"Chicago Tribune" Reader

"Chicago Tribune" Reader

'Source Code' supervisor: Metra official wanted cash

Posted: 13 Apr 2011 05:55 PM PDT

Agency investigating case involving 'Source Code'

A former Metra official attempted to extort a $2,000 payment to ensure the rail agency's cooperation in the filming of the movie "Source Code" in Chicago last year, the film's local production supervisor has alleged.

NBA fines Kobe Bryant $100,000 for anti-gay slur

Posted: 13 Apr 2011 06:20 PM PDT

Bryant made his comment, captured on television, during a game Tuesday after being called for a foul and receiving a technical. He says his actions "were out of frustration during the heat of the game." Gay-rights groups criticize Bryant.

Lakers guard Kobe Bryant was fined $100,000 by the NBA on Wednesday and criticized by numerous gay-rights groups for directing an anti-gay slur at referee Bennie Adams during a game Tuesday against San Antonio.

Ozzie after late collapse: 'I don't have any closer' >> Video

Posted: 13 Apr 2011 05:04 PM PDT

Guillen agonizing over closer after A's score 6 in last 2 innings to win 7-4

After stating the obvious about Wednesday's 7-4, 10-inning meltdown against the A's, manager Ozzie Guillen will have nearly 48 hours to assess who will be the next closer for his embattled White Sox.

City stickers for most cars could cost more

Posted: 13 Apr 2011 05:16 PM PDT

City sticker would cost $20 more for cars and $25 more for SUVs

Owners of gas-powered cars in Chicago could get some city sticker shock to go along with the pain at the pump if one alderman's plan to increase the cost of the annual stickers is approved.

Toddler served sangria at Fla. Olive Garden

Posted: 13 Apr 2011 01:31 PM PDT

A 2-year-old boy was accidentally served sangria instead of orange juice at a Lakeland Olive Garden last month, prompting Orlando-based Darden Restaurants to change how it makes the wine punch at its Italian chain.

Ozzie after late collapse: 'I don't have any closer' >> Video

Posted: 13 Apr 2011 03:19 PM PDT

Before leaving for the airport to catch a flight to Florida to watch his youngest son Ozney, manager Ozzie Guillen understated the main problem facing the Chicago White Sox.

NBA fines Kobe Bryant $100,000 for anti-gay slur

Posted: 13 Apr 2011 03:01 PM PDT

The Los Angeles Times reports: Despite issuing an apology for yelling an anti-gay slur at a referee, the NBA fined Los Angeles Lakers' star Kobe Bryant $100,000 on Wednesday. 

J. Crew ad with boy, nail polish sparks firestorm

Posted: 13 Apr 2011 02:07 PM PDT

A J. Crew ad that shows a mother painting her little boy's toenails pink has sparked a storm of Internet outrage, with much of the vitriol directed at right-wing pundits who swiftly criticized the online ad and asserted such behavior might make a boy question his sexuality.

Bonds guilty of obstructing justice

Posted: 13 Apr 2011 04:46 PM PDT

Baseball home run king Barry Bonds was found guilty of one count of obstructing justice after a trial over whether he lied about taking steroids, a jury announced today. The jury failed to agree on the other counts.

Kobe Bryant admits to anti-gay slur at referee

Posted: 13 Apr 2011 12:01 PM PDT

Lakers guard Kobe Bryant responded Wednesday to mounting criticism regarding his use of a gay slur in Tuesday's game against San Antonio.

Wal-Mart planning small store in River North

Posted: 13 Apr 2011 12:38 PM PDT

Sweeping teacher union changes loom in Springfield

Posted: 13 Apr 2011 02:59 PM PDT

Sweeping education reforms that would make it tougher for Illinois teachers to strike and easier for districts to fire poor teachers and lengthen the school day emerged today after months of negotiations.

City stickers for most cars could cost more

Posted: 13 Apr 2011 10:29 AM PDT

Owners of gas-guzzling cars in Chicago could see city sticker shock to go with the pain at the pump if an alderman's plan to increase the cost of the annual stickers is approved.

Ex-waste agency head pleads not guilty to theft

Posted: 13 Apr 2011 10:56 AM PDT

The former director of the Solid Waste Agency of Northern Cook County pleaded not guilty today to stealing more than $800,000 from the agency -- even as his lawyer said he's selling off his assets to make restitution.

Week before retrial, Blagojevich plans statement

Posted: 13 Apr 2011 08:15 AM PDT

Rod Blagojevich is taking his case to the media a week before it goes to court.

Obama budget plan: Cuts, tax hikes for wealthy

Posted: 13 Apr 2011 12:08 PM PDT

President Barack Obama countered Republican budget plans with a proposal to slash deficits by $4 trillion by cutting Medicare and defense spending, closing tax loopholes and raising taxes for the wealthy.

Durbin to JPMorgan CEO: Stop whining

Posted: 13 Apr 2011 10:29 AM PDT

Ill. House cracks down on trans fats

Posted: 13 Apr 2011 10:23 AM PDT

The Illinois House today passed a ban on the use of artery clogging trans fats in food served in restaurants and in school vending machines starting in 2013. If it becomes law, Illinois would be only the second state in the nation to pass such a measure.

Clerk won't quit after Wisconsin court vote mistake

Posted: 13 Apr 2011 08:04 AM PDT

An embattled county clerk says she won't resign after failing to immediately report thousands of votes in Wisconsin's tightly contested Supreme Court race.

Critics question pace of Pope John Paul II's beatification

Posted: 13 Apr 2011 08:36 AM PDT

VATICAN CITY (AP) — Few deny that Pope John Paul II was a towering figure of the 20th century, a great pope of great consequence. His record-fast beatification, though, has prompted questions even from some supporters who suggest the Vatican should first answer lingering concerns about the flaws of his papacy.