"Chicago Tribune" Reader

"Chicago Tribune" Reader

Iran sanctions vs. oil prices: Obama faces tough decision

Posted: 22 Oct 2012 02:26 PM PDT

Obama campaigns in Las Vegas, NevadaForcing cuts that are too aggressive could fuel a new rally in oil prices, benefiting Iran and hurting allies. Accepting meager cuts risks criticism from Congress and Israel.

Rare star explosion reveals hidden black hole in our galaxy

Posted: 22 Oct 2012 03:44 PM PDT

Rare Star Explosion Reveals Hidden Black Hole in Our GalaxyAstronomers have spotted a rare X-ray star explosion near the center of our Milky Way galaxy, revealing a previously unknown black hole munching on gas from a neighboring sun-like star.

California hit with tornadoes, snow and much needed rain

Posted: 22 Oct 2012 04:49 PM PDT

Umbrellas were called for as rain blanketed Sacramento, Calif, Monday, Oct. 22, 2012. The first storm of the season swept through Northern California bringing rain to the lower elevations and snow in the mountains. (AP Photo/Rich Pedroncelli)Fall looked a lot like winter across Northern California on Monday as the first major storm of the season spawned at least one tornado, brought out snow plows on Interstate 80 and showered the rest of the parched region with much-needed rain.

Obama, Romney to square off in 3rd and final presidential debate

Posted: 22 Oct 2012 05:09 PM PDT

Locked in a tight race with just two weeks remaining, President Obama and challenger Mitt Romney prepared to square off in their third and final debate Monday night, a session devoted to national security and foreign policy.

1st quarter: Bears 7, Lions 0

Posted: 22 Oct 2012 05:48 PM PDT

A well-rested Bears team emerged to defend its home turf and possession of first place in the NFC North when the angry and re-energized Detroit Lions invaded Soldier Field on Monday night.

Witness: Estranged wife a 'hero,' tried to calm spa shooter

Posted: 22 Oct 2012 04:45 PM PDT

While patrons dove to the ground Sunday after an armed man walked into a Brookfield, Wis., spa, Zina Haughton went up to him to try and calm him, a witness said.

Meningitis probe could stifle hospital drug supplies

Posted: 22 Oct 2012 04:46 PM PDT

A sample of Cladosporium species, one of the fungi diagnosed in the fungal meningitis outbreak sweeping the United States, in Nashville, TennesseeThe extended shutdown of a sister company of the pharmacy at the center of the deadly U.S. meningitis outbreak may exacerbate drug shortages for some hospitals and healthcare providers as the number of infection cases neared 300, U.S. health regulators said. Ameridose, a drug manufacturer owned by the same people who own New England Compounding Center (NECC), has been closed since October 10. It will remain shuttered until November 5 while authorities inspect the plant, at least temporarily cutting off supplies to its customers. ...

Week 7 photos: Bears vs. Lions

Posted: 22 Oct 2012 04:54 PM PDT

All the action from Soldier Field.

Is Lance Armstrong's downfall now complete?

Posted: 22 Oct 2012 03:01 PM PDT

FILE - This July 23, 2000 file photo shows Tour de France winner Lance Armstrong riding down the Champs Elysees with an American flag after the 21st and final stage of the cycling race in Paris, France, Armstrong was stripped of his seven Tour de France titles and banned for life by cycling's governing body Monday, Oct. 22, 2012, following a report from the U.S. Anti-Doping Agency that accused him of leading a massive doping program on his teams. UCI President Pat McQuaid announced that the federation accepted the USADA's report on Armstrong and would not appeal to the Court of Arbitration for Sport. (AP Photo/Laurent Rebours, File)It felt — and was — truly momentous. The crash-landing in a spectacular plunge from grace.

