The Latest Breaking News from Tribune

CHICAGO — Bags of the earthy muck are labeled organic or natural. Sometimes it is billed as exceptional quality compost. Industry held a nationwide contest years ago and decided to call it biosolids, a euphemism that beat out black gold, geoslime and humanure.

CHICAGO — You know how we don’t notice the leaves on the trees until September arrives, nature flips its switch and emeralds become purples, reds and golds? That’s not the worst metaphor for the new fall book season — the big season for publishers (eyeing awards and holiday sales), and…

CHICAGO — Michael Lightfoot is 66 years old. He survived prostate cancer. He has grandchildren and great-grandchildren who love him. He has health problems and doesn’t think he has that much time left.

Vista High School has cancelled its football game after a protest over a locker room incident under investigation by the school.

Flores’ district director, Aron Peña, was accused of touching and kissing an intern without her consent. He denies any wrongdoing.

"This is inhumane," one child told state inspectors.

A 19-year-old Californian allegedly used a fake birth certificate to enroll at Montclair High School and enroll on the football team.

The state’s top law enforcement agency also told USA Today that seven officers have now been referred to its internal affairs division, including two who are command staff.

CHICAGO — A series of political mailings that resemble newspapers and excoriate Democratic Gov. J.B. Pritzker over crime issues has prompted the governor to claim they’re the work of “racist political consultant” and right-wing radio show host Dan Proft, who also is financially supporting Republican governor candidate Darren Bailey.

A commission tasked by the Texas Legislature to recommend new ways to fund community colleges is suggesting the state fund schools based on how successful students are at completing programs in high-demand fields and transferring to universities to continue their education.

CHICAGO — A group of more than 100 migrants arrived in Chicago Wednesday afternoon from the Texas border, city officials confirmed.