Posted by chicagomedia.org on August 04, 2008 at 13:29:57:
Syndicated columnist Robert Novak announced his retirement from the Chicago Sun-Times on Monday, just one week after being diagnosed with a brain tumor.
Mr. Novak, who is 77, notified his Sun-Times colleagues Monday that he would leave the paper to focus on the treatment of his brain tumor, Chicago Sun-Times spokeswomen Tammy Chase said. Novak's last column was Sunday, July 27.
The Sun-Times posted a short statement from Novak on its website announcing the decision.
"The details are being worked out with the doctors this week, but the tentative plan is for radiation and chemotherapy," Novak said, according to the website.
Novak will be undergoing treatment at the National Cancer Institute in Washington, DC, Chase said.
Chase was not aware of whether or not Novak would end his regular appearances on national television programs.
Shortly after the brain tumor diagnosis, Novak announced he would suspend his journalist work "for an indefinite but, God willing, not too lengthy period."
One of the most prominent reporters in the country, Novak has been with the Sun-Times since 1966. His column was first distributed in 1963 by Publishers Newspaper Syndicate.
Novak became a central figure in the situation involving former C.I.A. operative Valerie Plame when he publicly identified Plame as a covert operative.
Two weeks ago, Novak was issued a citation for striking a homeless man with his car in Washington.
(ABC)