Checkbook journalism - payment for a new story- becomes an issue when a source wants money to document a dangerous motorbike scandal. Cold financial facts are also brought home to the staff when Hume takes a talented editor to task for padding his expense accounts.

With the staff short-handed, Lou decides to work the night shift.

When the paper decides to do a story on sexual harassment in the workplace, Billie finds that harassment is prevalent at the Tribune. A new female reporter develops a romantic interest in Lou, which creates a conflict of interest.