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Playing the IRS card: Six presidents who used the IRS to bash political foes

Since the advent of the federal income tax about a century ago, several presidents – or their zealous underlings – have directed the IRS to use its formidable police powers to harass or punish enemies, political rivals, and administration critics. Here are six infamous episodes.

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Chicago erupts in gun violence: 74 people shot, 12 killed over July 4 weekend

The July 4 weekend gun violence pushed the number of Chicago murder victims this year over 200. Many of he shootings were in neighborhoods where gangs are well established.
Playing the IRS card: Six presidents who used the IRS to bash political foes

Since the advent of the federal income tax about a century ago, several presidents – or their zealous underlings – have directed the IRS to use its formidable police powers to harass or punish enemies, political rivals, and administration critics. Here are six infamous episodes.
Terrorism & Security US and Russia team up to make fresh diplomatic push on Syria

US Secretary of State Kerry and Russia's Foreign Minister Lavrov say they hope to convene an international conference on Syria later in May. The US has also stepped up humanitarian aid.
Cubs leave Wrigley Field? North Siders call $300 million plan a strikeout.

The Chicago Cubs want to upgrade Wrigley Field with $300 million in renovations. But locals worry that the changes could hurt the neighborhood and the park.
The New Economy Penny Pritzker steps into limelight as Commerce nominee

Penny Pritzker is first member of the wealthy family to accept a federal post. President Obama has nominated Penny Pritzker as Commerce secretary.
Bush v. Gore doubts voiced by Justice O'Connor for first time

Bush v. Gore doubts: Former Justice O'Connor tells the Chicago Tribune editorial board that perhaps she and her colleagues should have turned down the Bush campaign's appeal of a Florida Supreme Court decision
5 memoirs to add to your 2013 reading list

A new crop of memoirs takes readers to the worlds authors once knew.
Humongous Chicago sinkhole swallows three cars, injures one driver

Following a severe rainstorm, a sinkhole opened up in Chicago's South Side, devouring three cars and sending one driver to the hospital.
After Boston bombing, swift help, comfort, and a resolve to keep running

The rush to help those injured at the Boston marathon was just the start of an outpouring of help and support for Boston, its visitors and residents, including from arch sports rival New York.
Chapter & Verse David Axelrod will publish a memoir in 2014

David Axelrod, former Obama advisor and strategist, will release his memoir through Penguin Press. Bids for the book went as high as $1.5 million.
Roger Ebert dies, leaves legacy as groundbreaking movie critic (+video)

Roger Ebert dies: He started as the film critic for the Chicago Sun-Times in 1967. Roger Ebert won a Pulitzer Prize for criticism, the first movie reviewer to do so.
Would harsher sentencing have saved Hadiya Pendleton?

A suspect in the shooting of 15-year old Hadiya Pendleton, who participated in Obama's inauguration, was on probation for a gun-related charge. Chicago officials want tougher sentencing.
With 42 homicides, Chicago sees most violent January in 11 years

The month isn't over yet, but Chicago has already logged 42 homicides, making this the city's most violent January since 2002. A teenage girl who attended Obama's inauguration is the latest victim.
Global Viewpoint Italian elections: Monti vs. Berlusconi and a test of democracy

The upcoming Italian elections are a contest between the populism of short-term fixes championed by Silvio Berlusconi and the long-term reforms of Mario Monti necessary to make Italy’s economy solvent, competitive, and sustainable over the long run.
Global Viewpoint How Asia and China can revive the West's waning institutions

A world adrift desperately needs global thinkers, most of all from Asia. Singapore's Kishore Mahbubani fits the bill with his new book, in which he calls for a more robust UN, IMF, and WTO – led by the emerging global powers. Let’s hope his optimism about this revival is justified.
Modern Parenthood Parenting strategy for facing toxic flame retardant chemicals

Toxic flame retardant chemicals, says a new study, are more prevalent than thought – even in couches. Parenting through the worry, one mom reasons through the set of concerns about kid safety that can inundate new parents starting with the crib bumpers and strollers and moving on to toys and ... now couches.
A political chill for charities?

A new Congress could cut tax deductions and funds for charities. States are also starting to clamp down on compensation for executives of charities.
Raves for 787 Dreamliner. Will new plane bring fun back to flying?

Don't hold your breath. Boeing's new 787 Dreamliner has a lot of cool features, say passengers who flew United's first commercial Dreamliner flight. But analysts say US airlines that buy it won't opt for all the amenities.
United Airlines' massive 787 Dreamliner touches down in Chicago (+video)

United CEO Jeff Smisek was on Sunday's flight from Houston to Chicago and called the 787 the 'world's leading airplane.'
Rep. Jesse Jackson Jr. beset by difficulties, but Election Day isn't one

Rep. Jesse Jackson Jr. (D) of Illinois has been absent from Congress since June, citing his health. He's also under investigation by a House ethics panel and, reportedly, the FBI. But he looks poised to sail to reelection, polling shows.
Chicago schools chief out after run-ins with Mayor Rahm Emanuel

Chicago schools chief Jean-Claude Brizard, recruited just 17 months ago by Rahm Emanuel, is stepping down nearly four weeks after the teachers strike. He reportedly infuriated the mayor.
Gangnam Style: How a quirky South Korean hip-hop artist conquered the world

Gangnam Style, a peculiar South Korean hip-hop video that lampoons a trendy district in Seoul, has become an unlikely global hit.
Global Viewpoint In violence over anti-Muslim video, a new world disorder

Welcome to our new world, where no one is in control – neither the West of its social media nor Arab rulers of their liberated subjects. This is a combustible mix that goes beyond the recent anti-Muslim video to the overall message of Western-shaped globalization.
Karen Lewis: Fiery Chicago Teachers Union chief takes on wrath of Rahm (+video)

An Ivy League union organizer with deep ties to Chicago's community activists, Karen Lewis is emerging as the new face of resistance to a national education reform movement. She's a match for Mayor Rahm Emanuel's storied temper, backers say.
Allyson Felix: Olympic gold at last for athlete of uncommon grace

Allyson Felix had known only disappointment at previous Olympics. But in winning the 200 meters Wednesday, Felix found that the setbacks had led her to a place even more 'special.'