CHICAGO (AP) -- Copies of the Chicago Tribune will cost an extra 25 cents at the newsstand at the end of December.

Monday through Saturday editions of the Tribune will cost 75 cents starting December 31st, up from 50 cents. The cost of the Sunday paper will hold steady at $1.79.

The company says the increase in the daily newsstand price is its first in more than 15 years. Home delivery rates are also expected to rise slightly next year.

A spokeswoman for Tribune rival Chicago Sun-Times says there are no plans to increase its rates.

The Tribune says the paper's managers, and not new owner Sam Zell, called for the increase. Zell's $8.2 billion deal to take the company private is expected to close by year's end.

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