Good afternoon . . .
A Chicago man is suing the Chicago Tribune over photos published by the newspaper in connection with a story about indictments of reputed mob figures.
Frank Calabrese is used to seeing newspaper stories about the reputed mobster who shares his name. Imagine his surprise when he opened the paper on Tuesday to see his picture included in an article about the indictment of several mobsters.
One of the mobsters indicted was Frank Calabrese, Sr. The indictments were for at least 18 murders. The retired businessman has no ties to crime, organized or otherwise.
"It's just upsetting," said Calabrese, 76. "I have voice mails from people calling me who were my customers asking me what's happening. Is that you?"
Calabrese has filed a suit against the paper in Cook County circuit court on Wednesday for defamation and invasion of privacy.
To its credit the Tribune ran a correction in the Metro section, but Calabrese continues to be upset.
That's not the end of the Tribune's problems with wrong photographs.
Today the Trib was explaining to readers how the picture of 69 year old Stanley Sweiton was identified in the Wednesday edition of the Tribune as reputed mobster, Joseph "The Clown" Lombardo. The caption for the photo was, "Have You Seen This Clown?" Lombard is reputed to be the boss of a Chicago organized crime syndicate called "The Outfit." Lombard managed to elude a massive raid by federal agents on reputed mobsters.
"We sincerely regret our mistake," Editor Ann Marie Lipinski said in the article. "We strive for accuracy, but when we make an error, we try to correct it. We are very sorry for this mistake and apologize to Mr. Swieton."
There is no word from Mr. Sweiton on possible action against the Tribune.
With all the editors at the Tribune who are supposed to review content, this type of mistake is unacceptable. The only "clowns" in either story are the photographers, reporters, editors, and librarians who were involved.
Man Sues 'Chicago Tribune' for Photo Linking Him to Mob
'Trib' Takes Another Hit on Mixed-Up Mob Pix
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The US Supreme Court has heard its last arguments for this session. The remainder of the term will be spent researching, writing, and delivering opinions.
The speculation now begins in earnest on the possible retirement of Chief Justice William H. Rehnquist. Chief Justice Rehnquist, 80, announced in October that he was undergoing treatment for thyroid cancer. His appearance at the Court building has been rare as he continued to work from his home during treatment.
Court observers say he looks frail and he has not spoken publicly about his plans.
Tradition has a Justice retire before the end of a term giving the President and the Senate enough time to battle over the high court nominee. The current partisan battle in the Senate over judicial nominees could stretch the process for months. A long nomination process, like the one when Justice Anthony Kennedy was nominated, could leave the Court with only eight justices at the beginning of the new term in October.
The last two justices to etire, Byron White and Harry Blackmun, announced their intentions in the early spring and stayed on until the end of the term.
If Chief Justice Rehnquist waits until June to make an announcement it will give the President and the Senate only about six weeks to name a new Chief Justice. The limited amount of time is due in part to the numerous vacations Congress takes during late spring and summer. The US Congress only works about six weeks between June and October.
The speculation over a possible Rehnquist retirement coincides with speculation over his replacement. The White House has not released publicly it list of external possibilities. Current side Justices under consideration are Justice Antonin Scalia and Clarence Thomas. All things being equal, Justice Scalia seems to be the front-runner.
Whatever happens, nothing will start until Chief Justice Rehnquist makes his decision in the best interests of the Court and the country.
Will Rehnquist End 33-Year Career? - Yahoo! News
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No briefs today. More tomorrow.
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