Weekend in Review: $75,000 shot with LeBron; skater earns silver

McHenry man talks about winning $75,000 with half-court shot

An unlikely half-court hook shot, a bear hug from Miami Heat star LeBron James and a $75,000 prize are the newest additions to the list of Michael Drysch's sweepstakes winnings. “I turned around after I made that miraculous shot and had him come and congratulate me with kind of a big bear hug,” Drysch said Saturday in a phone interview from Miami. Watch the video. Full story.

Ronald McDonald House coming to Winfield

The first Ronald McDonald House in the Western suburbs will open in 2015 across from Central DuPage Hospital in Winfield, providing a “home away from home” for families of hospitalized children. It will provide low-cost and often free temporary housing for families who travel great distances to get treatment for seriously ill or injured children. “It is a phenomenal service that's going to be afforded to patients and their families,” said Mike Vivoda, CEO of Cadence Health. Full story.

After Schaumburg cop arrests, how can integrity be guaranteed?

Police officers exist from a recognition that people don't always obey the law. But who bears the responsibility of ensuring that officers working undercover don't cross the line between acting like a criminal and becoming one? The arrest of three undercover Schaumburg officers is raising that question. “I personally think this is an aberration for them,” DEA Special Agent Jack Riley said of the department. Full story.

Quinn signs immigrant driver's license law

Gov. Pat Quinn signed into law Sunday legislation that will make it possible for those in the state unlawfully to obtain driver's licenses. The measure was hailed by advocates for immigrants, but has been sharply criticized by others. Full story.

Suburbanites hope to show America their talent

They charmed the suburbs; now they're focusing on the rest of America. The two members of the beat-boxing musical group known as iLLest Vocals were among the many hopefuls who auditioned in Chicago over the weekend for a chance to perform in the upcoming season of NBC's “America's Got Talent.” The group, consisting of Shawn Kurian of Wheeling and Sanu John of Skokie, won last summer's regional competition, “Suburban Chicago's Got Talent.” Full story.

Springfield session begins with plateful of money woes

When lawmakers return to Springfield this week, suburban officials will be among the leaders on a handful of tough issues. The underlying challenge will once again be the state's troubled finances. “I expect this year to be even tougher than last year.” said state Rep. Fred Crespo, a Hoffman Estates Democrat and chairman of a House budget committee. Full story.

Parents campaign to move early release in District 15 to Friday

Palatine Township Elementary School District 15 officials quietly withstood a barrage of emotionally charged criticism and inquiries from parents unhappy about a controversial late start/early release provision in the 2013-14 teachers contract. “Don't just shout out comments! ... Please try to keep it dignified, reasonable and calm,” the superintendent said at one point. Full story.

Elk Grove teen's idea now pizza for 488,000 troops

In 2008, retired Air Force Sgt. Mark Evans of Elk Grove Village wanted to ship pizzas to the soldiers fighting in the Middle East. An effort that started with a goal of 300 pizzas has shipped more than 122,000 pizzas to troops overseas.“God has made me a pizza delivery man,” Evans says. Full story.

Grafton Twp. supervisor accused of playing ‘finders keepers' with donated money

A Huntley neighborhood leader accuses Grafton Township Supervisor Linda Moore of playing a cruel version of “finders keepers,” when it comes to more than $1,000 that was mistakenly donated to the township food pantry. Moore says she needs written documentation before she can make a refund. Full story.

Troubled times for suburban orchestras

Suburban orchestras, including the venerable Elgin Symphony Orchestra and DuPage County's New Philharmonic, are facing financial and logistical woes amounting to slightly different variations on the same theme. “Orchestras are not immune to the pressures affecting all industries,” said Judith Kurnick, of the League of American Orchestras, which represents 800 ensembles nationwide. Full story.

Mundelein's new police chief ready for big responsibility

When Mundelein Police Chief Raymond J. Rose steps down Jan. 31 after 20 years, Deputy Chief Eric Guenther will become the town's next top cop.“It's a big responsibility,” Guenther says. While some initiatives, such as community-oriented policing will continue, Guenther said the department will have to be innovated and continue to look for ways to improve. Full story.

Roselle mayor candidates have sights on downtown development

Longtime Roselle Mayor Gayle Smolinski is defending her record against two election challengers who say the city's approach to downtown development lacks vision. Candidates James Banks and Jim Schelling told the Daily Herald editorial board they would work to unite residents and involve them in setting a path for growth. Full story.

World & Nation

230 die in Brazil nightclub fire. Full story.

Egypt declares state of emergecny in 3 provinces. Full story.

Allowing women into combat may revive draft debate. Full story.

Lawmakers see immigration overhaul this year. Full story.

Casey Anthony files for bankruptcy. Full story.

Small business uneasy about tax collection bills. Full story.

SnapTax app promises fast tax filing. Full story.

Entertainment

‘Argo,' Lawrence and Day-Lewis win at SAG Awards. Full story.

See images from the SAG Awards here and here.

‘Hansel & Gretel' takes top spot at box office. Full story.

Macy proud of his role in ‘Shameless.' Full story.

Seyfried delves into dark material in ‘Lovelace.' Full story.

Sports

Hawks keep winning streak alive. Full story.

Big surprise: All offense in Pro Bowl. Full story.

Bulls fans should get used to Butler. Full story.

These days, off-field action more compelling. Full story.

Elk Grove Village ice skater finishes second at nationals. Full story.

‘83 flashbacks: ‘We really had a lot of fun.' Full story.