SCGT

Daily Archive : Sunday May 18, 2014

News

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    Four area Boy Scout councils consider consolidation
    By Christopher Placek
    A consolidation of Boy Scout councils in the Northwest and West suburbs with those in Chicago and Northwest Indiana is being proposed to help stem the tide of declining membership and donations, though the effect of the merger on local Scout troops remains less clear.

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    Eight injured in South Barrington crash
    Daily Herald report
    A three-vehicle crash near Barrington and Algonquin roads in South Barrington injured eight people Sunday afternoon, authorities said. More than a dozen fire departments responded to the serious collision, according to the Barrington Fire Protection District.

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    Kristian Hoddenbach

    Addison man charged after Chicago crash injures four, wrecks bus shelter
    By Steve Zalusky
    An Addison man was arrested late Saturday night in Chicago after police say he fled from a traffic stop and crashed his car into a second vehicle and then a bus shelter, reportedly causing several injuries. A Cook County judge on Sunday set a $50,000 bail for Kristian Hoddenbach, 23, who faces a felony charge of aggravated fleeing as a result of the chase.

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    Firefighters battle blaze in Streamwood townhome
    By Katlyn Smith
    A fire left five Streamwood townhome units on Adams Court uninhabitable Sunday night, authorities said. A box alarm was struck out by about 7 p.m., after bringing in additional manpower and resources, Streamwood Battalion Chief Bob Wysong said.

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    Images from the Mundelein High School graduation on Sunday, May 18 at the Sears Centre in Hoffman Estates.

    Images: Mundelein High School graduation
    Mundelein High School held their graduation ceremony on Sunday, May 18 at the Sears Centre in Hoffman Estates.

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    U of I student from Lemont killed in crash
    By Katlyn Smith
    A University of Illinois student from Lemont was killed Friday night after a car struck his motorcycle near the Urbana-Champaign campus, police said. Paul W. Davidson, 30, was taken to Carle Foundation Hospital, where he died from his injuries in the crash at University and Lincoln avenues, Urbana police said.

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    Transgender high school students Isaac Barnett, left, and his prom date, identified only by his first name, Jasen, pose for photos after picking up their tuxedos for prom in Kansas City, Mo. The seniors, both born as females, are open about their transgender status in their schools and say friends, teachers and administrators have been much more supportive than they expected.

    Schools work to help transgender students fit in
    Associated Press
    With children rejecting the birth gender at younger ages and the transgender rights movement gaining momentum, schools in districts large and small, conservative and liberal, are working to help transitioning youth fit in without a fuss.

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    A study found the number of public college presidents earning over $1 million more than doubled in the 2012-2013 fiscal year from the year before. Ohio State University president Gordon Gee topped the list, earning $6.1 million.

    9 public college presidents’ pay tops $1 million
    Associated Press
    The number of public college presidents earning over $1 million more than doubled in the 2012-2013 fiscal year from the year before, according to a new survey. The Chronicle of Higher Education study found that nine college presidents earned more than $1 million in total compensation in 2013, compared to just four in 2012.

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    Marengo crash critically injures two
    By Katlyn Smith
    Two people were critically injured in a one-vehicle crash in Marengo Sunday, authorities said. The female driver and a male passenger were taken to Rockford hospitals via helicopter after their car veered off the road, struck a ditch and flipped over, Marengo Fire Protection District Lt. Noel Gaines said.

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    Gov. Chris Christie, center, walks with Rabbi Shumley Boteach as he attends the Champions of Jewish Values International Awards gala in New York on Sunday. At right is Christie’s wife, Mary Pat.

    Christie calls for more aggressive foreign policy
    Associated Press
    Courting powerful Jewish donors for the second time in two months, New Jersey Gov. Chris Christie called Sunday for a more aggressive foreign policy that defends American values abroad — even in “in some very messy, difficult places.”

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    Ben Nagelhout came prepared with his own supply of water at the Lakes Community High School graduation.

    Images: Lakes High School graduation
    Lakes Community High School held their graduation ceremony on Sunday, May 18 at the school in Lake Villa.

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    Salutatorian Mara Ishtar Casado straightens her mortarboard Sunday before the ceremony at Harvest Christian Academy graduation in Elgin.

    Images: Harvest Christian Academy graduation.
    Harvest Christian Academy held their graduation ceremony on Sunday, May 18 at their school in Elgin.

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    Police and paramilitary police officers escort Akin Celik, the mining company’s operations manager, center right, and two other mining officials en route to prison in the coal miners’ town of Soma, Turkey, Sunday. Twenty-five people, including mining company executives, have been detained as Turkish officials investigate the mining disaster that killed 301 people, a domestic news agency reported Sunday.

    3 face charges in Turkey mine disaster amid anger
    Associated Press
    In the face of widespread anger over Turkey’s worst mining disaster, prosecutors arrested three people, including a company manager, on charges of negligence Sunday. The three were also accused of causing the death of more than one person, a charge that doesn’t imply intent, prosecutor Bekir Sahiner said at a news conference in the western town of Soma, where 301 coal miners were...

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    In this image made from video provided by the Libyan national army via AP Television, Tripoli joint security forces on vehicles with heavy artillery stand guard on the entrance road to the parliament area after troops of Gen. Khalifa Hifter targeted Islamist lawmakers and officials in Tripoli Sunday.

    Renegade Libyan general says parliament suspended
    Associated Press
    Forces apparently loyal to a renegade Libyan general said they suspended parliament Sunday after earlier leading a military assault against lawmakers, directly challenging the legitimacy of the country’s weak central government three years after the overthrow of dictator Moammar Gadhafi. Libya’s leadership condemned the attack and vowed to carry on.

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    This image made available by the Serbian police shows the flooded area in Obrenovac, 18 miles southwest of Belgrade, Serbia, Sunday. In Serbia, more than 20,000 people have been forced from their homes. Officials there fear more flooding later Sunday as floodwaters travel down the Sava and reach the country.

    Bosnia floods trigger landslides, unearth mines
    Associated Press
    Floodwaters triggered more than 3,000 landslides across the Balkans on Sunday, laying waste to entire towns and villages and disturbing land mines leftover from the region’s 1990s war, along with warning signs that marked the unexploded weapons.

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    Muslim Brotherhood leader Mohammed Badie speaks before judge after getting out of a defendant cage during his trial in Cairo, Egypt, Sunday. The judge said he would announce a verdict on June 7 in a case involving Badie and 47 other defendants charged with cutting off a major road north of Cairo as part of a wave of post-Morsi protests last summer.

    Egypt courts convict 170 in mass trials
    Associated Press
    A pair of Egyptian courts on Sunday convicted 170 suspected supporters of toppled President Mohammed Morsi on charges related to violent attacks last year, the country's latest mass trials ahead of this month's presidential elections.

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    Ukrainian presidential candidate Petro Poroshenko, center, is welcomed by his supporters during a rally in Zaporizhzhia, Ukraine, Sunday. The presidential vote in Ukraine is scheduled for May 25.

