Briefs: Robots and more robots

Several suburban high schools will test their robotic mettle Feb. 29 and March 1 at the 2008 Midwest FIRST Robotics Midwest Regional Competition at the UIC Pavilion in Chicago. A record number 42 high school teams have registered, including: the WildStang team from Wheeling and Rolling Meadows high schools, the Deerfield High School Warbots, the Illinois Mathematics and Science Academy in Aurora, Mundelein High School, Oswego East High School and the LZ Bears of Lake Zurich High School. The teenagers partner with some of the world's leading corporations in a three-day competition that also involves marching bands, cheerleaders and mascots. The winner will represent Chicago at the FIRST World Championship at the Georgia Dome in Atlanta later this year.

Culver's to raise money

In conjunction with National Red Cross Month, Culver's restaurants in the Northwest suburbs are among the more than 370 nationwide donating 10 percent of their sales March 5 to their local American Red Cross chapter. Money raised during the Day of Giving fundraising event will be used by the American Red Cross chapters in the local community. Guests can add to the total by donating in canisters available at stores throughout the week. Building on last year's success, Culver's fundraising goal for the one-day event is $175,000.

Panel on housing crisis

U.S. Rep. Melissa Bean will moderate a panel of experts today, discussing problems facing homeowners and the mortgage market as well as resources available to help. Panelists are: Kate Williams of Money Management, a U.S. Housing and Urban Development Department-certified lender and financial counselor; Marve Stockert, executive director of the Illinois Association of Mortgage Professionals; David Cole, from HUD; and Bill Smirniotis, managing director of single-family programs for the Illinois Housing Development Authority. The session is from 7 to 8:30 p.m. at Harper College, Wojcik Conference Center, 1200 W. Algonquin Road in Palatine.