Welcome to our "3 Things You Didn't Know About" series. Our aim is to help you get to know your legislators a little better.

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The United States Postal Service (USPS) has proposed changes that will significantly impact package delivery times in rural areas starting after the holiday season. This proposal is part of the USPS’s broader strategy to address financial difficulties and improve their operational efficiency.

CORRUPTION

‘Everyone in the system is beholden to the speaker’: Opening statements kick off trial of ex-AT&T boss accused of bribing Madigan. AT&T Illinois had tried for years to win powerful House Speaker Michael Madigan’s support for a bill ending mandated landline service, but it wasn’t until the company’s president agreed to secretly pay thousands of dollars to a Madigan associate for a do-nothing contract that the deal got done, federal prosecutors told a jury Wednesday.

Illinois is home to an array of apple orchards that offer a delicious harvest and fun-filled adventures for the whole family. Across the state, orchards open their gates to visitors eager to enjoy crisp autumn days filled with apple picking, hayrides, and tasty treats.

Illinois’ apple orchards are a significant part of the state’s agricultural landscape. With over 1,000 acres dedicated to apple orchards, Illinois ranks among the top 25 apple-producing states in the country. Popular varieties grown across the state include Honeycrisp, Gala, and Jonathan, which thrive in the state’s fertile soil and temperate climate.

Last month, in a special dedication ceremony, the Peoria Riverfront Museum unveiled display cases that would ultimately feature duck decoys. But it wasn’t the decoys that were the subject of the celebration. It was unprecedented collaboration that resulted in the first business deal in generations between a central Illinois entity and the Peoria Tribe of Indians of Oklahoma.

23 years ago, on a September morning that seemed like any other, America was forever changed. It’s a day etched into the collective memory of all of us, a day when the world stood still, watching as the unthinkable unfolded. The events of September 11, 2001, shook us to our core, but they also revealed the indomitable spirit of a nation bound together by resilience, courage, and unity.

Anyone who has visited the Illinois State Capitol in the past couple of years has noticed a lot of construction. The north wing of the Capitol is currently in the midst of a three-year renovation project which will bring the historic building into the 21st century while preserving its 19th century atmosphere and décor.

Route 66 was an iconic highway that captured the imagination of the American traveler and made for the quintessential road trip.  U.S. Highway 66 operated as a federal highway from 1926 until its decommissioning in 1985. In celebration of the historic highway's 100th anniversary in 2026,  the Illinois State Museum is collecting stories from individuals who experienced the Illinois leg of the original Route 66. 

FLAG OF ILLINOIS
Process begins to accept public suggestions for possible new Illinois state flag. The Flag of Illinois, which is the State seal on a white background (“field”) with the name “Illinois” under the seal, has bene in place since 1970. A key element of the flag, the State seal, was adopted in 1869. This 1869 state seal is an old-fashioned emblem, influence by the heraldic tradition of European aristocracy, which was adopted after the successful end of America’s Civil War. The seal draws a complicated picture that includes a triumphant eagle with an American shield, the State motto, a rising sun, key dates of Illinois history, and other symbolic images.

The Illinois Supreme Court recently upheld a lower court ruling that declared a controversial sweeping election law passed by Illinois Democrats unconstitutional. Senate Bill 2412, which House Republicans nicknamed the “Katie Stuart Protection Act,” sought to end the longstanding practice of allowing local party organizations to appoint candidates to the ballot for the general election in uncontested legislative races. The slating process requires a candidate to collect and file signed petitions by registered voters within the respective district, but Democrats tried to eliminate the slating practice altogether.

Periods of warm, dry, and windy weather can lead to the dangers of wildfires burning in Illinois. The Illinois Department of Natural Resources (IDNR) urges Illinois residents to become more vigilant and educated on wildfire safety so that incidents of fires can be prevented. In the last decade there have been instances of large fires at state park properties. 

Central Illinois will soon have a new trade school focused on traditional Catholic education. San Damiano College for the Trades is expected to open the doors in the Fall of 2025. Kent Lasnoski, the president of the school, is excited for this new chapter in his life. He is eager to start offering quality education through trades such as carpentry, plumbing and electrical contracting.

In August of last year, House Republicans were fielding calls from doctors, nurses and other healthcare professionals fearful that they would lose their jobs due to continued delays at the Illinois Department of Financial and Professional Regulation (IDFPR), the state agency responsible for approving and renewing their licenses.

Something had to be done, Illinois couldn't afford to lose more healthcare professionals as we face a growing nursing shortage.

