As November draws near, Illinoisans are gearing up for the transition back to Standard Time as Daylight Saving Time (DST) ends this weekend. On Sunday, November 2, 2025, at precisely 2 a.m., clocks will be set back one hour. This change signals the official return to Standard Time. This gives an extra hour of sleep for many but also the arrival of earlier sunsets and longer nights. 

Nestled just outside Chicago’s city limits, the Village of Rosemont has quietly transformed into one of Illinois’ most dynamic tourism hubs. With a population of just under 4,000, Rosemont punches far above its weight—drawing millions of visitors annually and generating substantial economic activity for the region.

Rosemont’s proximity to O’Hare International Airport and its direct access to major highways make it a natural magnet for conventions, entertainment, and hospitality. The village’s leadership has capitalized on this strategic location, building out infrastructure that supports large-scale tourism while preserving a strong sense of community. 

Do you know someone who has been the victim of a stroke? The chances are very high, as one in six people worldwide will suffer a stroke during their lifetime. In fact, one in four adults over the age of 25 are victims of a stroke. Strokes are the second-leading cause of death worldwide.

 
On World Stroke Day, it is vitally important to bring awareness to learning the warning signs of a stroke, get immediate help to stroke victims, and also how to prevent strokes from occurring. 

Every year on October 28th, we come together as a nation to recognize and celebrate the brave men and women who stand on the front lines during our most challenging moments. National First Responders Day is a time to honor the firefighters, police officers, paramedics, emergency medical technicians (EMTs), and other emergency personnel who respond to calls for help, often risking their own lives to protect and serve their communities. 

On July 4, 2026, our nation will mark a once-in-a-generation milestone: the 250th anniversary of the signing of the Declaration of Independence. With just 250 days to go, communities across Illinois and the country are preparing to honor America’s founding principles and the people who have shaped our shared story.

The U.S. Semiquincentennial Commission—known as America250—is leading the charge with initiatives designed to engage every American. Their expanded “America’s Field Trip” contest is offering students behind-the-scenes experiences at historic sites, museums, and cultural institutions. The goal: inspire the next generation to connect with our nation’s history in meaningful ways. 

VETO SESSION
It’s a Spooky Season for Spending in Illinois. Last month, Governor JB Pritzker issued an Executive Order calling for 4% across-the-board budget cuts in response to projected deficit spending. But let’s be clear, he didn’t need an Executive Order to balance Illinois’ budget. What he needed was the discipline to do his job.

Pritzker’s directive required state agencies to submit plans for spending cuts and reserve management within 30 days. Today, the time is up and no such cuts have been announced. While the Governor has pointed to the federal government as a source of Illinois’ budget challenges, the State’s fiscal woes are far from new. 

October 26th marks National Pumpkin Day, a time celebrate one of fall’s most iconic symbols. Pumpkins play a big role in our autumn traditions and are part of many delicious recipes. Whether you’re eating pumpkin pie or carving a jack-o-lantern, there’s a lot of ways to celebrate National Pumpkin Day! And when it comes to pumpkins, Illinois is at the heart of it all. 

Our hearts break for Darren and Cindy Bailey. The unimaginable loss of their son, daughter-in-law, and two grandchildren is devastating beyond words. We lift their family in prayer and ask for comfort, strength, and peace for all who loved them.

- Illinois House Minority Leader Tony McCombie

Property taxes are high in Illinois, and failing policies championed by Democrats continue to make the situation worse. In fact, depending on the metric or the source that is cited, Illinois residents pay the highest or second-highest property tax rate in the nation. There are plenty of horror stories out there, including in the south and southwest suburbs in Cook County. Residents in these areas are dealing with exorbitant and devastating property tax increases year after year. 

For centuries, Halloween has been celebrated around the world by children and adults alike. While the reason for celebration has gradually changed since the first Celtic festivals, October 31st has long been recognized as a day for communities to come together to enjoy spooky fun. Today, Halloween remains one of the most popular holidays in the United States and is often spent visiting haunted houses, carving pumpkins, and trick-or-treating. In 2025, an estimated $13.1 billion will be spent on Halloween-related goods (a new record), with more than 70% of Americans planning to celebrate. 

As the fall season continues, Illinois families are in for a scare. Not one from ghosts and goblins, but from a revived parade of Democrat tax hikes that are expected during veto session. These frightening tax hikes will hit Illinois families the hardest as Democrats work to fill in budget gaps created by their own overspending.

