Videotape expected to play role in R. Kelly child pornography trial

If prosecutors can prove a videotape features R. Kelly and an underage girl, the rhythm and blues superstar's child pornography trial could end with him receiving a lengthy prison sentence.

But prosecutors will run into defense challenges at every turn. Kelly, 41, denies he's the man on the tape. The 23-year-old woman prosecutors say was a minor at the time of the taping denies she's the girl on the tape. Defense attorneys may also contend the girl, whoever she was, wasn't a minor at all.

How prosecutors intend to eliminate a reasonable doubt about those challenges may become clearer Tuesday as opening statements begin in a trial that has been delayed …

[ TECHVENUE ]

A weekly heads-up from TechVenue.com about upcoming business-technology events. Programs are rated on a scale of 1 to 10, with 10being tops, for value (take-away knowledge), style (venue,presentation) and networking (will the right people be there?). Forlisting information, contact David Flint at Info@TechVenue.com

Association for Information & Image Management

When: Tuesday, 11:30 to 1:30 p.m.

Internet: http://www.aiim.org/chicago

Location: IBM, 2 Lincoln Center (ComEd Bldg.), Oakbrook Terrace,1st Floor Conference Room H.

Cost: $25 for AIIM members; $35 for non-members.

Event: "Deliver" -- fourth in a series on enterprise …

Rental housing support bill goes to committee

A Rental Housing Support bill (HB 4100), sponsored by State Representative Julie Hamos (D-18th) to create a state-funded rental assistance program, is headed for committee hearings Monday, according to Chicago Department of Housing Commissioner John G. Markowski.

In a Chicago Defender editorial board meeting, Markowski said he hopes passage of the bill comes to fruition and emphasized his department is committed to making affordable housing a reality in Chicago.

"We are committed to pursuing policies that lead to affordable housing," Markowski said. "We have a commitment. At the state level, our number one priority is a state fund for affordable housing."

Markowski …

Myanmar courts imprison more democracy activists

Courts in military-ruled Myanmar sentenced at least seven democracy activists to prison Monday, continuing a crackdown that saw about 70 people jailed last week.

Four student activists, two members of the opposition National League for Democracy party and a former party member who has become a prominent independent activist received jail terms of 6 1/2 to 12 1/2 years at closed-door trials inside Yangon's Insein Prison, league spokesman Nyan Win said.

Authorities last week sentenced about 70 opposition activists, writers, musicians and Buddhist monks to jail terms ranging from 2 1/2 years to 65 years, with many of them transferred to prisons in remote areas …

Ex-athletic director at Robeson High

GEORGE PRUITT

1936-2007

George Pruitt was the spirit of sports for generations ofstudents at Robeson High School and its predecessor, Parker High, onthe South Side.

The former small-college All-American and professional basketballplayer was more than just the athletic director, basketball coachand No. 1 fan.

"He was a father figure for many of the students he coached,"said James Braeshears, a former Robeson principal. "He constantlygave so much of himself to the students."

Mr. Pruitt, 71, died Sunday at the University of ChicagoHospitals. The cause of his death was not known, but he had doubleheart bypass surgery last week, said his son, …

Diversity is gaining in `white' suburbs

The days when "west and northwest suburbs" were code words for"white" are passing.

A decade ago, nine out of 10 people in Naperville, Itasca,Palatine and Wheaton were white. Today, while the communities arestill mostly white, increasing numbers of minorities-especiallyLatinos and Asians-are calling those places home.

Census 2000 confirmed what many suspected after noticing who elsewas shopping at their neighborhood grocery and standing in lines atthe cineplex.

But the new diversity on soccer fields and in classrooms doesn'tnecessarily mean people of different races are always living nextdoor to one another. They often share a village but not the …

Romania clinches last spot at 2011 Rugby World Cup

BUCHAREST, Romania (AP) — Romania has clinched the 20th and final spot at the 2011 Rugby World Cup in New Zealand, beating Uruguay 39-12 in the second leg of the playoff at Arcul de Triumf stadium on Saturday.

The Romanians ensured they have qualified for all six World Cups since the inception of the tournament in 1987 after scoring tries through Csaba Gal, Alexandru Manta, Catalin Fercu, Madalin Lemnaru plus a penalty try.

Romania will join Argentina, England, Scotland and Georgia in Pool B.

Martin Crosa and Ivo Dugonjic crossed for tries for Uruguay, which was trying to reach its third World Cup after having previously played at the 1999 and 2003 editions.

The …