BUDGET
House Republicans call out Pritzker for lack of transparency on budget cuts. State Representatives Amy Elik and Regan Deering held a press conference Thursday to call out Governor JB Pritzker for his political posturing. In September, Governor Pritzker directed his agencies in Executive Order 2025-05 to identify immediate spending reductions, but blamed the Trump Administration rather than his own for the need to rein in spending. Governor Pritzker gave his agencies a deadline of October 23rd to identify areas to cut. 

Photo Credit: Yordy Turkey Farm, Morton, Ill.

As Thanksgiving approaches, Illinois families gather around tables filled with gratitude—and turkey. But behind every golden roast is a hardworking network of farmers, processors, and small businesses that make up Illinois’ proud turkey industry. While our state is often celebrated for corn and soybeans, turkey producers are quietly driving economic growth, supporting rural communities, and keeping America fed.

For the 27th year, Canadian Pacific’s Holiday Train will be touring Canada and the U.S. while raising money, food and awareness to support food banks. This year’s schedule is set for Nov. 19 through Dec. 2, with two stops here in Illinois.

Each year, the dazzling festive train invites guests to experience the holiday spirit by enjoying the vibrant colorful lights, live music, and giving to local charities. The musicians play for free as the train rolls across the rails spreading holiday cheer. Once the train stops at its destination, the doors open, the stage lowers, and the music kicks off! 

Veterans Day, since November 11th, 1919, has been celebrated annually in the United States as a way to show gratitude to those who have selflessly served in one of the branches of the United States Armed Forces.

The holiday grew out of the commemoration of Armistice Day, the Department of Veterans Affairs says, when fighting between the Allied countries and Germany ended on the 11th hour of the 11th day of the 11th month. It was to have been the end of “the war to end all wars," and is observed annually on Nov. 11, no matter what day of the week that date falls. 

November 10, 2025, marks the 250th Birthday of the United States Marine Corps, a day set aside to recognize the strength, bravery, and sacrifice made by countless men and women throughout our nation’s history. For nearly a quarter millennium, the Marine Corps has stood as one of the world’s most elite military forces, ensuring domestic security and global peace. 

VETO SESSION RECAP
Leader McCombie Recaps Veto Session on Fox 32 Chicago. Illinois House Minority Leader Tony McCombie talked about legislative veto session with Fox 32 Chicago’s Paris Schutz: from transit to energy, there was a lot to unpack. Check out her latest interview.

AFFORDABILITY CRISIS
Pritzker Promises Affordability, Delivers the Opposite. In yet another exaggerated claim, Governor JB Pritzker told reporters Wednesday that Democrats have been “delivering for the people” of Illinois. But the actions taken by the Governor and his allies in the General Assembly last week prove the opposite.

The 2025 holiday hiring season is here, with thousands of part-time and seasonal jobs available. Early projections are calling for a 2.7 percent bump in job openings when compared with 2024, but overall figures are still expected to be below pre-pandemic (2019) levels. Nearly two-thirds of seasonal jobs are in retail, led by associates, sales associates, and cashier positions.

Though job postings may be slightly up, worker interest has surged. That means job seekers will have a more difficult time finding seasonal employment this year. In addition, economic uncertainty is expected to affect staffing levels in some areas, and more companies are not announcing their hiring goals for the upcoming holiday season.