"Chicago Tribune" Reader

"Chicago Tribune" Reader

Court OKs funeral protests

Posted: 02 Mar 2011 06:00 PM PST

The justices say members of the Westboro Baptist Church in Kansas have the right to carry anti-gay and other signs at U.S. troops' funerals, however offensive their message may be considered.

Ruling in a case that pressed the outer limits of free speech, the Supreme Court on Wednesday said that even anti-gay protesters who picketed the funerals of U.S. troops with signs reading, "Thank God for Dead Soldiers," cannot be sued.

More minorities moving to suburbs

Posted: 02 Mar 2011 04:12 PM PST

Influx brings diversity, but also challenges, to some towns

Many suburbs, including several in outlying Will, McHenry and Kane counties, saw significant increases in minority populations, mostly Hispanic, during the past decade. The influx has left communities struggling to accommodate, much less integrate, their newest residents.

Broadcast museum project back on

Posted: 02 Mar 2011 03:58 PM PST

Blair Kamin: For years, an effort to turn a parking garage into the Museum of Broadcast Communications has stalled, leaving an eyesore in downtown Chicago. But after a grant, construction is rolling again.

Northwestern prof hosted live sex toy demonstration

Posted: 02 Mar 2011 05:44 PM PST

Northwestern University has agreed to pay a man who arranged an unusual demonstration at which students observed a woman being penetrated by a sex toy.

Cubs scuffle in dugout after error-filled first

Posted: 02 Mar 2011 12:33 PM PST

Missing Wisconsin Democrats face $100 daily fines

Posted: 02 Mar 2011 12:26 PM PST

The 14 Wisconsin state Senate Democrats who left the state two weeks ago now face fines of $100 for each day they stay away.

Serena Williams at home after emergency surgery

Posted: 02 Mar 2011 04:37 PM PST

Serena Williams' absence from tennis could stretch to almost a year after two new health scares — a blood clot in her lungs followed by a hematoma — have added to her injury woes.

Teacher in court on sex charge

Posted: 02 Mar 2011 09:36 AM PST

A former Plainfield North High School teacher accused of having sex with a student appeared in a Will County court briefly this morning for a pretrial hearing, but her attorney said he needed more time.

2 U.S. airmen killed in shooting at Frankfurt airport >> Video

Posted: 02 Mar 2011 11:59 AM PST

The gunman opened fire on a U.S. military bus waiting at a terminal at the airport in Frankfurt, Germany, killing the airmen and injuring two, officials say. Police arrest a 21-year-old man from Kosovo.

A gunman opened fire on a U.S. military bus at an airport in Frankfurt, Germany, on Wednesday, killing two American airmen and injuring two others.

Workers admit staging crashes to cheat Geico

Posted: 02 Mar 2011 11:51 AM PST

Three workers at a Belmont-Cragin auto body shop have admitted staging fake accidents in order to get kickbacks from an insurance adjuster.

High court OKs protests at funerals

Posted: 02 Mar 2011 08:29 AM PST

Anti-gay protesters who picket the funerals of U.S. soldiers are protected from lawsuits by the right of free speech even though their message might be deeply offensive, the Supreme Court ruled today.

Killer seeks parole after 35 years

Posted: 02 Mar 2011 10:08 AM PST

Patricia Columbo and her boyfriend, Frank DeLuca, were convicted in the 1976 slayings of her parents, and 13-year-old brother, in their Elk Grove home. Now, she will have a parole hearing this week and could be released in May.

Court OKs funeral protests

Posted: 02 Mar 2011 08:29 AM PST

In an 8-1 decision, the Supreme Court throws out a lawsuit against Fred Phelps and the Westboro Baptist Church from Kansas. The court says the church has a 1st Amendment right to state its vitriolic message at funerals even though it 'is certainly hurtful and its contribution to public discourse may be negligible.'

Anti-gay protesters who picket the funerals of U.S. soldiers are protected from lawsuits by the right of free speech even though their message might be deeply offensive, the Supreme Court ruled today by an 8-1 vote.

U.S. officials declare eastern cougar extinct

Posted: 02 Mar 2011 10:33 AM PST

By Zach Howard

Who's more obese: Americans or Canadians?

Posted: 02 Mar 2011 08:18 AM PST

ATLANTA (AP) — American adults have a significantly higher rate of obesity than their neighbors to the north, a new study says.

Steve Jobs introduces faster iPad 2 >> Video

Posted: 02 Mar 2011 11:18 AM PST

Apple CEO Steve Jobs took a break from his medical leave Wednesday to introduce the company's new upgraded iPad. Jobs, who has battled pancreatic cancer for years, almost upstaged his own product with his surprise appearance.

Daley defends Weis, denies low morale >> Video: Terry Hillard

Posted: 02 Mar 2011 04:19 PM PST

Jody Weis stepped down as police superintendent to pursue new job opportunities, not because he wasn't granted a short-term contract to stay in the job until Rahm Emanuel takes office, Mayor Richard Daley said today.

FBI hunts 'Lunch Box Bandit'

Posted: 02 Mar 2011 08:44 AM PST

The FBI today released photos of the "Lunch Box Bandit," and asked for the public's help in finding the man who has robbed at least two North Side banks, carrying away the cash in a plastic or vinyl blue lunch box.

2 U.S. servicemen killed, 2 hurt in Frankfurt airport shooting

Posted: 02 Mar 2011 11:19 AM PST

Shots fired on bus carrying U.S. soldiers at German airport

FRANKFURT, Germany (AP) — Frankfurt airport says shots have been fired at a bus carrying U.S. soldiers, and a German news agency says two people were killed and two wounded.

The Fast Fix: Good Newt, Bad Newt (The Newsroom)

Posted: 02 Mar 2011 07:28 AM PST

The Newsroom - With Newt Gingrich moving towards a run for president in 2012, it's worth examining the two sides of the former House speaker's career. To watch more episodes of "The Fast Fix", click here. Get The Fix in your e-mail inbox! …