- Oct 30
Pope Leo XIV votes by mail in US midterms, ballot sent to Chicago
The Holy See Press Office confirmed on Friday, 30 October, that the pope cast a mail ballot for the 3 November midterms. Election records cited by the Chicago Sun-Times show a request logged on 3 October under his civil name, at his brother's address in New Lenox, Illinois.
- Oct 15
Illinois man charged over plot to attack Aurora Hindu temple, police say
Police say Alexandros Paporakis, 19, drove into a Hindu temple's parking lot in Aurora on Sunday, 11 October, then left. He later told co-workers his rifle had jammed, and he was arrested that day after a tip.
- Oct 5
Dennis Hastert, longest-serving Republican US House speaker, dies at 84
Former US House Speaker Dennis Hastert, who led the chamber from 1999 to 2007 before serving prison time for a hush-money bank scheme, died of natural causes at his Illinois home at age 84.
- Oct 5
Donald Trump names 24-year-old former correspondent Beni Rae Harmony as assistant press secretary
The White House appointed former Real America's Voice reporter Beni Rae Harmony as assistant press secretary as the lead spokesperson position remains vacant following Karoline Leavitt's resignation.
- Oct 3
Ray Close, former European champion who drew with Chris Eubank, dies at 57
Former European super middleweight boxing champion Ray Close, best known for two world title bouts against Chris Eubank in 1993 and 1994, has died at the age of 57.
