Arlington Heights Irish Fest, Rockin' the Blocks, Midsummer Downtown Block Party, International Dragon Boat Festival, Streamwood Summer Celebration, DuPage County Fair, Algonquin Founders' Day and the Winfield Criterium
  

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  Man sentenced to 12 years for DUI that killed 2 Rolling Meadows women
  Daily Herald report
  A Mokena man who pleaded guilty earlier this month to a 2011 DUI crash that killed two women from Rolling Meadows, was sentenced on Friday to 12 years in prison, officials said.
  

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  Israel OKs prisoner release, step to peace talks
  Associated Press
  A divided Israeli Cabinet agreed Sunday to release 104 long-term Palestinian prisoners convicted of deadly attacks, clearing a hurdle toward resuming Mideast peace talks and giving U.S. Secretary of State John Kerry his first concrete achievement after months of shuttle diplomacy.
  

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  Addison man charged in wife’s murder
  Daily Herald report
  An Addison man has been charged with the murder of his wife in what police say was a domestic incident. Kurtis Worley, of the 900 block of Craig Place, has been charged with one count of first-degree murder in the death of Martha Worley, 39, according to a release from the DuPage County state’s attorney on Sunday night.
  

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  Images: The Week in Pictures
  This edition of The Week in Pictures features Irish dancers in an empty store, 900 ears of shucked corn, and WWII airplanes.
  

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  Spanish train crash driver charged provisionally
  Associated Press
  The driver of a Spanish train that derailed at high speed killing 79 people was provisionally charged Sunday with multiple cases of negligent homicide. A court statement said investigative magistrate Luis Alaez released Francisco Jose Garzon Amo without bail.
  

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  Pope draws 3 million to Mass as Brazil trip closes
  Associated Press
  Pope Francis’ historic trip to his home continent ended Sunday after a marathon weeklong visit to Brazil that drew millions of people onto the sands of Rio de Janeiro’s iconic Copacabana beach and appeared to reinvigorate the clergy and faithful alike in the world’s largest Catholic country.
  

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  Police: Carpentersville man threw bleach on taxi driver to avoid fare
  By Tara García Mathewson
  An 18-year-old Carpentersville man faces an aggravated battery charges alleging he threw a can of bleach in a cabdriver’s face instead of paying his fare Thursday night, according to police. Oliver D. Dickens, 18, of the 1200 block of Silverstone Drive, is being held in the Cook County jail in lieu of $125,000 bond, records show. He was easily arrested after leaving his ID in the cab.
  

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  Police: $53 million in jewels stolen in Cannes
  Associated Press
  A staggering $53 million worth of diamonds and other jewels was stolen Sunday from the Carlton Intercontinental Hotel in Cannes, in one of Europe’s biggest jewelry heists in recent years, police said. One expert noted the crime follows recent jail escapes by members of the notorious “Pink Panther” jewel thief gang.
  

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  Hundreds of riders enjoy Winfield Criterium
  By Matt Arado
  The annual Winfield Criterium rode through town Saturday and Sunday, sending cyclists from all over the region through neighborhood streets on the village’s north side. Organizers estimated that between 300 and 400 riders participated in the criterium, a bicycle-racing event that included courses of .9 miles and 1.25 miles.
  

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  Morsi backers defiant in face of Egypt govt threat
  Associated Press
  Escalating the confrontation after clashes that left 83 supporters of Egypt’s ousted Islamist president dead, the interim government moved Sunday toward dismantling two pro-Mohammed Morsi sit-in camps, accusing protesters of “terrorism” and vowing to deal with them decisively.
  

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  Images: Sunday’s Lake County Fair
  Photos of the 85th Annual Lake County Fair in Grayslake from Sunday, July 28.
  

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  Improve Playhouse performance
  Daily Herald report
  Libertyville’s Improv Playhouse presents a Chicago-based cabaret for audiences on Aug. 10 at 7:30 and 9 p.m.
  

