News In Brief

Chicago newsman, critical of Murdoch, takes a leave

Pulitzer Prize-winning columnist Mike Royko has taken an indefinite leave of absence from the Chicago Sun Times until he learns what the new owner of the newspaper, Australian publisher Rupert Murdoch, plans to do with the publication.

Mr. Royko said the style and content of Mr. Murdoch's North American newspapers, which he called "trash," caused him to take the step. He has been writing daily from Chicago for more than two decades.