    Ukraine marks 1944 deportation of Crimea’s Tatars
    Associated Press
    Several hundred people marched in Ukraine’s capital Sunday to commemorate the brutal deportation 70 years ago of Crimea’s entire population of Tatars, while about 20,000 members of the ethnic group rallied in the peninsula’s main city. In both cities, the gatherings were also a protest against Russia’s annexation of Crimea, which re-opened old wounds for the Crimean...

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    Families of victims of an accident at an apartment construction site in Pyongyang, North Korea, grieve Saturday during a gathering in the capital where senior officials apologized and took responsibility.

    Pyongyang building collapse leaves many casualties
    Associated Press
    North Korean officials offered a rare public apology for the collapse of an apartment building under construction in Pyongyang, which a South Korean official said was believed to have caused considerable casualties that could mean hundreds might have died.

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    Tom Almassey takes a photo of is classmates as they line-up for the Montini Catholic High School’s graduation on Sunday, May 18 at Montini in Lombard.

    Images: Montini Catholic High School graduation
    Montini Catholic High School held its graduation Sunday, May 18 at the school in Lombard.

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    Young luge enthusiasts wait Sunday for their chance to slide down Cass Avenue in Westmont during a special summer tryout hosted by the U.S. Luge Assocation. Youngsters who performed well will have a chance to earn a spot on the U.S. Junior Luge Team.

    Who needs ice? Youngsters gather in Westmont for national luge tryout
    By Matt Arado
    Suburban youngsters gathered in Westmont over the weekend for the "Slider Search," a recruiting event hosted by the U.S. Luge Association in hopes of identifying talented young luge standouts. Those who do well can wind up on the U.S. Olympic team.

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    Fenton High School held its graduation Sunday, May 18 at Fenton in Bensenville.

    Images: Fenton High School graduation
    Fenton High School held its graduation Sunday, May 18 at the school in Bensenville.

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    Grayslake North High School student speaker Pauline Moll is all smiles as she addresses the graduating class and guests during Sunday’s commencement ceremony at the school.

    Images: Grayslake North High school graduation
    Grayslake North High School held their graduation ceremony on Sunday, May 18 in Grayslake.

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    St. Francis High School held its graduation Sunday, May 18 at St. John Neumann Church in St. Charles

    Images: St. Francis High School graduation
    Wheaton's St. Francis High School held its graduation Sunday, May 18 at St. John Neumann Church in St. Charles.

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    Tea Party backers hope to topple Senate Minority Leader Mitch McConnell of Kentucky this week when he’s challenged in the Republican Senate primary.

    Tea Party losing races but tugging GOP rightward
    Associated Press
    Tuesday’s high-profile primary elections may extend a streak of sorts for Tea Party Republicans: losing individual races but winning the larger ideological war by tugging the GOP rightward. Several Tea Party-endorsed candidates are struggling in Tuesday’s Republican congressional primaries in Georgia, Kentucky and Idaho. In each state, however, the “establishment”...

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    Racers paddle toward the starting line at the Des Plaines River Canoe and Kayak Marathon in Libertyville on Sunday. Organizers nearly canceled Sunday’s race because of high water and the swift current of the river, but decided to allow it to go on as scheduled after warning participants of the conditions.

    After near cancellation, fast-paced Des Plaines river race goes on
    By Steve Zalusky
    High water levels and a swift current that nearly had organizers canceling the event greeted participants Sunday at the 57th annual Des Plaines River Canoe and Kayak Marathon. "It was a little squirrely out there," one contestant said.

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    President Barack Obama’s expected nomination of San Antonio, Texas, Mayor Julian Castro as secretary of Housing and Urban Development could test the 39-year-old’s ability to navigate Washington.

    Obama Cabinet may be boost for rising Texas mayor
    Associated Press
    President Barack Obama’s expected nomination of San Antonio Mayor Julian Castro as secretary of Housing and Urban Development could test the 39-year-old’s ability to navigate Washington ahead of 2016 elections, Texas Democrats say. Since giving the 2012 keynote address at the Democratic National Convention, Castro’s star has been on the rise, with his name often included...

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    The Glenbard East High School marching band helped energize the crowd during Sunday’s Lilac Parade in Lombard. Gorgeous spring weather greeted parade spectators eager to enjoy the outdoors after an unpleasant start to the weekend.

    Spring weather a welcome backdrop for Lombard’s Lilac Parade
    By Matt Arado
    Beautiful spring weather provided the perfect backdrop for the annual Lilac Parade in Lombard on Sunday. Dozens of units marched in the parade, from lontime institutions like the Helen Plum Memoriial Library to newcomers like the Kelly High School Trojan band from Chicago.

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    A group of tourists braves opening day on the bow of the Maid of the Mist at the base of the Horseshoe Falls, from Niagara Falls, N.Y. After 150 years of having no competitors at the bottom of the falls, Maid of the Mist tour boats now face a rival.

    Niagara Falls competition springs up for first time
    Associated Press
    For more than 150 years, the Maid of the Mist tour boats have been all alone below Niagara Falls as they've ferried tourists close enough to be drenched by the spray. But this tourist season, a second set of boats is navigating the Niagara Gorge.

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    The Supreme Court may for the first time look at police use of stun guns after earlier turning away appeals from both recipients of the high-voltage shocks and from police officers.

    Louisiana Taser death could get Supreme Court review
    Associated Press
    The Supreme Court is being asked to review a case involving police use of a stun gun. If the justices agree to hear the case, it would be the court’s first look at police use of stun guns after turning away appeals from both recipients of the high-voltage shocks and from police officers. A decision on taking up the issue could come as soon as Monday.

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    Tom Ruffolo gets a hug from Cindy Sanchez before the Antioch Community High School graduation on Sunday at the school.

    Images: Antioch High School graduation
    Antioch High School held their graduation ceremony on Sunday, May 18 at the school.

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    Images from the Wauconda High School graduation on Sunday, May 18 at the Quentin Road Bible Church in Lake Zurich.

    Images: Wauconda High School graduation
    Wauconda High School held their graduation ceremony on Sunday, May 18 at the Quentin Road Bible Church in Lake Zurich.

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    Grayslake Central High School graduates Julio Mondragon, left, and Ashley Torres take a photo Sunday before the school's graduation ceremony.

    Images: Grayslake Central High School graduation
    Grayslake Central High School held their graduation ceremony on Sunday, May 18 in Grayslake.

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    WHS Display of Cultures is May 23
    Daily Herald report
    Wheeling High School will host its 20th annual Display of Cultures on May 23. The all-day event will show parents and community members the rich diversity in the school, involving exhibits and a student program with fashion show, music and dance.

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    Synagogues welcome Jerusalem Post correspondent
    Daily Herald report
    Herb Keinon, the Jerusalem Post’s diplomatic correspondent, will discuss “Between a Rocket and a Hard Place: A non-sensational look at Israel’s current state of affairs" May 28, at Congregation Beth Judea in Long Grove.