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  Law committee meets Tuesday
  Daily Herald report
  The Lake County Board’s law and judicial committee will meet at 10:30 a.m. Tuesday, July 30, at the county government building in Waukegan.
  

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  Evaluation ordered in elderly landlord ax chase
  By Harry Hitzeman
  A judge has ordered a fitness evaluation for a Carpentersville man accused of chasing his 73-year-old landlord with an ax. Christopher A. Pederson, 60, is charged with felony aggravated battery to a victim over 60 and aggravated assault with a deadly weapon after police said he chased the Elgin man through a parking lot. The man was not injured.
  

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  Dillard to address Arlington Hts. Tea Party
  Daily Herald report
  A black, lifelong Chicago Democrat who converted to the Republican Party will be the first speaker at the Arlington Heights Tea Party meeting 7 p.m. Thursday, Aug. 1, in the 3rd floor board room of Arlington Heights village hall, 33 S. Arlington Heights Road.
  

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  Officials investigating Palatine garage fire
  By Steve Zalusky
  Palatine fire officials are investigating the cause of a garage fire Saturday morning in the 600 block of South Warren Avenue. No civilians or firefighters were injured. The garage sustained heavy damage, but investigators have yet to determine a cost estimate.
  

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  Police reports reveal ‘troubling’ cases at Lutherbrook
  A sexual encounter, a knife in a classrom and an attack on a teen are among troubling occurrences at Lutherbrook that have caught the attention of the Cook County public guardian. But leaders of the Addison treatment center for traumatized youth say the facility is all about healing and helping children.
  

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  One-time Aurora resident Deacon White entering baseball's Hall of Fame
  By Christopher Placek
  Deacon White died near St. Charles 25 days after the first National Baseball Hall of Fame induction ceremony in 1939. Now 74 years later, the one-time Aurora resident regarded by historians as the one of the greatest catchers of baseball's inaugural days is getting his due.
  

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  Why does Anthony Weiner keep doing it?
  Bloomberg
  The lewd behavior that New York mayoral candidate Anthony Weiner engaged in suggests he is struggling with more than bad behavior and could be dealing with a variety of issues driving his problematic sexual behavior, experts said. “It’s driven behavior,” said Berlin, a psychiatrist who has been treating patients for more than 30 years. “People are feeling they are pushed to act a certain way even...
  

Sports

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  As Bears don pads, Cutler under constant pressure
  By Bob LeGere
  The anticipated improvement of the Bears' offensive line wasn't evident in Sunday's first training camp practice in pads. The approximatly 9,000 fans saw the defensive get the best of the rebuilt offensive line more often than not. I thought the defense had the jump start on us, and there were defensive players who had edges,” said head coach Marc Trestman, whose area of expertise is on offense.
  

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  Soriano a living emblem of Cubs' failed possibilities
  By Matt Spiegel
  Alfonso Soriano is finally gone, and it doesn't feel like I thought it would. For years I dreamed of finding him a new home, and now he's off to revisit an old one. But Soriano's trade back to the place of his MLB birth doesn't fill me with the joy it once may have. I, like many of you, had grown to respect him.
  

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  Arlington Heights wins twice, forces one more game
  By John Leusch
  With 59 years directing the Arlington Heights American Legion team and eight state championships, manager Lloyd Meyer has certainly seen his team enjoy some stellar days of baseball. Sunday was another one.On the brink of elimination from the Division I tourney at Recreation Park in Arlington Heights, Meyer’s club scored 3 runs with two outs in the bottom of the ninth inning to edge Northbrook 7-6. Post 208 then held on for a 5-3 victory over the tourney’s only previously undefeated team, Elk Grove, to give itself a chance for the title today at 1 p.m. on the Lloyd W. Meyer Field.
  

