After weeks of helping back the re-election of freshman Republican lawmakers around Rep. Joe Walsh, the National Republican Congressional Committee has made a large cable television ad buy to assist the controversial tea party-backed candidate in his race with Democratic challenger Tammy Duckworth.

Smashing Pumpkins frontman ushers in his long-dreamed-of side projectThe idea to open a gathering spot for performance and kinship has been brewing in Billy Corgan's head for years.

'It is not an attack against the Sikhs. It is an attack against humanity'Reeling from the weekend attack that left six worshippers and the gunman dead at a suburban Milwaukee temple, local Sikh leaders Monday offered guests sweet hot tea, a vegetarian meal and an education.

Facing tough re-election battle against Democratic challenger Tammy Duckworth, tea party favorite dismisses event as 'excuse to mingle with insiders'Controversial tea party-backed freshman Rep. Joe Walsh, in a tough race for re-election against Democrat Tammy Duckworth, said Thursday he would skip a visit to the Republican National Convention in Tampa, Fla., at the end of next month.

Rivals spar over student loans, Medicare, jobsThe first debate of a nationally significant congressional contest saw Republican Rep. Joe Walsh come out in favor of allowing federal student loan interest rates to double this summer and Democratic challenger Tammy Duckworth accuse her foe of advocating "crackpot" tea party ideas that she struggled to define.

Mitt Romney isn't exactly my cup of tea, and loyal readers know this. But my readers are quite civilized and know that tea is served properly with silver spoons.

Congressman was never 'a deadbeat dad,' couple say in statementRep. Joe Walsh and his ex-wife resolved a lawsuit claiming he owed child support Thursday, and as part of the settlement, the two said the controversial tea party-backed congressman was never "a deadbeat dad."

— This capital city is like all other capital cities: It is about power and reach.

Republican Rep. Joe Walsh, facing high-profile contest with Democrat Tammy Duckworth, to join in Elmhurst fundraiser with party congressional committee head Pete SessionsRepublican Rep. Joe Walsh has criticized his party's House leadership, but that's not stopping a top GOP lawmaker from raising money for him as the freshman congressman prepares to face Democrat Tammy Duckworth in a high-profile c...

Hoodie-wearing demonstrators carry tea, SkittlesAngered by the fatal shooting of 17-year-old Trayvon Martin in Florida last month, several hundred demonstrators marched through Chicago's Loop on Friday to rally for justice and show support for the teen's family.

I've never been to Whispers Coffee and Tea on North Michigan Avenue, but my credit card paid a visit there Monday.

More hospitals are incorporating soothing nature scenes to put patients at easeI helped myself to a cup of tea and sat at a cafe table bathed in light from a wall of windows.

The two Democrats vying to take on Republican U.S. Rep. Joe Walsh tried Wednesday to both identify with and reject the tea party advocates who back the firebrand congressman.

Prosecutors say he helped plot Bridgeport break-in, other robberiesJoann Lascola was sipping tea at her kitchen table, visiting with some of the many friends and extended family members she often hosts at her Bridgeport home, when she was startled by a loud bang.

Iraq War veteran to challenge Krishnamoorthi in 8th District primaryThe window for filing petitions to run for Congress in Illinois' new districts closed Tuesday with Democrats looking to take advantage of the map they drew to try to boost their numbers in Washington.

DuPage school superintendent drops out, leaves primary open for tea party-backed candidateU.S. Rep. Joe Walsh avoided a high-profile Republican primary challenge Wednesday when the DuPage County regional schools superintendent dropped out of the race.

Call me crazy, but I happen to be one of those flinty-eyed conservatives who appreciates the leftist verve of the Occupy Chicago protesters.

Freshman congressman, presidential candidate Herman Cain at tea party gathering in SchaumburgFreshman Republican U.S. Rep. Joe Walsh used a convention of tea party activists Saturday to assail GOP leadership, contending House Speaker John Boehner is trying to quell dissent because of a mistaken fear that Americans believe Washington is dysfunctional.

Wrote books for young peopleMary Jane Miller's love of stories was ingrained by some of her earliest memories, like drinking tea with an Irish grandmother who would read the leaves after they were done.

Former Fox television commentator Glenn Beck will be among the headliners this month when tea party supporters gather in Illinois to hold the Midwest Tea Party convention in Schaumburg, officials announced Monday.

Walsh fields questions about Obama, tea party, child support in visit to high school classMundelein High School students obliged when U.S. Rep. Joe Walsh encouraged them to ask him questions during a visit to their Advanced Placement government class Tuesday.

— An investigator for Democratic Gov. Pat Quinn's human rights agency got a slap on the wrist for forwarding an email before November's election that contended the Republican Party had been hijacked by "dangerous, radical hate mongers called the 'Tea Party.'"

It also must avoid contamination from establishment GOP candidatesCan the tea party movement survive the Republican candidates and the campaign for president?

Tea party take note: It's the sound of donkey noiseAs President Barack Obama's mouthpieces panicked and blamed the tea party for the nation's economic downgrade, I closed my eyes and thought of happier days.

Allegations against author lead many to reconsider support for his organizationInspired by the best-selling book "Three Cups of Tea," students at Elgin Community College began raising money in October to build a school for girls in Pakistan.

Allegations against author lead many to reconsider support for his organizationInspired by the best-selling book "Three Cups of Tea," students at Elgin Community College began raising money in October to build a school for girls in Pakistan.

Government spending among targets at Daley Plaza gatheringAsk tea party supporters why they bundled up Monday and attended a downtown rally, and many will have a similar answer.

Movement loyalists gathering Monday at Daley Plaza reflect on CNBC newsman's now-famous pleaFor some tea partyers, Rick Santelli ranks with the Founding Fathers.

Getting up at 5 a.m. might be a royal pain, but prince's London wedding is inspiring celebrations hereTwo men dressed in red and gold as British Beefeaters will guard the wedding cake. Women donning white gloves and elaborate hats will sip tea and nibble finger sandwiches on fine china. More than 100 guests will raise champagne flutes to toast the happy couple.

Tea party Republican secures seat in D.C.Republican upstart Joe Walsh held onto his whisker-thin margin over Democratic Rep. Melissa Bean as the final votes were tallied Tuesday, securing an upset for an underfunded congressional candidate who credited tea party groups — not the GOP establishment — for his win.