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    Palatine District 15 notches government transparency award
    Daily Herald report
    Palatine Township Elementary District 15 has received a Sunshine Award from the Illinois Policy Institute for its display of budgets, audits and other public information online.

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    Avoiding home repair fraud easy as 1-2-3
    By Harry Hitzeman
    Authorities offer a 1-2-3 strategy to avoid home repair scams, and the Kane County Bar Foundation holds its annual comedy night fundraiser Friday in Geneva.

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    Mount Prospect Mayor Arlene Juracek

    Mt. Prospect police, fire leaders dispute mayor’s claims on pensions
    By Steve Zalusky
    The president of the Mount Prospect firefighters union and the head of the village’s police pension fund took issue at a recent village board meeting with comments attributed to Mayor Arlene Juracek blaming the rising costs of their members’ retirements for spending cuts elsewhere.

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    Marines move military vehicles near the entrance to Marine Corps Camp Pendleton in front of smoke plumes from the Las Pulgas wildfire burning on the base last week.

    Studies: Wildfires worse due to global warming
    Associated Press
    The devastating wildfires scorching Southern California offer a glimpse of a warmer and more fiery future, according to scientists and federal and international reports. In the past three months, at least three different studies and reports have warned that wildfires are getting bigger, that man-made climate change is to blame, and it’s only going to get worse with more fires starting...

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    Valedictorian Tyler Harris gives his speech during the 51st Annual Commencement Sunday at St. Viator High School In Arlington Heights. There were 250 graduating seniors receiving their diplomas this year.

    Images: St. Viator High School graduation
    St. Viator High School held their graduation ceremony on Sunday, May 18 at the school in Arlington Heights.

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    Scott Marshall, a tattoo artist at Roselle Tattoo Co. and one of three finalists on Spike TV’s “Ink Master,” works on a back tattoo for a client.

    Roselle tattoo artist one of three finalists in TV reality competition
    By Susan Dibble
    Roselle tattoo artist Scott Marshall finds out Tuesday night whether he will become the season winter on Spike TV's tattoo reality competition "Ink Master."

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    As a planner for events in the city and suburbs, Mount Prospect native Shari Duffy always brings a great smile and an outfit to match.

    Champagne and caviar, heels and late nights: It's this Mount Prospect mom's job
    By Burt Constable
    While many of us have gone from shoveling snow to mopping up flooded basements, Mount Prospect native Shari Duffy has been sipping champange, dancing the night away and hob-nobbing with beautiful people. Columnist Burt Constable writes that it's her job.

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    Elgin Area Unit District U-46 paid $135,392 to the state last year for exceeding a 6 percent limit on teachers' or administrators' pay raises near retirement that trigger higher pensions.

    Pension penalties drop, but some schools still owe over $100,000
    By Marty Hobe
    Two of the largest suburban school districts paid six-figure penalties for giving pension-boosting pay hikes for retiring educators in the 2012-2013 school year, eight years after a state law was adopted to discourage schools from doing so. But another suburban school district, Schaumburg Township Elementary District 54, paid about $25,000 in penalties for the 2012-2013 school year — far...

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    Schaumburg Village Trustee Frank Kozak and his wife, Char, barely survived a tornado that leveled down a family member's Oklahoma City home a year ago. Despite lingering scars, the Kozaks said the experience also boosted their faith in other people.

    Year later, scars from tornado remain for Schaumburg couple
    By Eric Peterson
    A year after narrowly surviving massive tornado that ravaged the Oklahoma City area, Frank and Char Kozak still bear the physical and psychological scars. But despite their ordeal, the Schaumburg couple says the experience more than anything increased their faith in others. “There are so many ways people are reaching out to people in need,” Frank said.

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    Brady Hamman, 4, gets a closer look at a chick at the Loretto Early Childhood Center in Wheaton. The preschool is closing after serving children for more than 60 years.

    Loretto preschool closes, Wheaton property may be sold
    By Jessica Cilella
    The Loretto Early Childhood Center in Wheaton is closing its doors this month after more than 60 years of serving the young children in the community. An open house will be held Sunday from 1 to 3 p.m. to say goodbye. "We're just so happy that we've been able to touch so many lives and that so many lives have touched us," said Sister Kay Foley, U.S. province leader for the Institute of the...

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    Anthony Robinson, 18, pets a dog named Yoda at the kennel where he helps train service dogs at the Children’s Village in Dobbs Ferry, N.Y. Robinson came to the facility four years earlier, bristling with anger at a time when his mother was unable to care for him. Over a two-year-stay, he blossomed into a successful athlete and student, but finally, at age 16, was pressured by the staff to move to a group home in New York City in order to develop more self-reliance.

    Group care for foster kids: Critics seek phase-out
    Associated Press
    In many ways, Children’s Village resembles an idyllic college campus, with its abundant open spaces, handsome buildings, brand-new activities center and Olympic-size pool. Yet the child-welfare professionals who run the 180-acre complex in this New York City suburb are committed to a seemingly paradoxical goal: They want fewer foster children settling in to make the residential cottages...

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    A huge banner hanging from the front of Seoul’s City Hall says “Sorry” for the victims of the sunken ferry Sewol near a group memorial altar in Seoul, South Korea. One month after the ferry sinking that left more than 300 people dead or missing, there is a national debate — and spasms of shame and fury — over issues neglected as the country made its breakneck way from poverty, war and dictatorship to one of Asia’s top economic, diplomatic and cultural powers.

    Ferry disaster makes South Korea question progress
    Associated Press
    Passengers of the ferry Sewol respected authority, and many paid with their lives when the five-story-high ferry turned upside-down and sank in just a few hours on April 16. Most of the 304 people dead or missing were teenagers trapped in cabins where the crew had ordered them to stay. The tragedy has prompted Koreans to question the very foundations of their society.

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Sports

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    Blackhawks center Jonathan Toews makes contact with Los Angeles Kings goalie Jonathan Quick on a goal that wound up being disallowed during Sunday's game at the United Center in Chicago. Marian Gaborik of the Kings is at left, and teammate Slava Voynov is at right.

    Even the refs can't stop the Blackhawks
    By Mike Spellman
    A funny thing happened on the way to the Blackhawks' 3-1 victory over Los Angeles in the opening game of the Western Conference Final. First came the outrage — coach Joel Quenneville standing atop the Hawks bench waving his arms and letting the officials have it in no uncertain terms, and the standing-room only crowd at the UC drowning out the referee the second he indicated a Jonathan Toews goal wouldn't be allowed.

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    Los Angeles Kings center Tyler Toffoli (73) watches his shot on goal hit the post past Chicago Blackhawks goalie Corey Crawford (50) as Michal Rozsival watches during the third period of Game 1 of the Western Conference finals in the NHL hockey Stanley Cup playoffs in Chicago on Sunday, May 18, 2014.

    Kings just miss big chance
    By Joe Aguilar
    Los Angeles forward Tyler Toffoli found iron on his backhander early in the third period. Kings coach Darryl Sutter found irony after Game 1 of the Western Conference finals. Sutter wanted to know if Blackhawks coach Joel Quenneville had already answered questions at the podium following the Blackhawks’ 3-1 win at the United Center on Sunday. Answer: Yes.