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  Bullpen rescues Cougars against Chiefs
  By Daily Herald News Services
  Juan Paniagua started for the Kane County Cougars on Sunday at Dozer Park, but he managed to record only six outs. However, the bullpen came to the rescue with 7 scoreless innings as the Cougars earned a 6-3 victory over the Peoria Chiefs.
  

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  Bears’ Bushrod likes what he sees in draft pick
  By Bob LeGere
  Two-time Pro Bowl offensive left tackle Jermon Bushrod is impressed by what he's seen so far from first-round pick Kyle Long, who is competing for the starting job at right guard.
  

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  Low trade activity doesn’t surprise Konerko
  By Scot Gregor
  As usual, White Sox captain Paul Konerko had some interesting insight as Wednesday's nonwaiver trade deadline approaches. Konerko doesn't blame the Sox' poor play on all the trade rumors flying around, and he doesn't think there will be as many deals as anticipated.
  

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  Sox’ Beckham having a seriously good season
  By Scot Gregor
  You have to look pretty hard to find a bright spot on the White Sox this season, but Gordon Beckham fits the profile. Even though two left wrist injuries have sapped much of his power, Beckham is the only Sox hitter with an average over .300.
  

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  Quenneville: Hawks ready to deal with ‘Stanley Cup hangover’
  By Tim Sassone
  Hawks coach Joel Quenneville is already preparing for the "Stanley Cup hangover question" that is sure to come at some point next season.
  

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  U.S. wins soccer’s Gold Cup at Soldier Field
  By Orrin Schwarz
  A Brek Shea goal in the 68th minute of the Gold Cup final gave the United States a 1-0 victory against Panama in front of 57,920 mostly pro-American fans at Soldier Field. It also was the Americans’ 11th straight win, leaving the team brimming with confidence heading into the final stretch of qualifying this fall for June’s World Cup in Brazil.
  

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  Wood’s arm, bat get it done for Cubs
  Associated Press
  Travis Wood pitched a four-hitter over seven innings and had a home run among his two hits in helping the Cubs complete a three-game sweep in San Francisco for the first time in 20 years, beating the Giants 2-1 Sunday.
  

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  Bears won’t be forced into Cutler decision
  By Barry Rozner
  Stop me if you’ve heard this before, but 2013 is a very big year for Jay Cutler. Still, if GM Phil Emery and coach Marc Trestman don’t get from Cutler what they expect, don’t believe for a moment that Emery will be forced into paying Cutler.
  

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  Tensions high in Sox clubhouse as trade deadline approaches
  By Chris Rongey
  Well, this is pretty much it. Whatever changes the White Sox are going to make will happen in the coming hours and days. Yes, the Sox could still make trades after this week’s deadline, but the bulk of anything they do will happen now. In fact, something may have already gone down by the time you finish reading this.
  

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  Cubs scouting report
  Cubs scouting report
  

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  Royals outlast White Sox in extra innings
  Associated Press
  Alex Gordon hit a two-run homer in the 12th inning and the Kansas City Royals beat the White Sox 4-2 on Sunday for their sixth consecutive victory. With no outs and Jarrod Dyson on third, the White Sox brought their infield in, but it didn’t matter one bit. Gordon drove a 2-2 pitch from Donnie Veal (1-1) over the wall in center for his first homer since July 7 and No. 10 on the year.
  

Business

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  Rosemont’s upscale outlet mall opens Thursday
  By Madhu Krishnamurthy
  Rosemont's new upscale outlet mall opens Thursday, Aug. 1. We'll talk to a retail expert about how this mall fits in with the overall region and Rosemont's grand vision, and have all the details/logistics of opening day.
  

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  Some say industry arrogance fueled fracking anger
  Associated Press
  The boom in oil and gas fracking has led to jobs, billions in royalties and profits, and even some environmental gains. But some experts say arrogance, a lack of transparency and poor communication on the part of the drilling industry have helped fuel public anger over the process of hydraulic fracturing, or fracking.
  

