Next steps were highly uncertain as a bipartisan group of lawmakers floated an extraordinary plan — to give the interim speaker-pro-tempore, U.S. Rep. Patrick McHenry, R-N.C., more power to reopen the House and temporarily conduct routine business.
Stories by associated press
Jim Jordan Fails Again to Win Vote to Become House Speaker as Colleagues Seek Options
Oct 18, 2023 | Associated Press
More US Ships Head Toward Israel and 2,000 Troops Are on Heightened Alert. A Look at US Assistance
Oct 18, 2023 | Associated Press
One U.S. aircraft carrier and its strike group are already in the eastern Mediterranean and a second one has left the U.S. and is heading that way. In addition, three Marine warships are moving into the region.
Republicans Reject Rep. Jim Jordan for House Speaker on the First Ballot, Signaling More Turmoil Ahead
Oct 17, 2023 | Associated Press
More voting is expected as Jim Jordan works to shore up support to replace the ousted Kevin McCarthy for the job and the leader of the GOP’s hard-right flank moves to take a central seat of U.S. power.
Mourners in Bridgeview, a Heavily Palestinian Suburb, Remember Muslim Boy Killed as Kind, Energetic
Oct 17, 2023 | Associated Press
In Bridgeview, which is home to a large and established Palestinian community, family and friends remembered Wadea as an energetic boy who loved playing games. His body was carried in a small white casket — which was at times draped with a Palestinian flag — through packed crowds.
Chicago Bears QB Justin Fields Has Dislocated Thumb and Is Doubtful to Play Against Raiders
Oct 16, 2023 | Associated Press
Justin Fields was hurt on Chicago’s first possession of the third quarter against Minnesota. He seemed to land awkwardly on his hand trying to throw the ball away while getting sacked by Danielle Hunter. The Bears punted on the next play, and Fields headed to the locker room.
Jim Jordan’s Rapid Rise Has Been Cheered By Trump and the Far Right. Could It Soon Make Him Speaker?
Oct 16, 2023 | Associated Press
A favorite of former President Donald Trump and darling of the party’s rabble-rousing base, Jordan’s path to the U.S. government’s third-highest office is by no means certain in a House Republican conference riven by conflict following the ouster two weeks ago of former Speaker Kevin McCarthy.
An Evanston Mom and Daughter Are Missing in Israel. Their Family Says Hamas is Holding Them Hostage
Oct 14, 2023 | Associated Press
The family hasn’t heard from either mother or daughter since a week ago, after Hamas launched an unprecedented surprise attack.
Ex-DCFS Worker Guilty of Endangerment in Death of 5-Year-Old AJ Freund
Oct 13, 2023 | Associated Press
Lake County Judge George Strickland found Carlos Acosta, 57 of Woodstock, who was a case investigator for the Illinois Department of Children and Family Services, guilty of the child endangerment charge but acquitted him of a reckless conduct charge.
What to Know on the Seventh Day of the Israel-Hamas War: Ordered Evacuations in Gaza, Shelling on Border
Oct 13, 2023 | Associated Press
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
Oct 13, 2023 | Associated Press
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
Oct 12, 2023 | Associated Press
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
Oct 12, 2023 | Associated Press
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
Oct 12, 2023 | Associated Press
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
Oct 12, 2023 | Associated Press
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
Oct 11, 2023 | Associated Press
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
Oct 11, 2023 | Associated Press
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
Oct 11, 2023 | Associated Press
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
Oct 10, 2023 | Associated Press
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
Oct 10, 2023 | Associated Press
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
Oct 9, 2023 | Associated Press
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
Oct 9, 2023 | Associated Press
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
Oct 8, 2023 | Associated Press
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
Oct 7, 2023 | Associated Press
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
Oct 6, 2023 | Associated Press
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
Oct 6, 2023 | Associated Press
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
Oct 5, 2023 | Associated Press
Dick Butkus, fearsome Hall of Fame linebacker for the Chicago Bears, has died at age 80.