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    Chicago Blackhawks goalie Corey Crawford, right, celebrates the Blackhawks’ 3-1 win over the Los Angeles Kings with Jonathan Toews (19) and Brandon Saad (20) after Game 1 of the Western Conference finals in the NHL hockey Stanley Cup playoffs in Chicago on Sunday, May 18, 2014. The Blackhawks won 3-1.

    Toews brushes aside talk of 2nd-period struggles
    By Mike Spellman
    The Blackhawks have had their share of struggles in the second period this postseason, and Sunday’s middle 20 was no different as they were outshot 17-6 by the Kings.

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    Red Stars’ big second half beats Breakers
    Special to the Daily Herald
    Tied 1-1 at halftime, the Chicago Red Stars exploded for 3 goals after intermission en route to a 4-1 win over the Boston Breakers, completing a two-match sweep in four days.Scoring for the Red Stars were Michelle Wenino, Jen Hoy (assist Adriana Leon), Lori Chalupny (assist Vanessa DiBernardo), and Zakiya Bywaters.

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    Trestman expects Tillman, Jennings to take Fuller under their wing
    By Bob LeGere
    First-round draft pick Kyle Fuller sin't expected to be in the Bears' starting lineup as a rookie, but he'll see plenty of playing time if he winds up as the nickel corner, as expected.

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    The Cubs’ MIke Olt, right, celebrates with teammate Ryan Kalish after hitting a solo home run against the Brewers in the fourth inning Sunday at Wrigley Field.

    Cubs flex their muscles
    By Bruce Miles
    Chicago sports talk has been rightfully dominated by the Blackhawks, but there was certainly nothing wrong with the Cubs' "power play" Sunday in a 4-2 victory over the Brewers. Of the Cubs' 8 hits, 7 were for extra bases.

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    Cubs starter Travis Wood issued 3 walks in the first inning before finding his control. Wood evened his record at 4-4 and lowered his ERA from 4.91 to 4.61 as he allowed 2 runs and just 2 hits over 7 innings without another walk.

    Wood conquers wildness to beat Brewers
    By Bruce Miles
    When Cubs lefty Travis Wood walked three Brewers in the first inning Sunday, it looked like his recent control problems would continue. But he settled down and issued no more walks the rest of the day, playing a big part in a 4-2 victory.

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    Los Angeles Kings star Anze Kopitar reacts as he leaves the ice after his team’s 3-1 loss in Game 1 of the Western Conference finals at the United Center on Sunday.

    Kings offer no tired excuses after setback
    By Mike Imrem
    The Kings rejected the notion that they might have been tired after a quick turnaround into Game 1 of the Western Conference finals. Regardless, their energy level should be at high level for Game 2 against the Blackhawks on Wednesday night.

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    Chicago Blackhawks left wing Brandon Saad trips over Los Angeles Kings right wing Justin Williams’ stick during Sunday’s game at the United Center in Chicago.

    Saad comes up huge for Blackhawks in Game 1
    By Barry Rozner
    If you intend to repeat as champions, you’re going to need a role player showing up and playing the game of his life. Brandon Saad did that Sunday afternoon in Game 1 of the Western Conference finals as the Blackhawks defeated the Kings 3-1 at the UC.

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    Jonathan Toews, middle, of the Chicago Blackhawks celebrates his third-period goal with teammates Marian Hossa, left, and Bryan Bickell during Sunday’s game against the Los Angeles Kings at the United Center in Chicago.

    Images: Blackhawks vs. Kings, Game One
    Images of Game 1 of the NHL Western Conference Finals as the Chicago Blackhawks faced the Los Angeles Kings at the United Center in Chicago on Sunday. The Blackhawks took Game 1 over the Kings with a score of 3-1.

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    Sour taste in Fire players’ mouths despite 2nd win
    By Orrin Schwarz
    The Fire got 3 points in the MLS standings for Sunday afternoon’s 2-1 victory against visiting Sporting Kansas City. Style points are another matter.

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    Indiana Pacers forward David West (21) dunks in front of Miami Heat guard Ray Allen (34) during the second half of Game 1 of the Eastern Conference finals NBA basketball playoff series, Sunday, May 18, 2014, in Indianapolis.The pacers won 107-96. West had 19 points.

    Pacers cool Heat in Game 1
    Associated Press
    INDIANAPOLIS — Paul George scored 24 points, David West had 19, and the Indiana Pacers protected their home court with a 107-96 victory over the Miami Heat on Sunday to take a 1-0 lead in the Eastern Conference finals.Indiana led wire-to-wire and never even gave the Heat a chance to tie the score after starting the game with a 5-0 lead.Game 2 is Tuesday in Indiana. The home team has won all five meetings this season.Dwyane Wade scored 27 points and LeBron James had 25 for the two-time defending NBA champions, who lost for only the second time in 10 playoff games.Indiana extended the lead to 19 in the third quarter and Miami couldn’t get closer than nine the rest of the way.

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    Cougars swarmed by River Bandits
    Daily Herald News Services
    Topping a no-hitter is difficult, but Sunday’s contest between the Kane County Cougars and Quad City had its moments — including a swarm of bees and a cycle by the River Bandits Brian Holberton. The River Bandits stole a 10-3 decision over the Cougars at Fifth Third Bank Ballpark in Geneva.

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    Boomers suffer walk-off loss
    Special to the Daily Herald
    The Schaumburg Boomers suffered another walk-off defeat at the hands of the Lake Erie Crushers on Sunday, losing 2-1 in 11 innings. Boomers pitcher Danny Jimenez made a solid return after missing the entire second half last season with an injury. Jimenez allowed 1 run on 4 hits in 5⅔ innings. Reliever Anthony Smith worked 2⅓s coreless innings. The Boomers’ run came in the fourth when Ben Kline (2 hits) tripled and scored on Bobby Martin’s sacrifice fly.

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    Blackhawks left wing Brandon Saad, right, celebrates his first-period goal with his teammates during Sunday’s game against the Los Angeles Kings at the United Center in Chicago.