For many Americans, Labor Day marks the end of summer, a time for parades, picnics, events and store sales. But Labor Day is rooted in much more. The holiday was instituted in the late nineteenth century to recognize the many contributions workers have made to America’s strength, prosperity, and well-being.

Every year, on the Friday before Labor Day, we celebrate College Colors Day. This day is an opportunity for people to showcase their school pride by wearing the colors of their alma mater or favorite college or university. It's a celebration of the rich academic culture and diverse educational opportunities that Illinois has to offer.

Reposted from August 24, 2023

The origins of high school football in Illinois date back to the 1880s. Some of the state’s most tradition-rich programs originated before 1900, including schools such as Oak Park, East Aurora, Freeport, Woodstock, Joliet, West Aurora, Pontiac, Pittsfield, and East St. Louis. Many of the greatest legends in the history of the sport played high school football in Illinois, including Red Grange, Otto Graham, Dick Butkus, Ray Nitschke, and Kellen Winslow, to name a few. 

It’s late summer in Illinois and that can mean extreme heat and high humidity. A dangerous combination for people and pets alike. 

While we do all we can to keep ourselves and our families cool, let's not  forget about our four-footed friends. The best way to keep your pets safe during a heatwave is to follow these steps from the Humane Society:

One of Illinois’ most popular state parks could be expanding soon.

For over 100 years, Illinoisans and visitors to our state have flocked to Starved Rock State Park in LaSalle County to take in the natural beauty, the hiking trails and the history. In 1911 the state purchased much of the land and made Starved Rock Illinois’ second state park.

Illinois Constitution Day is observed every August 26. This date marks the ratification of Illinois' first state constitution in 1818, a milestone moment in Illinois’ journey to statehood. This day now offers an opportunity to reflect on the significance of this historic event and how it continues to shape the governance and identity of Illinois. House Bill 2834 from the 102nd General Assembly, which establishes Illinois Constitution Day, was introduced in 2021 to ensure that the significance of the state's constitutional history is recognized and celebrated statewide.

   

SENIORS

      House Republicans champion legislation to help seniors.  Illinois House Republicans continue to step up to protect and support the senior community through a series of legislative efforts aimedat enhancing the lives of seniors across the state. Representatives Ryan Spain, Jeff Keicher, Kevin Schmidt and other House Republican legislators have introduced and championed bills that address key issues affecting older adults, from healthcare and housing to financial stability and driver safety.

State lawmakers don't just attend legislative sessions at the Capitol, cast votes on proposed laws and go home for the rest of the year. They actually spend a considerable amount of time assisting constituents, studying state issues and conducting outreach in their districts. What's more, these activities go on throughout the year and generally heighten during the summer months after the General Assembly finishes its work in May.

Illinois House Republicans continue to step up to protect and support the senior community through a series of legislative efforts aimed at enhancing the lives of seniors across the state. Representatives Ryan Spain, Jeff Keicher, Kevin Schmidt and other House Republican legislators have introduced and championed bills that address key issues affecting older adults, from healthcare and housing to financial stability and driver safety.

Welcome to our "3 Things You Didn't Know About" series. Our aim is to help you get to know your legislator a little better.

With sky-high inflation still impacting hard-working Illinois families and the new school year set to begin, it’s important to consider ways to save money. Food prices, gasoline costs, interest rates, rent and almost all living expenses continue to rise, and with little end in sight. Saving money in the current economic climate may not be easy, but there are tips and strategies that can be utilized to help families.
Back-to-school spending is expected to reach record highs this year across the country. Back-to-school costs expected to reach new high (chicagotribune.com) And in Chicago, parents spend $886 per child on average, which is 34 percent more than the national average. With inflation and no sales tax holiday in place this year, many families will have difficult choices to make.

CORRUPTION
Prosecutors Ask Court to Reject Effort to Sever Upcoming Racketeering Trials of Michael Madigan, Michael McClain. Federal prosecutors argued ex-Illinois House Speaker Michael Madigan and his longtime confidant and current co-defendant Michael McClain should not be tried separately later this year, as it would give each man the ability to “blame a missing person.”

The Illinois Air National Guard is a military reserve unit comprised of dedicated individuals who have made it their mission to protect both their state and their country. From its humble beginnings in 1927 to its modern-day role in national defense and humanitarian efforts, the Illinois Air National Guard has been a steadfast guardian of freedom. This commitment is reflected in the lives of its members, many of whom go on to become leaders in their communities, embodying the values of duty, honor, and sacrifice.

Children will soon be boarding buses to head back to school. According to the State Board of Education and the Illinois State Police the most dangerous part of the school bus ride for students is the bus stop.

