Stories by Associated Press

What to Know on the Seventh Day of the Israel-Hamas War: Ordered Evacuations in Gaza, Shelling on Border

The latest Israel-Hamas war has claimed at least 2,800 lives on both sides since Hamas launched an unprecedented surprise attack on Oct. 7.

Biden Awards $7 Billion for Clean Hydrogen Hubs Across the Country, Including Illinois

The Midwest hub in Illinois, Indiana and Michigan will use hydrogen in steel and glass production, power generation, heavy-duty transportation and sustainable aviation fuel. The hub plans to use renewable energy, natural gas and nuclear energy.

Steve Scalise Ends His Bid to Become US House Speaker After Failing to Secure the Votes to Win Gavel

Next steps are uncertain as the House is essentially closed while Republicans try to elect a speaker after ousting Kevin McCarthy from the job.

Sen. Menendez is Accused of Being an Unregistered Agent of Egypt’s Government in Updated Indictment

The new charge comes just weeks after Menendez and his wife were accused of accepting bribes of cash, gold bars and a luxury car from three New Jersey businessmen who wanted the senator’s help and influence over foreign affairs.

Social Security Benefits Will Increase by 3.2% in 2024 as Inflation Moderates

The cost-of-living adjustment, or COLA, means the average recipient will receive more than $50 more every month beginning in January, the Social Security Administration said Thursday. The AARP estimated that increase at $59 per month.

While the News Industry Struggles, College Students Are Supplying Some Memorable Journalism

The Daily Northwestern’s explosive interview this summer with a former football player about alleged hazing was key to the firing of head coach Pat Fitzgerald, who is suing for wrongful termination.

Republicans Nominate Steve Scalise to be House Speaker and Will Try to Unite Before Floor Vote

House Republicans narrowly pushed aside Ohio Rep. Jim Jordan, the Judiciary Committee chairman, in favor of Rep. Steve Scalise, the current majority leader, lawmakers said. A floor vote of the whole House could come as soon as Wednesday afternoon.

CO2 Pipeline Project On Hold While Company Reevaluates the Route in 5 States, Including Illinois

The proposed 1,300-mile project would carry planet-warming carbon dioxide emissions from more than 20 industrial plants across South Dakota, Nebraska, Iowa, Minnesota and Illinois. The Illinois permit is crucial because that’s where the company planned to store the carbon dioxide underground.

104-Year-Old Chicago Woman Dies Days After Making a Skydive That Could Give Her a World Record

On Oct. 1, Dorothy Hoffner made a tandem skydive that could land her in the record books as the world's oldest skydiver. She jumped out of a plane from 13,500 feet.

Israel Pounds Gaza Neighborhoods, As People Scramble for Safety in Sealed-Off Territory

The war, which has already claimed at least 1,800 lives on both sides, is only expected to escalate. The weekend attack that Hamas said was retribution for worsening Palestinian suffering under Israeli occupation has fired Israel’s determination to crush the group’s hold in Gaza — hiking risks of an expanded regional conflict.

After One Week Without a House Speaker, Republicans Appear No Closer to Choosing a New Leader

On Tuesday evening, two leading contenders for the gavel, Majority Leader Steve Scalise and Judiciary Chairman Jim Jordan, were scheduled to address colleagues behind closed doors at a candidate forum, but they appeared to be splitting the vote.

How Third-Party and Independent Candidates Could Threaten Democrats and Republicans in 2024

While the politics are murky, the fresh frenzy of outsider candidates threatens to weaken both major parties as Democratic President Joe Biden and Republican former President Donald Trump tighten their grip on their parties’ presidential nominations.

A Workforce Crisis Is Damaging Families’ Access to Therapies for Babies with Developmental Delays

The federally mandated Early Intervention program is plagued by chronic staffing shortages nationwide, leaving thousands of desperate parents frustrated: They know their children need support, they’re aware of proven therapies that could make a difference, but they have to wait for months to get the help they need.

World Record Shattered at Chicago Marathon as Kelvin Kiptum Runs 2:00:35

Kelvin Kiptum set a world record in the Chicago Marathon on Sunday, finishing in 2 hours, 35 seconds to shatter fellow Kenyan Eliud Kipchoge's old mark by 34 seconds.

Pharmacist Shortages and Heavy Workloads Challenge Drugstores Heading Into Their Busy Season

Some drugstores have addressed their challenges by adding employees at busy hours. But experts say many pharmacies, particularly the big chains, still don’t have enough workers behind the counter.

US Employers Added a Surprisingly Strong 336,000 Jobs in September in a Sign of Economic Resilience

The economy has now added an average of 266,000 jobs a month for the past three months, a streak that could make it likelier that the Federal Reserve will raise its key rate again before year’s end as it continues its drive to tame inflation.

A Look at the Contenders for House Speaker and the Demands They’re Facing From Fellow Republicans

Despite former President Donald Trump’s endorsement of House Judiciary Chairman Jim Jordan of Ohio on Friday, it’s not at all certain that any of the GOP candidates will be able to round up enough votes. 

Chicago Bears Legend Dick Butkus Dead at 80

Dick Butkus, fearsome Hall of Fame linebacker for the Chicago Bears, has died at age 80.

Biden Administration is Resuming Deportation Flights for Venezuelan Migrants as Arrivals Grow

The move is the latest effort to deal with swelling numbers of migrants as the Biden administration comes under increasing pressure from Republicans and mayors from the president’s own party to do more to slow arrivals.

Capitol Rioter From Illinois Who Attacked Reuters Cameraman and Police Officer Gets More Than 4 Years in Prison

Shane Woods, of Auburn, Illinois, took a running start and tackled the Reuters cameraman “like an NFL linebacker hunting a quarterback after an interception,” federal prosecutors wrote in a court filing.

Kevin McCarthy Ousted as House Speaker in Unprecedented Vote as Democrats Join with GOP Critics to Topple Him

Next steps are uncertain, but there is no obvious successor to lead the House Republican majority.

Matt Gaetz Launches Effort to Bring Down Kevin McCarthy, but Removing the House Speaker Is No Easy Task

On Monday, the far-right Republican from Florida announced he was using a procedural tool — called a motion to vacate — to try to strip Kevin McCarthy of his office.

Donald Trump Seethes Through the Start of Trial in New York Lawsuit Accusing Him of Lying About His Wealth

The civil case, brought by New York Attorney General Letitia James, accuses the business-mogul-turned-politician and his company of deceiving banks, insurers and others by habitually misstating his wealth in financial statements.

104-Year-Old Chicago Woman Skydives From Plane in World Record Attempt: ‘Age Is Just a Number’

Dorothy Hoffner first skydived when she was 100. On Sunday, she left her walker behind just short of the Skyvan plane at the Ottawa airport and was helped up the steps to join the others waiting inside to skydive.

Truck Crash in Central Illinois Kills 5, Seriously Injures 5 and Forces an Evacuation Due to Ammonia Leak

A semitruck carrying caustic anhydrous ammonia toppled in Teutopolis, spilling more than half of its 7,500-gallon load, according to the Illinois Environmental Protection Agency.

United Airlines Will Make Changes for People With Wheelchairs After a Government Investigation

United said the airline will add a filter to the booking tool on its website to help consumers find flights on which the plane can more easily accommodate their wheelchairs. The cargo doors on some planes are too small to easily get a motorized wheelchair in the belly of the plane.
 

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