    Blackhawks take Game 1 at home
    Associated Press
    Corey Crawford made 25 saves, Jonathan Toews had a big goal in the third period and the Blackhawks beat the Los Angeles Kings 3-1 in Game 1 of the Western Conference final Sunday at United Center.Brandon Saad added a goal and an assist for defending Stanley Cup champion Chicago, which remained perfect in seven home playoff games this year. Duncan Keith had a tiebreaking score in the third period.Playing just two days after a Game 7 victory over Anaheim, the Kings got a second-period score from Tyler Toffoli and outshot the Blackhawks 26-20 in the opener of a rematch from last year’s Western Conference final. But Crawford made a couple of solid stops in another terrific performance.Game 2 of the best-of-seven series is Wednesday night.With the Blackhawks clinging to a 2-1 lead in the third, Toews got loose on a 3-on-1 break and one-timed Johnny Oduya’s pass right by Jonathan Quick for his sixth playoff goal at 16:10.Quick made 17 saves after he played a key role in Los Angeles’ rally from a 3-2 deficit in the series against the Ducks. The Kings also battled back from a 3-0 deficit against San Jose in the first round.Toews’ 26th career playoff goal came after he had one waved off in a confusing stretch in the second period.It looked as if Chicago had a 2-0 lead when Toews’ rush to the net resulted in the puck going off the skate of Kings defenseman Slava Voynov and into the goal. But it was waved off after a conference by the officials, prompting a round of boos from the crowd of 21,832 and a waving, yelling display from Blackhawks coach Joel Quenneville.According to the NHL, the original call of good goal was changed because the officials decided Toews made incidental contact with Quick before the puck crossed the goal line. The league said the ruling was not reviewable, so the call on the ice remained in place.The sequence seemed to wake up the Kings while deflating the Blackhawks. Los Angeles got its first goal about a minute later, with Tanner Pearson making a terrific pass to the middle to Toffoli for his fourth of the playoffs at 4:35.The Kings then had a couple of chances to take the lead, but Crawford stepped up each time. He denied Kyle Clifford on a 2-on-1 break with 13:42 remaining, and stopped Marian Gaborik and Dustin Brown in rapid succession midway through the period.Crawford’s solid play bought Chicago some time to shake off the disallowed goal, and it paid off when Keith’s slap shot went off the stick of Kings forward Trevor Lewis and bounced past Quick for a 2-1 lead at 11:54.Crawford made another big save on Jeff Carter in the first minute of the third, and Toffoli had a backhander go off the outside of right post on a breakaway opportunity in the final period.The Blackhawks used a bad penalty by Kings defenseman Alec Martinez to grab the lead in the first period. Martinez pushed forward Brandon Bollig to the ice long after the whistle had blown, drawing a roughing call.Saad redirected Nick Leddy’s slap shot past Quick in the final seconds of the resulting power play. Saad’s third goal of the playoffs made it 1-0 with 5:14 left in the period.The Kings had a prime scoring chance with 2:42 to go in the first, but Leddy tied up Mike Richards at the end of a 2-on-1 break. It was part of a nice all-around performance for Leddy after he was a healthy scratch for Game 3 of Chicago’s second-round series against Minnesota.

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    White Sox slugger Jose Abreu breaks his bat as he flies out to left field against the Houston Astros in the fifth inning of Saturday’s game in Houston.

    White Sox put Abreu on 15-day disabled list
    Associated Press
    HOUSTON — Major league home runs leader Jose Abreu of the White Sox has been placed on the 15-day disabled list with tendinitis in his left ankle. The 27-year-old rookie first baseman left Saturday night’s game against the Astros with a limp in the seventh inning. Abreu set rookie records for home runs (10), RBIs (32), extra-base hits and total bases in April. He is hitting .260 with 15 homers and 41 RBIs in 44 games. Manager Robin Ventura said Sunday that Abreu is in Chicago for further evaluation. Outfielder Adam Eaton will be called up from his rehab assignment in Triple-A Charlotte to take Abreu’s roster spot. Eaton has been on the DL since May 3 with a strained right hamstring. He is hitting .276 with 14 RBIs.

  •  
    Houston Astros shortstop Jonathan Villar, right, leaps over Chicago White Sox’s Adrian Nieto after making an out at second in the fifth inning during a baseball game, Sunday, May 18, 2014, in Houston.

    Astros leap past White Sox 8-2
    Associated Press
    HOUSTON — Matt Dominguez homered twice and had four RBIs to lead the Houston Astros to an 8-2 win over the White Sox on Sunday. Dominguez hit his sixth and seventh homers of the season off White Sox lefty John Danks (3-4) in the third and fifth innings. The first was hit to deep left-center on a full count that followed a double by Dexter Fowler. The second was hit to the left-field Crawford Boxes, also with Fowler on base, putting the Astros up 8-1. Backed by early run support, Astros right-hander Brad Peacock (1-4) earned his first win of the season, allowing two runs and five hits and four walks, while striking out five in 6 2-3 innings. The Astros scored two runs or fewer in six of Peacock’s previous nine outings entering Sunday. Since Peacock became a starter on April 20, the offense provided 13 runs of support in his previous five starts.The Astros have won four of their past five games, while the White Sox have lost six of their past eight. After a Chris Carter homer in the second inning gave the Astros an early lead, Jonathan Villar sparked a rally with a two-RBI single that scored Jesus Guzman and L.J. Hoes. Guzman advanced to second on a throwing error by left fielder Alejandro De Aza then stole third and scored when catcher Adrian Nieto’s attempt to throw him out skipped into the outfield. Villar later left the game in the seventh inning with a right hand injury. The White Sox were playing without first baseman Jose Abreu, who was placed on the 15-day disabled list Sunday with ankle tendinitis. Danks allowed eight runs seven earned and 10 hits and three walks while striking out seven in 4 2-3 innings. He allowed at least one homer for his fourth consecutive start and fell to 1-3 in that stretch after allowing just one homer through five starts in April, when he was 2-1.

  •  
    Chicago Cubs’ Welington Castillo right, celebrates with teammate Luis Valbuena (24) at home plate after hitting a two-run homer during the second inning of a baseball game against the Milwaukee Brewers in Chicago, Sunday, May 18, 2014.

    Cubs win series against Brewers
    Associated Press
    Travis Wood pitched two-hit ball for seven innings and the Cubs got home runs from Welington Castillo and Mike Olt in a 4-2 victory over the Milwaukee Brewers on Sunday at Wrigley Field.Wood (4-4) allowed two runs and struck out seven for the Cubs, who took two of three from the NL Central leaders to win a series for the second time this season. The left-hander walked three, all in the first inning.Hector Rondon earned his fifth save in five chances after allowing a leadoff double to Ryan Braun in the ninth for Milwaukee’s third hit. The Brewers, who began the day with the NL’s best record, have scored 11 runs in five games.Marco Estrada (3-2) gave up four runs and seven hits — five doubles and two homers — in five innings. In nine games this season, Estrada has served up 12 home runs, second-most in the majors.

  •  
    Los Angeles Kings goalie Jonathan Quick blocks a shot from Anaheim Ducks right wing Corey Perry with the help of Jake Muzzin during the second period in Game 7 of an NHL hockey second-round Stanley Cup playoff series in Anaheim, Calif., Friday, May 16, 2014. (AP Photo/Chris Carlson)

    Breaking down the Kings-Blackhawks series
    Daily Herald Report
    Blackhawks broadcaster Troy Murray breaks down the challenges posed by the Los Angeles Kings in their Western Conference finals battle with the Chicago Blackhawks.

  •  

    Arizona hires La Russa to run baseball operations
    Associated Press
    The Arizona Diamondbacks have hired Hall of Fame manager Tony La Russa as their chief baseball officer.La Russa retired from managing in 2011. He will report to Diamondbacks President Derrick Hall and oversee the entire baseball operations department.