Children are at greatest risk when they are getting on or off the school bus. Most of the children killed in bus-related crashes are five to seven year olds getting on or off the bus when they are hit by motorists illegally passing a stopped school bus. 

Welcome to our "3 Things You Didn't Know About" series. Our aim is to help you get to know your legislator a little better.

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Quantum computing has become a buzzword in the world of technology, but many people are still unclear about what it actually is and how it works. Quantum computing utilizes the principles of quantum mechanics to perform operations on data in a fundamentally different way than classical computing. Instead of using bits to represent data as either a 0 or 1, quantum computers use quantum bits or qubits, which can exist in multiple states at once thanks to the phenomenon of superposition.

Golf is an important part of Illinois’ tourism economy. The state is home to some of the finest golfing destinations in the country. Illinois has also been host to many PGA, LPGA, and amateur golf tournaments over the years. The 1989 PGA Championship, the U.S. Women’s Amatuer Championship, the PGA Grand Slam of Golf, and the Ameritech/SBC Senior Open are just a few examples of great golf tournaments that have all taken place right here in Illinois!

Each August, more than 175 Illinois communities around the state participate in National Night Out. The program began in 1984 as a way to link Neighborhood Watch and Law Enforcement organizations with residents in their communities. On this night, neighborhoods across the state host block parties, festivals, parades, cookouts and various other community events with safety demonstrations, seminars, youth events, visits from emergency personnel, exhibits and more. It has become an effective way to strengthen the relationship between law enforcement and communities.

CRIME
Proposed Illinois law would cut all prison sentences in half: ‘Fair’ or ‘outrageous’? A proposed bill could grant JoAnn Cunningham – who is serving 35 years for killing her 5-year-old son AJ in their Crystal Lake home – freedom after completing only half her sentence.

Should the measure become law, it also could free the child’s father, AJ Freund Sr., who was sentenced to 30 years for crimes tied to his son’s murder, after serving 15. His term currently is ordered to be served at 85%, which would keep him in prison for about 25 years.

As summer ends and a new school year approaches, many Illinois families are feeling the financial strain. With the rising cost of living, back-to-school shopping can be tough. From clothes and shoes to school supplies, the expenses add up quickly, causing stress for parents who are already struggling.

State Representative Jennifer Sanalitro (R-Hanover Park) understands these challenges and is committed to doing her part to help. She is hosting her Second Annual Back to School Supply Drive to support students and families in her community. This initiative stemmed from her desire to ensure every student has the necessary tools to succeed in school.

Sometime during the 1873 legislative session, Andrew Henry of Greenville, a judge and state legislator, sat for a portrait with an acclaimed Springfield pencil and crayon artist named Dennis Williams.

Williams completed the illustration, signed it and marked it with the year, then placed the drawing in a frame, on which was stenciled “From C.C. Howorth’s Picture & Frame Store. No. 14, American House Block.”

Welcome to our "3 Things You Didn't Know About" series. Our aim is to help you get to know your legislator a little better. 

Illinois is known for its rich history of agriculture, and the state's farmers markets are the perfect places to experience what Illinois farms are producing. These markets are a source of fresh, locally produced goods. They also serve as opportunities to bring communities together to support one another.

A recent competition held by the American Farmland Trust and Farmers Market Coalition named the top 10 Farmer’s Markets in Illinois, as reported by the Illinois Farm Bureau: 

On August 4, 2003, second and third graders from Cunningham Elementary in Joliet witnessed the final step of their class project when the governor signed legislation that made popcorn the official snack food of the State of Illinois. 

The designation makes sense. There are more than 300 Illinois farms growing popcorn on 47,000 acres of farmland. This makes the land of Lincoln the third largest grower of popcorn in the world.

ILLINOIS STATE FAIR
The State Fair kicks off in Springfield on Thursday, August 8. Special days include Ag Day (August 9), Kids Day (August 10), Veterans Day (August 11), and Senior Day (August 12). During special days, designated State Fair visitors can get discounted or free admission to the Fair. Special group-oriented events are also offered on each day of the Fair, which will continue until Family Day on Sunday, August 18. The daily State Fair schedule is available here.

Gov. JB Pritzker and the Illinois Department of Corrections (IDOC) announced in March the state intended to tear down and rebuild two prisons in poor conditions: Stateville Correctional Center for men in Crest Hill outside of Joliet, and the Logan Correctional Center (LLC) for women outside of Lincoln.

The initial announcement did not immediately indicate what would become of LCC, stating only that Stateville would be rebuilt where it was and that plans for LCC were still being determined.