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  Differences small between student loan bills
  Associated Press
  The House is set to go along with a bipartisan Senate compromise that would link college students’ interest rates to the financial markets and offer borrowers lower rates this fall.
  

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  Signs of declining economic security
  Associated Press
  Four out of 5 U.S. adults struggle with joblessness, near-poverty or reliance on welfare for at least parts of their lives, a sign of deteriorating economic security and an elusive American dream. Survey data exclusive to The Associated Press points to an increasingly globalized U.S. economy, the widening gap between rich and poor, and the loss of good-paying manufacturing jobs as reasons for the trend.
  

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  Treasury’s Lew: Congress needs to pass debt limit
  Associated Press
  Congress needs to raise the debt limit and take away the “cloud of uncertainty” about the nation’s ability to pay its bills, Treasury Secretary Jack Lew said in an interview broadcast Sunday.
  

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  Wells Fargo exec: Small businesses need guidance
  Associated Press
  When Lisa Stevens speaks about her role as head of small business banking at Wells Fargo & Co., she focuses more on how she can help her customers rather than how she can grow the bank’s loan portfolio. Stevens is aware that her customers also include those who can’t qualify for a loan. “It’s about getting a plan and helping people to set up and establish goals and move forward,” says Stevens, who has led Wells Fargo’s small business banking operations for two years.
  

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  Work Advice: When a good boss goes bad
  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.
  

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  A blueprint for how to save Detroit
  Slate
  Detroit is filing for bankruptcy to get out from under crushing debts incurred to bondholders and pensioners during decades of economic decline and financial mismanagement. The political and legal barriers to doing so are enormous, but in principle the decline of Detroit could be slowed by literally making the city smaller and its population larger. “I don’t think Detroit can fund its current operations without shrinking substantially,” David Schleicher said.
  

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  Farmers, other businesses crucial in House debate over immigration
  Bloomberg
  Mornings for Bruce Frasier, an onion and cantaloupe grower in southwest Texas, are tinged with anxiety over whether enough day laborers will arrive in vans to harvest his crops. “It’s a heck of a way for a businessman to start his day,” said Frasier, who visited Washington to express his concerns about a dwindling labor force as he sought to persuade members of his Republican Party to revise immigration laws.
  

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  Career Coach Q&A: Resume tuneup, extracting constructive feedback
  Bloomberg
  Joyce E.A. Russell, an industrial and organizational psychologist, discussed workplace issues in a recent online forum.
  

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  Not all emerging-market stocks are down this year
  Associated Press
  Iinvestors have been turning to actively managed mutual funds this summer. Such funds generally charge higher fees, but those that are run by talented, or lucky, stock pickers have a chance of beating the index. “Now, you’re seeing greater dispersion in returns from countries,” says Patricia Oey, a senior analyst at Morningstar.
  

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  Make summer the season for saving energy
  The Washington Post
  Whether replacing light bulbs or unplugging your unused cellphone charger, small changes can make a big impact on your electricity bill this summer and beyond. Kristinn Leonhart, spokeswoman for the Environmental Protection Agency’s Energy Star program, said the average home has about 30 light fixtures, together consuming more electricity than a home’s washer and dryer, refrigerator and dishwasher combined.
  

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  Tips for handling your health care needs overseas
  Associated Press
  An international vacation typically involves months of advance planning, from renewing passports to finding flights and booking hotels. But even the most carefully planned itinerary can be knocked off course by an unexpected health problem. Here are some tips on getting the medical care you need, no matter where your travels take you.
  

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  Backpack shopping tips and suggestions
  The Washington Post
  It’s hard to think about school supplies while you’re still enjoying homework-free days at the pool. But the new academic year will be here in a few weeks, and one thing that almost every student needs is a good backpack. Whether your child is on the hunt for a backpack with a favorite cartoon character or in a preferred color, it’s important to help him choose one that is the right size and shape for his body and what he needs to carry.
  