  •  

    Woman seriously hurt in Fenway elevator shaft fall
    Associated Press
    The 22-year-old woman fell from the fourth floor and landed on the roof of the elevator, which was stopped on the second floor. It happened late Friday after the Red Sox lost to the Detroit Tigers, said Steve MacDonald, a spokesman for the Boston Fire Department.

Business

  •  
    The U.S. government is stepping up efforts to help Central American farmers fight a devastating coffee disease — and to keep the price of your morning cup down.

    Coffee fungus raising prices for high-end blends
    Associated Press
    The U.S. government is stepping up efforts to help Central American farmers fight a devastating coffee disease — and hold down the price of your morning cup. At issue is a fungus called coffee rust that has caused more than $1 billion in damage across Latin American region. The fungus is especially deadly to Arabica coffee, the bean that makes up most high-end, specialty coffees. Already, it is affecting the price of some of those coffees in the United States.

  •  
    AT&T said Sunday it is buying DirecTV for $95 per share, or $49 billion.

    AT&T acquires DirecTV in $49 billion deal
    Associated Press
    AT&T says it is buying DirecTV for $95 per share, or $49 billion, a move that gives the telecommunications company a larger base of video subscribers and increases its ability to compete against Comcast and Time Warner Cable, which agreed to a merger in February. Dallas-based AT&T’s proposed combination could improve its Internet service by pushing its existing U-verse TV subscribers into video over satellite service, and thereby free up bandwidth on its telecommunications network.

  •  
    Domino’s Pizza CEO Patrick Doyle. After having been plagued with a reputation for tasting generic and manufactured, the Ann Arbor, Mich.-based chain has been enjoying strong sales and growth overseas boasting nearly 6,000 international locations.

    Domino’s CEO on chain’s image, Italy prospects
    Associated Press
    taly may not seem like the ideal place for a Domino’s Pizza shop, but the man who heads the American chain remains optimistic about the possibility. Despite the skepticism Domino’s might initially encounter, CEO Patrick Doyle says that the chain’s delivery model may give it an advantage in Italy. “There’s a lot of pizza, but there’s not a lot of delivered pizza,” Doyle explained. “So there may still be an opportunity.”

  •  
    Jen Collins Moore, owner of Meez Meals, places some of her ready to cook entrées in a delivery container in her kitchen in Chicago. Her company makes and delivers ingredients for dinner to customers whose busy lifestyles leave little time for meal preparation.

    Need a small business idea? Don’t pick what’s hot
    By Joyce M. Rosenberg, Ap Business Writer
    NEW YORK — Jumping on the latest hot trend seems like a sure-fire way to strike entrepreneurial gold. But while yoga studios and gluten-free bakeries may be popular, investors and business consultants say take a broader view. Trends in society, including changing demographics and technology are the best guide. Instead of joining the pack, would-be small business owners should look for a niche and fill it.Make Life EasierTHE OPPORTUNITY: Products or services that make life easier, particularly for the well-to-do. Businesses that deliver ready-to-cook dinner ingredients or care for elderly relatives are good bets, says Brian Cohen, chairman of New York Angels, a group of investors that buy stakes in small or young companies.“Over and over again, the companies that are getting funding are serving upper-income people,” Cohen says.Think about things that are convenient, save time and are fun to use — such as dinner ingredient companies, which deliver to customers all the makings of a dish like stir-fried beef or vegetable lasagna. They offer people who like to cook the satisfaction of making a meal, without having to shop.Elder care companies, which send aides to care or do housekeeping for older or sick people, relieve the stress on family members when a parent or other relative needs full- or part-time attention.WHY NOW? The economy is growing and people have more money to spend on things that aren’t necessities. As for elder care, people are living longer and are more likely to need help.ENTREPRENEUR BEWARE: There’s already a lot of competition. Two companies, Blue Apron and Plated, already deliver dinner ingredients to a large part of the country. And home-care businesses abound. BEEN THERE, DOING THAT: Jen Collins Moore started Chicago-based Meez Meals, which delivers ready-to-cook ingredients to consumers, in 2010. She realized there was a demand for an ingredient delivery service when she worked with focus groups of women at a consumer products company. The women wanted to cook but didn’t have time to do all the work. She started her business before Blue Apron and Plated, but isn’t worried about the competition; unlike Moore’s rivals, Meez Meals delivers food that’s already cut up and chopped, saving customers time.“We do it differently. We do the prep work,” Moore says.Stand Out From The Food CrowdTHE OPPORTUNITY: Organic, natural and gluten-free foods. The market for gluten-free foods, estimated at $10.5 billion in 2013, is expected to grow to more than $15 billion by 2016, according to market research company Mintel. But rather than trying to come up with a product like another gluten-free muffin, consider a business that supports or services the gluten-free industry, says Dwight Richmond, a purchasing executive at Whole Foods, the grocery chain. One example: a company that creates gluten-free ingredients like Penford Corp., based in Centennial Colorado. It makes tapioca and other ingredients used in gluten-free food.“The people thriving are the ones who find new and better ways to innovate,” Richmond says.A product that gives consumers the information they want about their food may also be a good choice. Investor Alicia Syrett bought a stake in a company that makes high-end muffin and cake mixes, Cisse Trading. She likes that it allows people to go online and research its ingredients and where they come from.“Consumers want transparency. They want to know, what are we putting in our bodies?” says Syrett, CEO of Pantegrion Capital, an angel investment firm.

  •  

    Work Advice: Headed for a training wreck
    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.

  •  

    Career Coach: Getting past office politics
    Joyce E. Russell
    The subject of office politics can bring up tales of back stabbing, deceit, gamesmanship, sabotaging others, ruining people’s reputations and other tactics used by colleagues to get ahead in the workplace. It seems everyone has at least a story or two to share. Office politics seems to be a fact of life in many workplaces.

  •  
    J.C. Penney Co.’s sales are finally headed in the right direction. The department-store chain that’s posted more than $2.5 billion in losses the past three years reported its first quarterly sales gain since 2011.

    J.C. Penney Soars as Sales Gain for First Time in Three Yearsc.2014 Bloomberg News
    By Matt Townsend
    J.C. Penney Co.’s sales are finally headed in the right direction. The department-store chain that’s posted more than $2.5 billion in losses the past three years reported its first quarterly sales gain since 2011.

  •  
    Heart patient Nhan Luong eats a heart healthy lunch of chicken fried rice, vegetables, fruit and dessert Thursday, May 1, 2014, at Houston’s Memorial Hermann Southwest Hospital. Menu changes are one way to care for an increasingly diverse population that hails from regions once not typical to the Houston area.

    Hospitals reach out to attract affluent immigrants
    Associated Press
    An effort to cater to minority and immigrant groups began decades ago in inner-city hospitals, but it’s now becoming crucial to private institutions’ quest for paying customers. Immigrants from China, Vietnam and India have median household incomes above the national average of about $51,300 — with immigrants from India earning more than double, according to the U.S. Census Bureau.

