Politics

Three people with signs protest an appearance by Erika Kirk and her Turning Point USA campus tour on Tuesday, Oct. 6, 2026, at Judson University’s main entrance in Elgin. (John Starks/Daily Herald)

Erika Kirk draws big crowd for Elgin appearance, some protesters

By Gloria Casas

October 6, 2026 at 3:22 p.m.

Turning Point USA CEO Erika Kirk brought her tour to Elgin's Judson University and was...

President Donald Trump gestures to reporters as he walks on the South Lawn upon his arrival at the White House, Monday, Oct. 5, 2026, in Washington. (AP Photo/Jose Luis Magana)

President Trump hasn’t committed to repaying federal funds already spent on ads, a White House official says

By Ali Swenson

October 6, 2026 at 2:50 p.m.

A day after President Donald Trump said he would start paying for controversial taxpayer-funded ads...

Orland Park Village Board member John Lawler discusses speed enforcement cameras Oct. 5, 2026. The board chose to hold off on approving their use, citing the need for more research. (Olivia Stevens/Daily Southtown)

Orland Park holds off on speed cameras, allows fines for parents after teen takeovers

By Olivia Stevens

October 6, 2026 at 2:49 p.m.

Orland Park Village Board holds off on plans to bring speed cameras but will crack...

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 at 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,...

Ald. Marty Quinn, 13th, speaks during the City Council meeting at Chicago City Hall on Sept. 29, 2026. (Antonio Perez/baiduhai)

Chicago aldermen require bigger majority for city-issued debt in blow to mayoral power

By Jake Sheridan

September 29, 2026 at 5:36 p.m.

Chicago aldermen approved a plan Tuesday to require an even larger City Council majority for...