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  Building homes that make more power than they take
  Associated Press
  “Zero-net energy” homes will feature thick walls, solar panels and geothermal heating and cooling systems, meaning families should be able to generate more energy over a year than they consume. These homes under construction 70 miles north of New York City have costly green features. But the builders believe they are in tune with consumers increasingly concerned about the environment and fuel costs.
  

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  Cheap headlight bulbs can be a hassle
  By Doug McAllister
  Q. We have a 2004 Buick Ranier on which I have had to replace the low beam headlamps a total of five times — three on right and two on left — over the past two years. A local repair shop did three, a dealer did one and I did one after researching the “ How To” of removing the front grill without breaking it.
  

Life & Entertainment

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  Sunday picks: Scream for the Tween Stars tour
  By Scott Morgan and Laura Stewart
  The Tween Stars Live Tour features Disney Channel and Nickelodeon singing actors like Peyton List, Calum Worthy and more at the Rosemont Theatre. Take a look at three private North Shore landscapes during The Garden Conservancy's Open Days Program. Watch the famed Tempel Lipizzans perform to classical music and then tour the stables Sunday at Tempel Farms in Old Mill Creek.
  

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  'The Voice' mentors aren't looking to find a star
  Associated Press
  The mentors on “The Voice” may be superstars, but the consensus is it's not on them that the singing competition show has failed to find big stars such as themselves. Adam Levine, Christina Aguilera, CeeLo Green and the show's host and producer Carson Daly addressed journalists at the Television Critics Association summer press tour." I think that we all know that the lightning in a bottle you have to capture in order to be successful in this business is extraordinarily difficult," Levine said.
  

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  Boyfriend’s mother harsh on his girlfriend’s attitude
  By Carolyn Hax
  Q. I have an autoimmune disorder that exhausts me. After a recent party at my boyfriend’s mom’s house, I heard that the mother and an aunt insist I came off “moody” and “mad” the whole day.
  

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  'The Wolverine' claws way to top of box office
  Associated Press
  "The Wolverine," the Fox film featuring Hugh Jackman's sixth turn as the claw-wielding superhero, opened with $55 million in North America, according to studio estimates Sunday. Last weekend's top movie, Warner Bros.' low-budget horror “The Conjuring,” slipped to second place, adding another $22.1 million to its take. “Despicable Me 2” was in third with $16 million.
  

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  Aniston says she, Theroux ‘already feel married’
  Associate Press
  Jennifer Aniston is dismissing rumors surrounding her upcoming wedding to Justin Theroux and setting the record straight. “We just want to do it when it’s perfect, and we’re not rushed, and no one is rushing from a job or rushing to a job,” the 44-year-old actress told The Associated Press on Saturday while promoting her new film, “We’re the Millers.” “And, you know, we already feel married,” she added.
  

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  Shirley Jones offers naked truth in new book
  Associated Press
  Shirley Jones opens the door to her house and appears every inch the ladylike Marian the librarian or sweet farm girl Laurey or cheerfully steady Mrs. Partridge, offering a warm smile and handshake. Her elegant, modestly high-necked jacket is black, her makeup is discreet and her silver hair tidy. Jones’ living room has the sort of traditional furniture and knickknacks (exception: a prominent Academy Award) that would fit any suburban house. Then there’s “Shirley Jones,” her new autobiography that turns the 79-year-old actress’ image on its head in startling — even shocking — ways.
  

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  Beatles tribute band comes together on Broadway
  Associated Press
  Reuven Gershon and James Fox have some insanely daunting shoes to fill: Every night, they’re asked to impersonate John and Paul on Broadway. Yes, that John and Paul. Gershon and Fox portray, respectively, John Lennon and Paul McCartney in a Fab Four cover band that has taken its concert show, “Let It Be,” from London’s West End to New York.
  

