"Chicago Tribune" Reader

"Chicago Tribune" Reader

NATO sets 2014 target for Afghan pullout

Posted: 20 Nov 2010 10:00 PM PST

As NATO allies agree to start transferring security duties to Afghan forces next year, Obama says it's a goal, not a commitment, leaving room for the U.S. to keep combat troops in Afghanistan beyond 2014 if necessary.

A NATO summit originally intended to allow members to signal an exit date for the unpopular 9-year-old war in Afghanistan instead concluded Saturday with an agreement leaving open the possibility that allied forces will remain in the unstable country for years to come.

Brothers charged with money laundering

Posted: 20 Nov 2010 04:48 PM PST

Flaws can cancel life insurance — after death

Posted: 20 Nov 2010 03:52 PM PST

If a policy is less than 2 years old, companies may dispute the claim, and thousands were denied last year.

American General Life Insurance Co. markets its policies as protection for "the hopes and dreams of American families" — a promise Ian Weissberger took to heart during his losing battle with Lou Gehrig's disease.

Investors seek path to U.S. residency

Posted: 20 Nov 2010 03:37 PM PST

Arcane federal program lures foreign investors to put up money for $52 million complex in McHenry County

A debate is under way in McHenry County over a $52 million sports complex in the village of Lakewood. Foreign investors in the project would jump to the head of the line for legal immigration and win a route toward U.S. citizenship in return for kicking in $500,000 apiece.

Moseley Braun launches mayoral bid

Posted: 20 Nov 2010 11:52 AM PST

Former U.S. Sen. Carol Moseley Braun announced her bid for mayor today, nearly a week after she filed petitions to run. She wasted no time taking on opponent Rahm Emanuel, who has run commercials saying Chicago must stay a top-tier city.

Pope, in new book, OKs condoms for male prostitutes

Posted: 20 Nov 2010 04:33 PM PST

Pope Benedict XVI says in a new book that the use of condoms can be justified in some cases, such as for male prostitutes seeking to prevent the spread of HIV.

Chicago schools pin hopes on Discovery science program

Posted: 19 Nov 2010 05:27 PM PST

Animal Planet's Philippe Cousteau in town to launch a new digital curriculum for 20 schools

With tales of cannibalistic giant squids and endangered leatherback turtles that travel thousands of miles to lay eggs on the beaches where they were born, Philippe Cousteau, grandson of famed oceanographer Jacques-Yves Cousteau, tried to capture the imaginations of children at a North Side school Friday.

Behind the Bulls' Berto Center

Posted: 20 Nov 2010 01:37 AM PST

Deerfield practice facility stands as a joyful reminder of a wife, mother, employee who left the game too soon

The team's Deerfield practice facility stands as a joyful reminder of a wife, mother, and employee who left the game too soon. Sheri Berto's husband and daughter talk about the meaning of her life.

Northwest suburbs still waiting for lift from O'Hare expansion

Posted: 19 Nov 2010 10:00 PM PST

Stalled project continues to anger some, disappoint others

Across York Road from O'Hare International Airport, jumbo jets scream low over Aviation World, a store where pilots and airplane enthusiasts browse for gear such as headsets, flight simulator controls and model planes.

Advocates for disabled protest at care facility's offices

Posted: 19 Nov 2010 10:00 PM PST

13 children and young adults have died at Alden Village North since 2000

Carrying faux coffins and chanting slogans, advocates for children with severe disabilities rallied Friday at the corporate offices of a Chicago care facility where more than a dozen kids and young adults have died since 2000.

Police: Attorney beat wife outside Joliet courtroom

Posted: 19 Nov 2010 10:00 PM PST

Attack occurred after a hearing on an order of protection against her husband, Will County sheriff's officials say

A Frankfort bankruptcy attorney was accused Friday of beating his wife outside a Joliet courtroom as they left a hearing on a pending order of protection she took out against him.

Lights Festival kicks off today

Posted: 20 Nov 2010 05:22 AM PST

The Magnificent Mile Lights Festival begins this morning with events for children and ends with the switching on of more than a million lights tonight.

Mob thief fingers motley crew

Posted: 19 Nov 2010 08:27 PM PST

Testifying in Sarno case, federal informant Mark Hay describes offbeat accomplices, odd getaways

For more than three years, career thief Mark Hay said, he was pulling off a robbery a month with accomplices who included corrupt cops, a pawnshop owner, an octogenarian getaway driver and an impulsive stickup man who liked to flee holdups on bikes.

NATO agrees on missile defense shield

Posted: 19 Nov 2010 05:11 PM PST

Member nations plan to develop a system to protect Europe and the U.S. from attack and will ask Russia to play a role. Though past talks with Moscow on the issue have been rocky, things appear different this time.

The Western military alliance agreed Friday to build an international missile defense system and offered Russia a role, a step aimed at reshaping the relationship with a former foe after years of mistrust and friction.

Chicago cop acquitted of charge he beat drug suspect

Posted: 19 Nov 2010 05:48 PM PST

Officer plans to return to work after internal investigation

Three years ago, Chicago police Officer Craig Swistowicz was working on a task force, targeting drug traffickers alongside federal colleagues.