by: Michael Oneal | Chicago Tribune

It took 31/2 years and at least $410 million in fees billed by lawyers and other professionals, but it appearsTribune Co.may be on the verge of winning approval for a plan to emerge from bankruptcy court.

The Chicago-based media company and its creditors must appear before U.S. Bankruptcy Judge Kevin Carey for a confirmation hearing starting Thursday afternoon in Wilmington, Del.