"Chicago Tribune" Reader

"Chicago Tribune" Reader

ComEd plan for rate hikes passes; Quinn plans to veto

Posted: 31 May 2011 05:24 PM PDT

SPRINGFIELD -- The Illinois Senate today sent to the governor ComEd's proposal for a smart power grid that customers would help pay for in return for new technology that has the potential to help them reduce energy costs and consumption.

Pakistani journalist who wrote about links to al-Qaida is slain

Posted: 31 May 2011 05:14 PM PDT

Syed Saleem Shahzad had been missing since Sunday. He recently wrote an article that claimed Al Qaeda had infiltrated the navy, and he previously had complained of receiving threats from the nation's intelligence community.

A Pakistani journalist who vanished after writing about alleged links between Al Qaeda and Pakistan's navy was found slain Tuesday. Colleagues said the reporter had complained of receiving threats in recent months from members of the nation's powerful intelligence community.

In symbolic vote, House defeats measure to raise debt limit

Posted: 31 May 2011 04:11 PM PDT

The House of Representatives defeated a proposal Tuesday that would have raised the nation's debt limit without any spending constraints, a vote called by Republicans to bolster their case for steep budget reductions in talks with the White House.

Man admits exporting missile components to Iran

Posted: 31 May 2011 02:39 PM PDT

An Iranian man today pleaded guilty in a Chicago federal courtroom to trying to illegally export missile parts and other equipment to Iran in violation of U.S. law, U.S. Attorney Patrick Fitzgerald's office said today.

Chicago gas prices highest in U.S. again

Posted: 31 May 2011 02:19 PM PDT

Gas prices fell again in the last week, the Energy Department said, but fuel costs are still higher for this time of year than at any time since 2008.

Severe thunderstorm watch for Chicago area

Posted: 31 May 2011 01:34 PM PDT

A severe thunderstorm watch is in effect as a line of storms threatens the Chicago area with hail and heavy downpours, according to the National Weather Service.

Ryan lawyers appealing ex-governor's conviction

Posted: 31 May 2011 01:07 PM PDT

An attorney for former Illinois Gov. George Ryan told a federal appeals court Tuesday that part of his client's conviction on corruption charges should be overturned because prosecutors never proved he took a bribe - the latest attempt by Ryan to get out of prison based on a U.S. Supreme Court ruling curtailing "honest services" laws.

New congressional map on way to Quinn's desk

Posted: 31 May 2011 12:23 PM PDT

SPRINGFIELD --- Democrats in the Senate sent Gov. Pat Quinn a new map of the state's congressional boundaries for the next decade, a plan which carves up suburban districts to help Chicago incumbents and threatens to overturn Republican election gains made last year.

Convicted Chicago dogfighter is arrested again

Posted: 31 May 2011 12:01 PM PDT

A man convicted three years ago of raising fighting dogs has been arrested and charged again after police searched his South Side home and found 12 caged pit bulls, the Cook County Sheriff's police said today.

Supreme Court tosses out Ashcroft lawsuit

Posted: 31 May 2011 09:43 AM PDT

By an 8-0 vote, the Supreme Court says former Attorney General John Ashcroft did not clearly violate the 4th Amendment right against unreasonable searches and seizures. The case stemmed from the arrest of Abdullah al Kidd, who was held for two weeks, ostensibly so he could serve as a witness in a terrorism trial in Idaho.

WASHINGTON — The Supreme Court on Tuesday unanimously threw out a lawsuit against former Atty. Gen. John Ashcroft that had accused him of misusing his power to arrest suspects as "material witnesses" in terrorism cases.

Casino bill passes, now up to Quinn

Posted: 31 May 2011 03:29 PM PDT

SPRINGFIELD -- The Illinois Senate today approved a major gambling expansion that includes a Chicago casino, slot machines at horse racing tracks and Chicago's two airports, and four new casinos in the suburbs and downstate.

Nurse practitioners at Walgreens clinics vote to unionize

Posted: 31 May 2011 11:46 AM PDT

Nurse practitioners working at Walgreen Co. retail health clinics in Chicago voted Tuesday morning to unionize in what could be the last step before they can begin collectively bargaining at more than 40 stores in the Chicago area, Peoria and Rockford.

No jail time for ex-cop in beating

Posted: 31 May 2011 10:23 AM PDT

James Mandarino, the former Streamwood police officer convicted in late March of beating an unarmed motorist with a baton, was sentenced today to 30 months of probation and 150 hours of community service.

Emanuel: Right thing to close beach

Posted: 31 May 2011 02:41 PM PDT

Mayor Rahm Emanuel said today that he agreed with the decision Monday by Chicago police to close North Avenue Beach after several people began showing signs of heat-related sickness.

Report revives possible cellphone-cancer link

Posted: 31 May 2011 02:07 PM PDT

LONDON (AP) — An international panel of experts says cellphones are possibly carcinogenic to humans after reviewing details from dozens of published studies.

Chicago terror trial testimony: Lockheed CEO targeted

Posted: 31 May 2011 09:20 AM PDT

An admitted terrorist-turned-government witness testified today at a federal trial in Chicago that a co-conspirator with alleged ties to al Qaeda had once targeted for killing the CEO of Lockheed Martin Corp. in apparent retaliation for drone attacks in Pakistan.

Photos: 10 must-see summer concerts

Posted: 31 May 2011 09:44 AM PDT

As usual the summer calendar is overwhelmed with concerts. Here are a few of the more promising ones arranged chronologically. -- Greg Kot

Comcast to offer cheaper Internet to CPS students

Posted: 31 May 2011 08:43 AM PDT

Comcast will offer high-speed Internet service at a reduced price to the families of 330,000 Chicago Public School students who receive free lunches, Mayor Rahm Emanuel announced today.

Greg Kot's 10 must-see concerts, festivals

Posted: 31 May 2011 08:37 AM PDT

Chicago home prices fall to 10-year low

Posted: 31 May 2011 11:02 AM PDT

Single-family home prices dropped into double-dip territory in March as the housing market remained bogged down by inventory and weak demand, a closely watched survey said Tuesday.