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  It’s been a volatile summer for Hollywood
  Associated Press
  On and off screen, it’s been a bruising summer for Hollywood. One after another, they have come: Big-budget, globe-trotting blockbusters backed by marketing budgets in the hundreds of millions. Some of these films have succeeded. Some have flopped. But more than most summers, the content of this year’s seasonal crop of spectacles has felt like a pummeling, leaving both moviegoers and some in the industry dazed from the onslaught.
  

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  Rock climbers keep cool climbing indoors in suburbs
  By Samantha Nelson
  When the unpredictable summer weather means it’s raining or just too hot to play outside, you don’t have to resign yourself to having your energetic kids running around the house. One great option to let your family moving is to try rock climbing at one of these local gym or community center, where kids of all ages and fitness levels can challenge themselves.
  

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  France learning to put out the welcome mat
  By Sarah DiLorenzo
  There are no trash cans on the Champs-Élysées. Paris' department stores, as well as shops and restaurants across the country, are closed on Sundays. And pickpockets swarm the Eiffel Tower and the Louvre. France has long had a reputation — particularly in the English-speaking world — for being a bit difficult to visit. We love to hate it, with its surly waiters and superior shopkeepers. But we also love to love it: More people visit France than any other country in the world. But now, after years of casually riding a reputation for stunning monuments and world-class food, the French are starting to talk about tourism as an economic benefit
  

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  On the road: AirVenture to land in Oshkosh
  By Jacky Runice
  AirVenture 2013, a weeklong event held in Oshkosh, Wis., is the world’s largest fly-in and boasts scads of activities to amaze and entertain all ages. Also, Sheboygan, Wis., on the shores of Lake Michigan, will once again host its annual Brat Days festival.
  

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  Book notes: Meet Anton DiSclafani at Anderson’s
  Meet author Anton DiSclafani as she reads from and signs copies of her book “The Yonahlossee Riding Camp for Girls” at 7 p.m. Thursday, Aug. 1, at Anderson’s Bookshop in Naperville.
  

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  French get advice on how to treat tourists
  Associated Press
  What does an American expect from Paris? What’s the best way of making an Italian feel welcome? Paris’ Chamber of Commerce and Industry and its Regional Tourism Council have teamed up to produce a guide for hotel owners, restaurateurs and shopkeepers in the hopes that it will help shake off the city’s reputation for snobbishness.
  

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  It takes a ‘war room’ to launch Netflix’s series
  Associated Press
  “Orange Is The New Black” is the fourth exclusive Netflix series to be released in five months. The shows have become the foundation of Netflix’s push to build an Internet counterpart to HBO’s premium cable channel. “This is Silicon Valley’s equivalent of a midnight movie premiere in Hollywood,” says Chris Jaffe, Netflix’s vice president of product innovation.
  

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  Mother Nature meets modern decor
  By Kim Cook
  Artists and artisans have captured flora, fauna and even meteorology in media such as photography, illustration, metal and clay. The designs, translated into wall decor and furnishings, range from startling to serene.
  

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  Is this old eggbeater worth much?
  By Helaine Fendelman and Joe Rosson
  Q. Thanks in advance for any information you can give me on this “Silvers No. 3” eggbeater. It measures 12 inches high by 4 inches square. On one side it is graduated for liquid weights — 4 ounces to 1 pound. On another it has such notations as “One Quart Full” and “One Pint 3 Gills.” Another side has embossed text, including “Even Full 8 ‘T’ 4 Coffee Cups.” The bottom is embossed “Silvers, Brooklyn NY” and has a representation of the Brooklyn Bridge.
  

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  Singin’ in the shower on a whole-new level
  By Ed Del Grande
  Today, we do have plumbing fixtures complete with internal sound systems. While these toilets and bathtubs can be pricey, the good news is usually you only need one of these musical plumbing fixtures to fill your bathroom with sound.
  

