Madhu Krishnamurthy

1 week ago | dailyherald.com | Madhu Krishnamurthy

Four suburban spellers are among the contestants in the 2025 Scripps National Spelling Bee, which began Tuesday and concludes Thursday. They are top from left, Shruthi Ayyagari of Aurora and Tyler Kochanski of Fox River Grove. Bottom from left, Yahya Mohammed of Hoffman Estates and Visharad Sathish of Grayslake. Four suburban spellers still have a fighting chance to be the best in the nation after clearing the preliminary rounds of the 2025 Scripps National Spelling Bee Tuesday.

1 week ago | dailyherald.com | Madhu Krishnamurthy

Four suburban spellers are among the contestants in the 2025 Scripps National Spelling Bee, which takes place May 27-29. They are, clockwise from upper left, Shruthi Ayyagari of Aurora, Tyler Kochanski of Fox River Grove, Visharad Sathish of Grayslake and Yahya Mohammed of Hoffman Estates. Courtesy of Scripps National Spelling Bee Focus on the words given instead of the pressure of being in the spotlight.

1 month ago | dailyherald.com | Madhu Krishnamurthy

Jose Torres A nearly 40-year veteran educator and former Elgin Area School District U-46 Superintendent José Torres died Friday, May 2, in San Juan, Puerto Rico, after a brief illness, according to sources. He was 65. Condolences poured in on social media from friends and supporters. “A lifelong student and teacher, he left a legacy not only in classrooms and school districts across the nation, but in the hearts of those he met,” according to an obituary posted on Facebook.

1 month ago | shawlocal.com | Madhu Krishnamurthy

Hollywood Casino’s two new land-based riverboat sites under construction in Aurora and Joliet will feature prominent Chicago chefs and restaurants dishing out gourmet and specialty burgers, tacos, pizza and ice cream when they open. The Boulevard Food & Drink Hall will offer a fresh dining experience at the new casinos, including an all-new burger concept from celebrity chef Stephanie Izard, and Chicago favorites Antique Taco and Pretty Cool Ice Cream, according to a news release.

1 month ago | dailyherald.com | Madhu Krishnamurthy

Stephanie Izard, who won the title of Top Chef during the season finale of “Top Chef,” Bravo’s reality cooking competition, will be opening a new burger restaurant concept at the new Hollywood Casino in Aurora and Joliet. Associated Press Hollywood Casino’s two new land-based riverboat sites under construction in Aurora and Joliet will feature prominent Chicago chefs and restaurants dishing out gourmet and specialty burgers, tacos, pizzas and ice creams when they open.