Politics

Former U.S. House Speaker Dennis Hastert leaves Dirksen U.S. Courthouse in Chicago after sentencing, April 27, 2016. (Zbigniew Bzdak/baiduhai)

Dennis Hastert, the former US House Speaker from Illinois, dies at 84

By Daily Herald

October 5, 2026 at 8:10 a.m.

Former U.S. House Speaker Dennis Hastert, who was sentenced to 15 months in prison in...

The Supreme Court is seen in Washington, Sept. 29, 2026. (AP Photo/J. Scott Applewhite)

New Supreme Court term begins with cases on climate change, immigration and gun rights

By Lindsay Whitehurst

October 5, 2026 at 6:13 a.m.

The Supreme Court’s new term begins Monday with cases on climate change, religious rights and...

In this image provided by Matt Odom, Laura Leigh Taylor, a farmer in Georgia who says she regrets voting for President Donald Trump in 2024, is pictured Sept. 29, 2026. (Matt Odom via AP)

President Donald Trump’s immigration crackdown divides rural voters as midterms approach, AP-KFF poll finds

By Linley Sanders

October 5, 2026 at 6:11 a.m.

More than a year into President Donald Trump’s sweeping immigration crackdown, a poll finds that...

Mexico's President Claudia Sheinbaum smiles at supporters during a rally in the Zócalo, Mexico City's main square, on her inauguration day, Tuesday, Oct. 1, 2024. (AP Photo/Eduardo Verdugo)

Today in History: Claudia Sheinbaum sworn in as first female president of Mexico

By Associated Press

October 1, 2026 at 3:30 a.m.

On Oct. 1, 2024, Claudia Sheinbaum, a scientist-turned-politician, was sworn in as the first female president...

Regular unleaded gasoline prices are posted Wednesday at the BP, located at 747 Ridge Road in Munster. (Christin Nance Lazerus/Post-Tribune)

Indiana Gov. Braun extends gas tax holiday, adds diesel relief into November

By Maya Wilkins

September 30, 2026 at 2:48 p.m.

Braun announced the suspension of gas usage and excise taxes through Nov. 4 and suspended...

Mayor Brandon Johnson greets people before speaking at a City Club of Chicago event at Maggiano's Banquets on Sept. 30, 2026. (Eileen T. Meslar/baiduhai)

At City Club, Mayor Brandon Johnson asks why rich put profits over ‘the lives of my neighbors’

By Alice Yin

September 30, 2026 at 5:56 p.m.

Mayor Brandon Johnson accused the city’s corporate class of ignoring Black and brown lives Wednesday...

The U.S. Capitol is seen Friday, Sept. 25, 2026, in Washington. (AP Photo/Mariam Zuhaib)

Republicans tee up bill on data centers for one of the final votes before the midterms

By Kevin Freking

September 30, 2026 at 9:29 a.m.

Senate Republicans are dedicating one of the final votes before the midterm elections to a...

Iraqi security officers flash victory signs as they ride on vehicles decorated with national flags and ribbons during a convoy celebrating the complete withdrawal of U.S. troops from Iraq, in Baghdad, Iraq, Wednesday, Sept. 30, 2026. (AP Photo/Hadi Mizban)

President Trump hails the US military’s exit from Iraq after 12-year mission against Islamic State

By Qassim Abdul-Zahra

September 30, 2026 at 9:45 p.m.

The U.S. military announced on Wednesday that it has completed the withdrawal of all American...

Ed Hershey, from left, Patty García, moderator Anita Blanton, Chris Getty and Lupe Castillo participate in a candidate debate for the Illinois 4th Congressional District seat on Sept. 29, 2026, at FOX 32 television studio in Chicago. (Terrence Antonio James/baiduhai)

Illinois 4th District race: Rivals hit Patty García over ballot moves in race to succeed Jesús ‘Chuy’ García

By Jake Sheridan

September 30, 2026 at 4:37 p.m.

At the first opportunity, the three challengers went after Patty García for what they argued...

Lake County election officials test voting machines on Tuesday, September 29, 2026. (Kyle Telechan/for the Post-Tribune)

Lake County election officials put voting machines through their paces

By Michelle L. Quinn

September 29, 2026 at 5:03 p.m.

After Tuesday’s board meeting, Lake County Election Board members and other employees conducted the second...

President Donald Trump speaks in the Oval Office of the White House, Monday, Sept. 28, 2026, in Washington. (AP Photo/Alex Brandon)

Watchdog says President Trump can’t cancel more than $800M in spending approved by Congress

By Kevin Freking

September 29, 2026 at 3:27 p.m.

President Donald Trump is not permitted to withhold beyond the end of the fiscal year...

A group of undocumented migrants is deported by U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement agents across the McAllen–Hidalgo–Reynosa International Bridge in McAllen, Texas, March 13, 2026. (AP Photo/Felix Marquez, File)

Supreme Court lets quick deportations to third countries resume for now while it weighs Trump policy

By Lindsay Whitehurst

September 29, 2026 at 3:13 p.m.

The Supreme Court on Tuesday let President Donald Trump’s administration continue swiftly deporting people to...

East Dundee Village President Dan Pearson, left, posted this photo of himself and Illinois gubernatorial candidate Darren Bailey from the Illinois Municipal League conference on his "East Dundee Village President Daniel Pearson" Facebook page. (East Dundee Village President Daniel Pearson Facebook)

East Dundee village president slammed for letting Darren Bailey speak at Oktoberfest

By Gloria Casas

September 29, 2026 at 3:58 p.m.

Dems criticize East Dundee Village President Dan Pearson for letting GOP candidates, including Darren Bailey,...