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  Locating roof leak’s source may take some detective work
  By Henri de Marne
  Q. I have a perplexing problem. I have a flat roof on a house built in 1975. The previous owners had a foam roof installed shortly before I purchased the home in 1997. I had the roof coated within a year of moving in.
  

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  Six design choices for an easy-to-clean bathroom
  By Rachel Graf
  When designing a bathroom, people rarely take functional aspects like ease of cleaning into consideration, says Sandra Soria, author of “Bathroom Idea Book” (The Taunton Press, 2013). “I think we approach our home aesthetically, and we maybe tend to get caught up in things we love and not think about problems down the line,” Soria says.
  

Discuss

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  Editorial: Roskam, ethics and an oddly funded trip to Taiwan
  the Daily Herald Editorial Board
  A Daily Herald editorial says that even if it is determined that Rep. Peter Roskam of Wheaton broke no ethics rules or laws on his 2011 trip to Taiwan, he owes his constituency an explanation for why he and his wife got to travel for free.
  

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  When sex matters
  By Michael Gerson
  Columnist Michael Gerson: While political sex scandals can be disturbing, outrage at sex scandals can also be irritating.
  

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  Political sex scandals and the public’s judgment
  By Michael Gerson
  Columnist Michael Gerson: Mostly, sex is properly private. Combined with recklessness, the abuse of power or cruelty, however, it can take on public implications. While rejecting judgmentalism, it is still appropriate for voters to exercise some judgment.
  

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  Rep. Steve King’s rotten tomatoes
  By Dana Milbank
  Columnist Dana Milbank: Rep. Steve King, an Iowa Republican, has always been a bit of a melon head, but he outdid himself in an interview that came to light last week in which he described “DREAMers” — people brought to this country illegally as children — as misshapen drug mules. “For every one who’s a valedictorian, there’s another 100 out there that — they weigh 130 pounds and they’ve got calves the size of cantaloupes because they’re hauling 75 pounds of marijuana across the desert,” the honorable gentleman said. Cantaloupe calves?
  

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  Will Obama support new Egypt cabinet?
  A Waukegan letter to the editor: The new Cabinet in Egypt was sworn in on July 16. The European Union foreign policy chief Catherine Ashton is already in Cairo dealing with the interim cabinet as a legitimate government. Note the new cabinet contains women and Christians.
  

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  New form can ensure end-of-life wishes
  A Mount Prospect letter to the editor: I read with interest the opinion piece by Ellen Goodman about Nelson Mandela and her call for end-of-life conversations before they are needed. Many people around the country and in Illinois also agree with her and have been working to help people identify their power of attorney for health care and make their wishes known for many years.
  

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  Coverage of trial was lopsided
  A Palatine letter to the editor: Martin was consistently portrayed as an innocent youngster by repeatedly publishing a photo taken when he was 14 years old while in fact he was actually now larger than Zimmerman. Meanwhile Zimmerman was consistently portrayed as a racist vigilante who was looking for trouble.
  

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  Border still porous; update the numbers
  An Arlington Heights letter to the editor: For a very long time now, the estimate of 11 million illegal immigrants having crossed our border has been the accepted number. Our border was not and is not closed, and there is no evidence that the illegals have stopped coming.
  

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  DOMA repeal didn’t ‘follow the nation’
  A Woodstock letter to the editor: “Dumb and Dumber” is a movie of two brainless losers. Is this Generation Y, also known as the Millennial Generation? They cheer for repeal of the Defense of Marriage Act without understanding the unintended consequences. DOMA passed both houses of Congress by large, veto-proof majorities and was signed into law by President Bill Clinton.
  

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  DuPage flood fees fleece the taxpayer
  A Wheaton letter to the editor: DuPage County is taking advantage of flood-ravaged citizens with exorbitant permit costs. After the most recent flood many homeowners have once again had to replace furnaces, refinish damaged basements or have felt the need to install expensive generators to protect their property.