"Chicago Tribune" Reader

"Chicago Tribune" Reader

Hispanic population tops 50 million in U.S.

Posted: 24 Mar 2011 05:44 PM PDT

The U.S. Census Bureau reports the Hispanic population has surpassed 50 million and accounted for more than half of the 27.3-million population increase in the last decade.

The Hispanic population in the United States grew by 43% in the last decade, surpassing 50 million and accounting for about 1 out of 6 Americans, the Census Bureau reported Thursday.

Juror background checks bring Chicago's top attorney to court

Posted: 24 Mar 2011 06:01 PM PDT

The city of Chicago's top attorney came to federal court Thursday to address concerns raised by a judge about a recent criminal background check that the city did on a juror who had already been questioned and seated for a police misconduct trial.

Erroneous message warning of gunman sent at U. of I.

Posted: 24 Mar 2011 06:06 PM PDT

Alert went out to thousands of cellphones before it was corrected

An errant keystroke touched off a brief panic Thursday at the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign when an emergency message accidentally was sent out saying an "active shooter" was on campus.

'Idol' judges spare Abrams

Posted: 24 Mar 2011 06:34 PM PDT

On a night of "American Idol" surprises, Casey Abrams was supposed to be sent packing Thursday night -- only to be rescued by the Idol judges' one-per-season save from elimination.

Man convicted in 1994 rape, murder hopes DNA test clears his name

Posted: 24 Mar 2011 06:54 PM PDT

Parolee says he was coerced to falsely confess to the crime

When Terrill Swift walked out of state prison last year after 15 years in custody, he did not give up on his quest to prove he was innocent of the 1994 rape and murder that put him behind bars.

Last-minute $9 million winner: 'What's the big deal?' >> Video

Posted: 24 Mar 2011 05:21 PM PDT

Irvin Przyborski nearly let a fortune slip through his fingers without realizing it.

Whitney Young fouled, but not out

Posted: 24 Mar 2011 05:10 PM PDT

Light punishment, championship followed Whitney Young infraction

In 2009 the Whitney Young boys varsity basketball team won the Class 4A state title with a squad including seven who joined college teams. But the team wasn't supposed to be in the playoffs, the Tribune found.

'Muffin top,' 'LOL' added to Oxford English Dictionary

Posted: 24 Mar 2011 02:08 PM PDT

"Muffin top," you've finally made it — into the dictionary, that is. The Oxford English Dictionary has added the term to its latest edition, listing it among changes announced Thursday. The first definition refers to the top portion of an actual muffin, popularized on an episode of "Seinfeld." The second, more pejorative entry, however, refers to "a protuberance of flesh above the waistband of a tight pair of trousers."

Jackson jury questionnaire sealed; judge rips website

Posted: 24 Mar 2011 11:32 AM PDT

The judge presiding over the trial of Michael Jackson's personal physician blasted a website Thursday for posting what he described as "bogus" information about a questionnaire prospective jurors are filling out.

Federal Reserve to brief media in historic shift

Posted: 24 Mar 2011 12:56 PM PDT

Man sentenced in videotaped killing

Posted: 24 Mar 2011 12:01 PM PDT

A Cook County judge today sentenced a South Side man to 32 years in prison for the murder of Derrion Albert, a Fenger High School sophomore whose videotaped beating was shown around the world and came to symbolize youth violence in Chicago.

32 years for man in beating death of Derrion Albert

Posted: 24 Mar 2011 12:01 PM PDT

A Cook County judge today sentenced a South Side man to 32 years in prison for the murder of Derrion Albert, a Fenger High School sophomore whose videotaped beating was shown around the world and came to symbolize youth violence in Chicago.

U.S. Census: Latinos topping 50 million for first time

Posted: 24 Mar 2011 04:25 PM PDT

WASHINGTON (Reuters) - The U.S. Hispanic population is tipped to break 50 million for the first time, the 2010 Census is expected to report on Thursday, with most growth over the last decade driven by Latinos, analysts said.

Woman pulled from car in Harper College pond >> Video

Posted: 24 Mar 2011 02:45 PM PDT

Divers have pulled a woman from a car submerged in a pond at Harper College in northwest suburban Palatine this afternoon.

Lower court kicks union law to Wis. Supreme Court

Posted: 24 Mar 2011 08:50 AM PDT

A Wisconsin appeals court says the state Supreme Court should decide whether a law that takes away nearly all collective bargaining rights from public workers should be allowed to take effect.

27 dogs rescued from puppy mill

Posted: 24 Mar 2011 11:35 AM PDT

Photos : Homes are being sought for 27 dogs rescued from three puppy mills in Missouri. The majority are small breed dogs of all ages. The Anti-Cruelty Society in Chicago says some may require medical treatment. Video: Puppies arrive in Chicago Rescue from Missouri puppy mill

Elderly woman dies, husband burned in Naperville house fire

Posted: 24 Mar 2011 10:14 AM PDT

An elderly Naperville woman died and her husband severely burned in a fire that broke out in their house about 9:30 a.m. today.

Report: Medical marijuana market growing quickly

Posted: 24 Mar 2011 09:22 AM PDT

U. of I. campus police send 'active shooter' alert in error

Posted: 24 Mar 2011 09:21 AM PDT

The University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign's police department accidentally sent out a mass alert this morning saying that an "Active shooter" was on-campus and corrected its mistake a little more than 10 minutes later.

Laughing Cow, Boursin parent moving HQ to Loop

Posted: 24 Mar 2011 06:12 AM PDT