Weekend in Review: Walsh, Conant students in hot water

Officials shy away from idea of merger

What if Cary and Fox River Grove merged? Just bringing up the idea makes some public officials in the two villages perched on opposite banks of the Fox River in McHenry County cringe. Already, though, they share many things, including Cary-Grove High School, the Cary Grove Area Chamber of Commerce, the Cary-Grove Performing Arts Centre, and Cary Grove Youth Baseball and Softball. Full story.

Walsh controversy involves politician in India

A controversy is brewing in the suburban Indian American community over Republican Congressman Joe Walsh's support of an Indian state official, Gujarat Chief Minister Narendra Modi. Walsh has asked the U.S. State Department to grant a visa for Modi, whose visa was revoked after he was accused by some of complicity in the ethnic cleansing of Muslims a decade ago in India. Walsh is vying against Democrat Tammy Duckworth in the 8th Congressional District. Full story.

Prank costs students prom, graduation privileges

What started out as a senior class prank on the last full day of class at Conant High School ended with three students in police custody and several more losing end-of-the-year privileges such as attending prom and graduation. While school officials and police contend Thursday's prank — which involved more than 100 students gathering in the hallway to cheer loudly and throw glitter and Silly String in the air — was handled appropriately, some parents and students are questioning the severity and selectivity of the punishment. Full story.

Area Christians seek spots on 'Bible Challenge'

A new type of trivia is poised to join the game show landscape, and on Saturday, area residents well-versed in a certain historic book lined up for their chance to be a part of the contest. “The American Bible Challenge,” planned to air in late summer on the Game Show Network, held an open casting call Saturday in Glen Ellyn, drawing Bible scholars, faith-based motivational speakers and Christians who hold the Bible in high esteem, all hoping to appear on the show. Full story.

Pension reform faces uncertain path

Proposals for more pension costs for suburban schools and benefits cuts for public employees and retirees aren't off the table yet, even though the Illinois legislature adjourned late Thursday. Legislative leaders and Gov. Pat Quinn are heading back to the drawing board to try to reach agreement on pension cutbacks. “I think we're very, very close,” Quinn said. Full story.

Paralympic-style track meet in McHenry started by 9-year-old boy

A paralympic-style track meet created as part of a community festival by a 9-year-old boy with cerebral palsy enters its fifth year as its own separate event but with the same message: “We're just like everybody else.” The Run and Roll Track Meet created by Ben Spengel, now 14, is set for Wednesday in McHenry and will feature competitors from across the suburbs. Full story.

Cook tax bills will be on time for a change

Cook County property owners this year can expect a surprise regarding the second installment of their tax bills: They will be on time. Those involved in the process expect the second installment of 2011 taxes payable this year will be in the hands of taxpayers on or about July 1, months ahead of what has been typical. Full story.

Barrington conservationists team up to protect lakes

To make sure their recreational lakes are still around in years to come, the Barrington Area Conservation Trust is forming the Tower Lakes Drain Watershed Partnership, a coalition with municipalities and homeowners associations to study lakes in and around Lake Barrington, Tower Lakes, North Barrington, Port Barrington, Hawthorn Woods and other municipalities. Full story.

High legal costs continue to dog Island Lake

Island Lake's monthly legal bills have decreased significantly since an ugly fight between Mayor Debbie Herrmann and a group of trustees ended last summer. However, village officials still are paying more for their attorneys' services each month than they did in the two years before the fight sparked a lawsuit, a Daily Herald review of the town's bills showed. In the eight months since the lawsuit was settled, the village was charged, on average, $24,419 a month for legal services by the town's long-standing law firm. Full story.

Elk Grove businesses betting on video gambling

While many suburbs have been quick to reject measures allowing video gambling machines in local bars and restaurants, business in Elk Grove Village are embracing the possibility, hoping the additional customers and revenue gambling might draw could turn around their struggling fortunes. Village leaders are expected to vote on video gambling later this month. Full story.

World & Nation

Aftery gory incidents online talk of 'zombie apocalypse' grows. Full story.

A smart bomb for cancer? Full story.

Sandusky trial may pivot on accuser credibility. Full story.

Men find dumb-looking women more attractive. Full story.

'The Hunger Games' tops MTV Movie Awards. Full story.

'Family Feud' host TV Richard Dawson dies. Full story.

Rhode Island cellist wins Miss USA. Full story.

The world's scariest computer virus. Full story.

Sports

White Sox' Sale continues to baffle hitters. Full story.

Tiger ties Nicklaus with win. Full story.

Cubs shutout by Giants. Full story.

White Sox' Ventura rests some starters. Full story.