In a surprising move, the judge overseeing the corruption trial of former Illinois House Speaker Michael Madigan instructed the jury on Monday to disregard all testimony from Illinois state Rep. Bob Rita, D-Blue Island. Judge John Robert Blakey gave no explanation for the decision, despite Rita’s brief testimony on October 24.
Mayor Brandon Johnson’s revised 2025 Chicago budget proposal, the fourth draft, has eliminated plans for a property tax increase and unpaid furlough days for city employees, following resistance from the Chicago City Council.
A 16-year-old boy in New Mexico, Diego Leyva, is accused of killing his entire family and calling 911 to drunkenly confess. The Valencia County Sheriff’s Office received the call early Saturday morning at approximately 3:30 a.m. Deputies arrived at the home in Belen to find four family members dead from gunshot wounds.
Kentucky Governor Andy Beshear (D) firmly rejected calls for state funding of sex change operations for transgender inmates, emphasizing the need to prioritize law-abiding citizens over convicted felons.
With fewer than 40 days until Inauguration Day, President-elect Donald Trump is adjusting his approach to key campaign promises. While his “Promises Made, Promises Kept” mantra energized his base throughout the 2024 campaign, Trump is now striking a more tempered tone on major issues like inflation, foreign policy, and government spending.
Dutch populist leader Geert Wilders was awarded the Jabotinsky Prize for Liberty during his visit to Israel, where he affirmed his unwavering support for the Jewish state. Speaker of the Knesset Amir Ohana presented the award, commending Wilders for his decades-long advocacy against radical Islam and support for Israel’s sovereignty. Wilders met with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, President Isaac Herzog, and other senior officials during his diplomatic visit.
Vice President Kamala Harris has been making the rounds at holiday gatherings, but her recent appearances have sparked concerns over her demeanor and coherence. During a Christmas party at the Naval Observatory on Wednesday evening, Harris raised eyebrows with her tipsy-sounding remarks and signature cackling.
A new Fox News Poll shows President-elect Donald Trump’s return to the White House has left more than half of voters feeling optimistic about the future. Among those surveyed, 54% said they felt hopeful, while 50% reported feeling relieved. Nearly half (48%) expressed excitement over the election outcome.