  •  
    Frozen food makers launched their first national TV ad in defense of their products as the category fights to boost slipping sales.

    Frozen food group goes on offense as sales lag
    Associated Press
    Frozen food makers launched their first national TV ad in defense of their products as the category fights to boost slipping sales.

  •  
    Paula Asunción, left, scoops traditional Oaxacan mole sauce onto a dish of tamales at the Lloyd Farmers Market, with her hired worked Julliana Rojas, right, helping, in Portland, Oregon. Asunción once worked in the fields, but after participating in a micro-business development program she now sells tamales at several farmers markets and runs a catering service.

    Organizations aim to train immigrant entrepreneurs
    Associated Press
    Experts say the economic downturn brought new interest in self-employment from people having a difficult time finding well-paying jobs, especially immigrants and refugrees. That, in turn, has spurred significant growth in microbusiness development programs that teach skills such as business plan writing, marketing and accounting.

  •  
    Carnival will dispatch a fourth ship to China next April, escalating the battle for passengers in the fastest-growing cruise market.

    Carnival deploys 4th ship to China for booming leisure class
    Bloomberg News
    Carnival will dispatch a fourth ship to China next April, escalating the battle for passengers in the fastest-growing cruise market.

Life & Entertainment

  •  
    This Dec. 21, 2013 photo provided by SC Johnson shows the SC Johnson Research Tower designed by Frank Lloyd Wright lit up at night in Racine, Wis. Home products giant SC Johnson is opening the building for public tours for the first time starting May 2.

    Frank Lloyd Wright tower opens for public tours
    By M.L. JOHNSON
    RACINE, Wis. — Frank Lloyd Wright fans have gotten a new look at one of his most unusual buildings, an industrial tower with a treelike design, after a home products company opened its former research and development center to the public this month.

  •  
    Dan Reynolds, and from left, Ben McKee, Daniel Platzman and Wayne Sermon, of the musical group Imagine Dragons, accept the award for top rock album-for “Night Vision” at the Billboard Music Awards at the MGM Grand Garden Arena on Sunday in Las Vegas.

    Jackson hologram, Timberlake own Billboard Awards
    Associated Press
    A hologram of Michael Jackson made its debut Sunday at the Billboard Music Awards, mirroring the late King of Pop's signature slick dance moves as some members of the audience became emotional. The hologram performed “Slave to the Rhythm,” a song from Jackson's new posthumous album “Xscape,” along with a plethora of background dancers, beaming lights and fire blasts. It was easily the biggest moment at the awards show at the MGM Grand Garden Arena in Las Vegas.

  •  
    Kesha arrives at the Billboard Music Awards at the MGM Grand Garden Arena on Sunday, May 18, 2014, in Las Vegas.

    Images: Billboard Music Awards
    Music's hottest stars got all glammed up Sunday for the Billboard Music Awards in Las Vegas.

  •  
    This film image released by Warner Bros. Pictures shows a scene from “Godzilla,” which raked in more than $90 million in its first weekend of release.

    ’Godzilla’ opens big with $93.2 million
    Associated Press
    “Godzilla” has smashed its way to the top of the box office. The 3-D monster movie from Warner Bros. and Legendary Pictures had the second-largest debut of the year this weekend with $93.2 million, according to studio estimates Sunday. “Godzilla” trails Disney-Marvel’s “Captain America: The Winter Soldier,” which opened with $95 million in April, and sits just above “The Amazing Spider-Man 2,” which debuted with $91.6 million this month.

  •  
    Thomas McAllister of the Indiana University School of Medicine reviews data linking genetics and concussion-related brain injury. Such research may answer questions about preventing dementia.

    Genetic makeup may affect a person’s risk of concussion
    By Eric Niiler
    Scientists studying head injuries have found something surprising: Genes may make some people more susceptible to concussion and trauma than others.

  •  
    Jackie Peyton (Edie Falco) is in the throes of relapse on season 6 of Showtime’s “Nurse Jackie.”

    ‘Nurse Jackie’ star Edie Falco is loving life
    By Nicole Evatt, Associated Press
    For Edie Falco, the stigma surrounding older actresses is nothing more than Hollywood folklore. In fact, the 50-year-old says life has never been sweeter. After six seasons of playing mob wife Carmela on HBO’s “The Sopranos,” Falco now plays Jackie Peyton, an ER nurse addicted to prescription drugs, on Showtime’s “Nurse Jackie” (8 p.m. Sunday). Season six finds Jackie in the throes of relapse.

  •  
    A young woman stands at the intersection of Wyckoff and Troutman streets against the backdrop of bold and colorful street art in Bushwick, New York.

    Discover street art, trendy cafes in Bushwick, Brooklyn
    By Beth J. Harpaz
    Young creative types in Brooklyn are migrating to trendier — and less expensive — ground these days. They seem to have found it in nearby Bushwick, known for colorful street art (please don’t call it graffiti!) and kale pizza at a place called Roberta’s. And where the hipsters of NYC go, tourists are sure to follow. So for out-of-towners willing to explore Bushwick, take the L subway line to Jefferson Street and start wandering. You’ll find great eats and great art.

  •  
    J. B. Bernstein, left, poses with actor Jon Hamm who plays him in the film “Million Dollar Arm,” in Los Angeles. To portray Bernstein, the sports agent behind the signing of the first two Indian Major Leaguers,” Hamm had to act like a noble guy in Disney’s “Million Dollar Arm” instead of the cutthroat ad exec he embodies on TV’s “Mad Men.”

    Jon Hamm goes wholesome as a sports agent in ‘Arm’
    By Jessica Herndon
    To portray J.B. Bernstein, the sports agent behind the signing of the first two Indian Major Leaguers, Jon Hamm had to act like a noble guy in Disney’s based-on-a-true-story “Million Dollar Arm,” instead of the cutthroat ad exec he embodies on TV’s “Mad Men.” “I’ve played Don Draper enough,” said Hamm during an interview earlier this spring in Las Vegas while promoting the film. “I get a lot of scripts that are a version of Don Draper. But I wanted to play something that had heart.”

  •  
    Jess Weixler, left, Matt Czuchry and Julianna Margulies star in “The Good Wife,” which airs its season finale at 8 p.m. Sunday. “The Good Wife” has replenished the stripped-bare courtroom genre with complex storylines that employ human relationships as much as legal brinkmanship.

    ‘Good Wife’ goes its own way as refreshing drama
    By Frazier Moore, Associated Press
    Considering TV’s tradition of copying what works, then copying those copies, it says a lot that no show rips off “The Good Wife.” A whip-smart blend of workplace derring-do and domestic melodrama, this CBS series has been immune to a discernible formula. Airing its fifth-season finale at 8 p.m. Sunday, “The Good Wife” has replenished the stripped-bare legal-drama genre with complex story lines that employ human relationships as much as courtroom brinkmanship.

  •  
    Debutantes and their escorts twirl in a waltz around the dance floor inside the Spanish Riding School during the Fete Imperiale ball in Vienna, Austria.

