"Chicago Tribune" Reader

"Chicago Tribune" Reader


Metra's diesel tests show 'alarming' pollution levels

Posted: 13 Feb 2011 05:04 PM PST

Findings show 'alarming' pollution levels that contradict rail system's public response to Tribune probe

Metra's own testing of toxic diesel exhaust inside its passenger coaches shows the transit agency's pollution problems are more extensive and worrisome than it has publicly disclosed, according to records obtained by the Tribune.

Dozens sickened after Playboy Mansion party

Posted: 12 Feb 2011 10:34 PM PST

The iconic bachelor pad is under investigation by the L.A. Co. Dept. of Public Health after dozens of guests reportedly came down with a mysterious illness

HOLMBY HILLS (KTLA) -- Hugh Hefner's Playboy Mansion is being investigated by the Los Angeles County Department of Public Health after at least 80 people reported becoming sick after attending a fundraiser and party there earlier this month.

Greg Kot blogs the Grammys

Posted: 13 Feb 2011 05:44 PM PST

This year's 53rd annual Grammy Awards considered 1052 nominees in 109 categories. But we'll be handing out some awards in our own categories, such as weirdest entrance: Lady Gaga in an egg shell.

Pastor in property inquiry steps aside

Posted: 13 Feb 2011 04:05 PM PST

A popular Chicago priest is relinquishing his parish responsibilities as authorities examine the circumstances under which he became trustee of a 93-year-old parishioner's home last year.

Tax hike not enough; Quinn wants to borrow $8.75 billion

Posted: 13 Feb 2011 05:44 PM PST

State's income tax increase hasn't solved money woes. Gov. Pat Quinn says money isn't coming in fast enough to repay billions owed to schools, other providers.

Taxpayers might have expected that state government was back on solid financial footing after lawmakers approved a major income tax increase that's already being docked from their paychecks.

Gay rights protesters picket at Holy Name Cathedral

Posted: 13 Feb 2011 03:00 PM PST

Same-sex marriage debate draws gay rights activists, opposition

Obama budget cuts $1.1 trillion over 10 years

Posted: 13 Feb 2011 11:42 AM PST

The Obama administration's proposed 2012 budget will include $1.1 trillion in spending cuts over 10 years. Republicans plan to continue pushing for steep cuts.

WASHINGTON — The Obama administration will propose a new budget that will reduce the federal deficit by $1.1 trillion in 10 years by cutting many popular programs but said Sunday that steeper reductions proposed by Republicans were unwise.

Durbin wants unemployment aid for states

Posted: 13 Feb 2011 02:50 PM PST

U.S. Sen. Dick Durbin announced today he will introduce legislation this week that could save the state of Illinois more than $200 million over the next two years.

More airline passenger protections waiting in wings

Posted: 13 Feb 2011 02:56 PM PST

U.S. Department of Transportation to broaden restrictions on tarmac delays; final version likely issued in April

Federal officials are putting the finishing touches on another round of airline passenger protections, including broadening restrictions on tarmac delays to include overseas carriers that land at U.S. airports.

Gay rights protesters picket at Holy Name Cathedral

Posted: 13 Feb 2011 01:21 PM PST

On the eve of Valentine's Day, Helen Moshak pinned rainbow ribbons to her white knit cap and returned to the Roman Catholic Church she left five years ago, dismayed by its opposition to gay marriage when two of her three children are gay.

Boehner: 'Not my job' to convince Obama birth skeptics

Posted: 13 Feb 2011 11:26 AM PST

House Speaker John Boehner says on 'Meet the Press' he believes President Obama is a Christian and an American: 'I'll take him at his word.' But he won't try to convince skeptical Americans.

WASHINGTON -- Speaker John Boehner said Sunday that he believed President Obama was a U.S. citizen and a Christian but that it wasn't up to him to convince people who were skeptical of the president's birthplace and religion.

Weis: Crackdown brought big homicide drop >> Video

Posted: 13 Feb 2011 11:29 AM PST

Chicago police credit a controversial summer meeting with gang leaders and a gang crackdown guided by what they call "social network analysis" with a dramatic drop in gun violence this past fall in a West Side police district, including a 40 percent drop in homicides.

Egypt's military dissolves parliament

Posted: 13 Feb 2011 09:15 AM PST

Egypt's military leaders dissolved parliament and suspended the constitution Sunday, meeting two key demands of protesters.

Wall breaks, cuts gas line at state office in Lombard

Posted: 13 Feb 2011 11:12 AM PST

Emergency crews were on-scene after the partial breakdown of a brick wall outside an Illinois unemployment office in Lombard severed a gas line this morning.

Pastor investigated in property transfer steps aside

Posted: 13 Feb 2011 08:46 AM PST

A popular Chicago priest is stepping aside from his parish responsibilities as authorities examine the circumstances under which he became trustee of an elderly parishioner's home last year.

Grammy Awards: Who will --and should-- win tonight

Posted: 13 Feb 2011 02:41 PM PST

The Grammy Awards will hold their 53rd annual shindig at 7 p.m. Feb. 13 on CBS-TV. To get primed for the telecast, we play the perilous game of predicting how the National Academy of Recording Arts and Sciences will honor "artistic excellence," and point out the even more excellent music it overlooked (remember, only recordings released from Sept. 1, 2009 to Sept. 30, 2010 are eligible). -- Greg Kot, Tribune music critic

Valentine inspiration: Great couples of TV and film

Posted: 13 Feb 2011 05:57 AM PST

Obama looks to cut Pell Grant costs, keep $5,500 maximum

Posted: 13 Feb 2011 08:10 AM PST

WASHINGTON (AP) — President Barack Obama's budget plan would cut $100 billion from Pell Grants over a decade through belt-tightening but use the savings to keep the maximum college financial aid award at $5,550, an administration official said.

Pagano mismanaged Metra, reports say

Posted: 12 Feb 2011 04:49 PM PST

Former boss' actions went against policies

Two reports issued Friday by consultants hired by Metra in the wake of the Phil Pagano scandal criticize several past management actions at the commuter rail agency and place blame for many of those problems on its longtime executive director.

Strength training does more than bulk up muscles

Posted: 12 Feb 2011 11:08 PM PST

It may reduce depression, give older people better cognitive function, boost good cholesterol and more.

Strength training has strong-armed its way beyond the realm of bodybuilding.