In Urbana on the University of Illinois campus sits a historical marker that reads:  "In 1953, John R. Laughnan discovered that kernels of mutant corn were "unusually sweet." Within eight years, Laughnan had developed the "Illini Supersweet" hybrid that revolutionized the sweet corn industry. Supersweet, now a dominant variety internationally, is higher in protein and lower in calories than conventional sweet corn." 

On Saturday, Representative Kevin Schmidt hosted a free Tire Recycling Event for his constituents at the O’Fallon Township Building where more than 300 tires were collected and will be safely recycled. 

“I was very glad to see my constituents contribute to this event and bring their old tires. Particularly in the rural areas of my district, events like this are very helpful," said Schmidt. "Tires from cars and farm equipment are hard to dispose of and I’m happy to help.”

Recycling tires can help the community in the following ways: 

• Conserves landfill space freeing up room for items that cannot be easily recycled.
• Prevents diseases caused by rodents, insects and other pests taking up residence in old tires.
• Reduces pollution caused by tire fires.

Military service members and their spouses who move to Illinois will find it less complicated than just a few years ago to obtain professional licensure in the Land of Lincoln. Whether a service member is transitioning to civilian life or their spouse is transitioning to a new residence, the state of Illinois is poised to smooth the way. 

Illinois is committed to ensuring those who serve our county and their spouses will be able to work in the fields for which they have trained and at the same time address critical shortages in the healthcare field. 

This guide includes information about National Historic Sites across Illinois including the only National Historical Park and National Forest located in Illinois, three National Historic Trails, and nearly 90 National Historic Landmarks.

NATIONAL HISTORICAL PARK

Pullman National Historical Park, Chicago, IL
Pullman National Historical Park (originally Pullman National Monument) was designated by President Barack Obama on February 19, 2015, making it the first National Park Service unit in Chicago. The park tells the story of one of the first planned industrial communities in the United States, the sleeping car magnate who helped create it, and the workers who lived there. The district is significant for its influence on urban planning and design, as well as its role in American labor history, including the 1894 Pullman Strike and Boycott.

CORRUPTION
McClain wants to be tried separately from Madigan in federal corruption case. A defendant in the upcoming federal prosecution of former Illinois House Speaker Michael Madigan wants his own trial separate from Madigan.

Defendant Michael McClain, a former state lawmaker and ComEd lobbyist known for his close association with Madigan, has filed a request to sever his trial from Madigan's because Madigan's defense team plans to blame McClain for any wrongdoing.

The 2024 Summer Olympic Games in Paris will kick-off with the opening ceremony on July 26 and conclude on August 11. Athletes will compete in 32 sports and 329 medal events. 27 Olympic athletes and 9 Paralympic athletes from Illinois will represent the U.S. at the Summer Games.

The State Archives serves as the depository of public records of Illinois state and local governmental agencies which possess permanent administrative, legal, or historical research values. More than 75,000 cubic feet of paper, microfilm, photographs and audio and film recordings are housed in the Margaret Cross Norton Building on the capitol complex in Springfield. Paper records date back before 1818 statehood and include governors' correspondence, public acts, departmental histories, census records, military records, election results and more.

In February 2024 the Defense POW/MIA Accounting Agency announced that U.S. Army Air Forces Tech Sgt. William L. Leukering, 28, of Metropolis, Illinois, killed during World War II, was "accounted for" eight decades after his bomber was shot out of the sky. His remains were identified on March 20, 2023. Luekering was buried with full military honors exactly 80 years after his death.

If you have a stash of unwanted paint, cleaners, batteries, light bulbs or other household hazardous materials stored in your home, the Illinois Environmental Protection Agency (IEPA) wants to help you dispose of them safely.

Household hazardous wastes (HHW) are materials that are residentially generated but potentially have the dangerous properties of hazardous waste when they are no longer used for their intended purpose.

The most important numbers about Illinois’ population loss may be from the Internal Revenue Service. That’s because the IRS knows exactly how many taxpayers are filing returns and how much income they have, by state.

The new numbers released by the IRS this past month are more bad news for Illinois. Illinois continues to bleed taxpayers, taking billions of dollars of income with them. Our tax base is fleeing.

In all, Illinois netted a loss of 87,000 residents, with 175,000 people moving into Illinois from other states and 262,000 moving out. That loss was the third-largest in the country, with only California and New York netting bigger losses of residents. Read the rest of the story by Mark Glennon on the Daily Journal.

When Faith Colson was an Illinois high school student she was made to feel special by one of her teachers. He became a trusted adult to whom she could turn when needed. Until he wasn't. 

Until he kissed her then sexually abused her. Until he betrayed her trust.