    Vienna ball captures fairy-tale romance of imperial Austria
    By Katherine Rodeghier
    Want to feel like Cinderella or her prince? Vienna's Fete Imperiale draws up to 3,000 ball goers to the Hofburg, the former royal palace that’s now a complex of museums and public spaces.

  •  
    John Lithgow will star with Glenn Close in a Broadway revival of Edward Albee’s “A Delicate Balance” this fall.

    John Lithgow and Glenn Close to star on Broadway
    By Mark Kennedy
    John Lithgow is returning to the New York stage with gusto in 2014 — first with Shakespeare’s “King Lear” in Central Park this summer and then in a Broadway revival of Edward Albee’s “A Delicate Balance” this fall. Says the two-time Tony Award winner: “They’re two roles that I never intended to play in such proximity, but you can’t turn them down.”

  •  
    Imagination Movers plays the Paramount Theatre in Aurora for two shows Sunday.

    Sunday picks: Get moving with Imagination Movers
    By Scott C. Morgan and Laura Milbrath Stewart
    The New Orleans-based band Imagination Movers is famous for targeting its educational rock songs for the toddler set. Catch them live today for two shows at the Paramount Theatre. The Woodstock Theatre and the Woodstock Celebrates organization team up for the final day of the three-day Welles Film Festival, honoring the late legendary actor and director Orson Welles. Food, carnival rides, concerts and more are part of the fun at the 34th Annual Taste of Glen Ellyn, through Sunday, May 18, on Main Street, in downtown Glen Ellyn.

  •  
    “Frozen” director and screenwriter Jennifer Lee, center, shown here with Chris Buck, left, and Peter Del Vecho at this year’s Oscars, spoke at the University of New Hampshire commencement.

    ‘Frozen’ director urges grads to end self-doubt
    Associated Press
    The screenwriter and director of the Disney film “Frozen” has encouraged University of New Hampshire graduates to do away with self-doubt.

  •  
    Kate Anderson of Hanover Park is looking for some help with her forgotten backyard.

    Time for dreams to grow
    By Kate Anderson of Hanover Park
    Twenty-four years ago I moved in as a happy family with husband and kids with dreams of building a deck, doing some nice landscaping and being able to have family and friends over and entertain during the warm months out back. Well, things did not go as planned.

  •  
    Nancy McCorvie of Hoffman Estates is looking for a backyard transformation.

    Restore yard to former beauty
    By Nancy McCorvie of Hoffman Estates
    Twenty-five years ago when we bought this home, my husband promised me a new deck if I settled for a house that was in less than mint condition. Well still no deck, not even an improved patio. Same cracks, same wooden flower beds, same area under the eaves where nothing seems to grow.

  •  
    The Kamado Joe is among the kamado-shaped grills available at Northwest Metalcraft in Arlington Heights. The kamado style grill is great for slow cooking and smoking.

    Outdoor cooking taken to a new level
    By Jean Murphy
    Today, true outdoor cooking aficionados have options when it comes to preparing a meal outdoors and many of them use those options almost year-round instead of just in the summer. There are smokers that use wood pellets for indirect cooking like in an oven. There are gas-powered infrared grills that cook steaks and other meats to perfection.

  •  
    Skylights add dimension to this narrow and potentially dark bathroom.

    Living in a dark house can be mood altering
    By Christine Brun
    Your mood is decidedly affected by natural light. Though we are hurdling toward summer, those living in parts of the nation that see little sun are familiar with seasonal affective disorder, also known as SAD.

  •  

    Ex-wife’s credit card debt scuttles home refinance
    By Tom Resnick
    Q. My divorce agreement requires me to refinance our house and remove her from the mortgage and title. I received a call from my mortgage guy yesterday who tells me there is a judgment against the property. Apparently, my ex-wife failed to pay a credit card, got sued and they recorded a judgment against my house.

  •  

    Use of wrong type of lumber may have led to rotting, mold
    Q. I’m afraid I’ve got something really bad happening to the “knee wall” I built up under part of my house five or more years ago. Here’s my situation:

Discuss

  •  
    Philip Ayomidele explains the finer points of the University of Oregon to Diya Sonani, as fifth-graders hosted a college fair recently at Ontarioville Elementary School in Hanover Park.

    Editorial: Beginning a conversation on our at-risk kids
    A Daily Herald editorial considers the rising numbers of at-risk youth and asks: If we fail our kids today, what impact will their adulthoods have on the suburbs tomorrow?

  •  

    Fittest Loser contest helps us move the needle
    By Jim Davis
    A fun event -- our sixth annual Fittest Loser Challenge -- can underscore some serious problems and how we can make a dent in them as a team, writes Jim Davis, news director for the DuPage and Fox Valley editions.

  •  

    Our disconnected working class
    By Michael Gerson
    Columnist Michael Gerson: Upper- and middle-class parents are investing relatively more time and resources in the social development of their children than are working-class parents, at a time when such investments have never been more economically strategic. The problem is that early social connectedness is a strong predictor of later success in life — test scores, college attendance and income. So the “youth class gap” is a source of deep (and perhaps deepening) social division.

  •  

    Climate change hysteria hitting our wallets
    A Grayslake letter to the editor: ComEd customers recently found out that their electric bills will go up a huge 38 percent starting this summer. While this increase will hit millions of people hard, it is just the tip of the iceberg if we don’t stop this irrational climate change hysteria. The Obama administration is doing its best to kill coal-fired electric plants and to limit fracking, oil drilling and other low-cost energy sources in support of their irrational “man-made climate change” mantra.

  •  

    Letter about prayer posed good questions
    A Buffalo Grove letter to the editor: As one who values prayer and has participated in the National Day of Prayer for years, I was happy to see Colin Barr’s letter on May 8. Mr. Barr has touched on some issues of prayer even Christians have grappled with for centuries now. I appreciate that he is thinking these issues through enough to put them into writing and post them in the Herald.

  •  

    Visualize Illinois’ problems this way
    A Hoffman Estates letter to the editor: Two cartoons to consider for the Opinion page: Have a finish line with a banner that reads “Bankruptcy”. Have three figures: A. Detroit B. Chicago C. Illinois. The caption underneath reads, “Wait for me.”

  •  

    Mail carrier failed to deliver
    A Hoffman Estates letter to the editor: I read that the post office would be picking up nonperishables on Saturday, May 10. I put out a few bags right under my mailbox. Again, same as last year, they were still there on Tuesday.

  •  

    People getting taxed out of their homes
    A South Elgin letter to the editor: We just received our Kane County tax bill and while a friend who lives less than a mile away boasted her tax bill went down, ours went up another $504.20 this year. I find it unbelievable that we are hit with another increase of this size.

  •  

    Let’s skip prayer, get on with the meeting
    A Wheaton letter to the editor: The U.S. Supreme Court has upheld as constitutional the giving of sectarian prayers at public meetings such as those at city council meetings. The court’s reasoning was that such invocations are nothing more than a tradition of this country since our founding, and are simply ceremonial in nature.

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