Texas Republicans on Friday began a second special session to approve new congressional maps sought by President Donald Trump to bolster his party ahead of the 2026 midterm elections as California Democrats prepared to unveil their own redistricting plan in an intensifying fight over control of Congress.

Texas Republicans ended a legislative session Friday without approving new congressional maps, but they were ready to begin another to satisfy President Donald Trump’s wishes for redistricting that bolsters their party ahead of the 2026 midterm elections as a multistate fight over control of Congress intensifies.

California Gov. Gavin Newsom stood with other prominent Democratic leaders Thursday to announce that the state will move forward with a partisan plan to redraw congressional maps in an effort to help his party win five more U.S. House seats in 2026.

The sternly worded statements and letters are filled with indignation and outrage: Republican U.S. lawmakers say Canada has done too little to contain wildfires and smoke that have fouled the air in several states this summer.

The Bears might want the state to provide them with property-tax certainty before they build a new stadium for themselves, writes columnist Jim O’Donnell, but they don’t have the negotiating leverage to get what they want.

More than 33,000 kindergartners through seniors and transitional students returned to classrooms Monday across Elgin Area School District U-46 schools for the first day of classes.

Some suburban students will be asked to power down as schools enact new procedures this year to quiet cellphone distractions in the classroom.

Elgin Township is hosting a free community event on Aug. 16 to showcase local social service agencies, volunteer opportunities, and provide family fun like a vehicle "Touch-a-Truck.