France sending drones to West Africa, holding secret talks

Posted: 22 Oct 2012 02:04 PM PDT

FILE - In this Oct.18, 2012 file photo, a man carries a sign reading "No to the destructive soldiers of ECOWAS" as Malians opposed to a military intervention to retake Mali's Islamist-controlled north march in the streets of the capital, Bamako, Mali. France is moving surveillance drones to western Africa amid rising concerns that an al-Qaida offshoot and its allies who control northeast Mali represent a major threat to French interests abroad and possibly at home. With six French hostages held by Islamic militants in the region, France is facing a delicate task, but has garnered support from other Western powers including the United States to keep Mali from becoming a new launchpad for global terrorism. (AP Photo/Harouna Traore, File)The country seeks to steer international military action to help Mali's feeble government win back the northern part of the country from al-Qaida-linked rebels.

Florida Keys hosts underwater pumpkin carving contest

Posted: 22 Oct 2012 02:49 PM PDT

In advance of Monday's final presidential debate, divers carved two pumpkins into the likenesses of President Barack Obama and his Republican challenger, Mitt Romney. The carvings were part of an underwater pumpkin carving contest held in the Florida Keys National Marine Sanctuary, which brought out 42 divers. "I decided to carve Mitt Romney because of [...]

Conductor on Metra BNSF train assaulted

Posted: 22 Oct 2012 03:00 PM PDT

A conductor on Metra's Burlington Northern Sante Fe line was assaulted in an attempted robbery this afternoon, stopping the inbound train for nearly an hour at the Western Avenue station, officials said.

First-person: Tension on the trail when reporters are kept from voters

Posted: 22 Oct 2012 02:26 PM PDT

The report Monday from Canton, Ohio, that reporters were kept from voters at a rally for Vice President Joe Biden is the latest example of the difficulties inherent in a national campaign with thousands of moving parts. It wasn't the first time journalists have had trouble gaining access to voters at events and, when it [...]

What American foreign policy means for your wallet

Posted: 22 Oct 2012 01:13 PM PDT

President Barack Obama, left, and Republican presidential nominee Mitt Romney confront each other during the second presidential debate at Hofstra University, Tuesday, Oct. 16, 2012, in Hempstead, N.Y. (AP Photo/Pool-Win McNamee)While you watch tonight's debate, remember this: All foreign policy is domestic. If it happens overseas, it impacts us at home.

Effect of the Hispanic vote in Vegas may not stay in Vegas

Posted: 22 Oct 2012 11:24 AM PDT

Road TripThis city has seen more political commercials than anywhere else in 2012, more than anywhere else in the history of presidential campaigns: 73,000 TV ads, according to The New York Times.

O'Hare to get new body scanners

Posted: 22 Oct 2012 02:20 PM PDT

O'Hare airport is receiving a new type of body scanner that displays a generic outline of passengers rather than body images that critics have blasted as "a virtual strip-search."

Obama's bear-hugger invited to the debate

Posted: 22 Oct 2012 12:47 PM PDT

Obama's Bear-Hugger Invited to DebateThe president's campaign invited Scott Van Duzer, the bear-hugging Florida restaurant owner, to be a guest at tonight's presidential debate.

FDA investigating deaths with link to Monster Energy Drinks

Posted: 22 Oct 2012 03:06 PM PDT

The U.S. Food and Drug Administration says it's investigating reports of five deaths and a non-fatal heart attack linked to highly caffeinated Monster Energy Drinks.

Ex-Marine raises $4,000 to be reunited with his Afghan dog

Posted: 22 Oct 2012 12:46 PM PDT

Former Marine Shaun Duling, 27, is taking the Corps' creed, "Leave No Man Behind," to a whole new level. When Duling completed a year-long contract in Afghanistan earlier this month, he was heartbroken that he had to leave behind one of his closest companions, a...

Man hit by car bounces off windshield, sticks the landing

Posted: 22 Oct 2012 07:22 AM PDT

An incredible video that appears to show a pedestrian bounce off the windshield of a vehicle involved in a high-speed chase—and walk away seemingly unscathed—is making the rounds online. The footage, shot from the car's dash-cam, shows the vehicle speed through an intersection and swerve as it approaches a man crossing the street. The man [...]