In fact, taxpayers are already feeling the effects of Springfield’s fiscal recklessness. Earlier this year, Democrats rammed through nearly $1 billion in new taxes on a variety of things, such as sports betting, hotel and short-term rentals, cell phones, tobacco, and more. 

This October 20-24, we’re recognizing National School Bus Safety Week, a time to shine a spotlight on school bus safety and the role each of us plays in protecting children as they travel to and from school.

The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) is urging drivers everywhere to take school bus safety seriously and be vigilant around buses. Even though school buses are designed to be one of the safest modes of transportation, far too many tragedies happen when drivers disregard the stop signs, ignore the flashing red lights, and fail to slow down. 

CORRUPTION
Convicted ex-Speaker Micheal J. Madigan begins his 7½-year federal prison sentence. The longtime head of the Illinois Democratic Party reported on Monday to FPC Morgantown, a minimum-security federal prison camp in northern West Virginia, to begin his 7.5-year federal prison sentence for bribery and racketeering charges. 

The “White Squirrels of Olney” in southern Illinois are a population of albino Eastern gray squirrels that have become a local mascot for the community. A rare occurrence for this species, these unique squirrels, characterized by their white fur and pink eyes, are considered a tourist attraction and are protected by town ordinances, which grant them the right-of-way on public streets. The town's identity is strongly tied to its white squirrel population, which can be seen in the city's logo, statues, and local shops (Welcome to the city of Olney, IL). 

Each October 15, we come together to observe National Pregnancy and Infant Loss Remembrance Day. For many, it’s a day to honor the lives of children who were lost far too soon, whether through miscarriage, stillbirth, or infant death. For others, it’s a time to show support, lending a voice to the silent grief that countless families experience. It’s a day that reminds us that while these losses are common, the journey through them is unique and deeply personal. 

The story of National Pregnancy and Infant Loss Remembrance Day began with an awareness movement in the United States. In 1988, President Ronald Reagan officially designated October as Pregnancy and Infant Loss Awareness Month. His proclamation looked to shine a light on the experiences of families who had suffered the heartbreak of losing a baby during pregnancy or infancy, and also the silent grief that follows these losses. 

Illinois electricity customers were hit with sticker shock this summer when an extended stretch of 90–100-degree heat and high humidity drove up energy demand and strained the grid.

Illinois’ electricity grid is managed through a multi-layered system involving several key organizations — each responsible for different aspects of generation, transmission, regulation, and distribution. 

Initially a day to remember when the explorer Christopher Columbus landed in the New World on October 12, 1492, the Columbus Day holiday has since evolved into celebrating Italian-American heritage.

The first Columbus Day celebration took place in 1792, when New York’s Columbian Order—better known as Tammany Hall—held an event to commemorate the historic landing’s 300th anniversary. Taking pride in Columbus’ birthplace and faith, Italian and Catholic communities in various parts of the country began organizing annual religious ceremonies and parades in his honor. 

The United States Navy celebrates its historic 250th birthday this year. In commemoration, activities and events have been held across the country, including on the East Coast in Philadelphia and Camden, New Jersey. President Trump marked the celebration with a rally in front of 10,000 sailors in Virginia last week.

The Navy dates back to October 13, 1775, with action taken by the Continental Congress in Philadelphia. Congress approved supplying General George Washington with an armed schooner and sloop to seize British supplies. Other vessels were sent to patrol key ports to intercept British transports. These armed actions in the final months of 1775 established the U.S. Navy during the early days of the Revolutionary War. 

October 12 in National Farmer's Day! Illinois and the larger Midwest region provide the food that feeds not just the rest of the nation, but much of the world. Today, with innovations such as ethanol and soy biodiesel, Illinois farms are also key players in the 21st century energy economy. Through its many forms: farming, manufacturing, retailing and trading, agriculture has been the backbone of Illinois’ economy for over 200 years. But it was a long road to get here, one built by the hard work of generations of Illinois family farmers and Illinois-based agribusiness companies. 

VETO SESSION
Veto Session Begins Next Week. On October 14, 2025, the Illinois General Assembly returns to Springfield after the summer adjournment period comes to an end.

The annual Veto Session, for decades, was used by lawmakers to consider voting to override vetoes leveled by the governor on bills that were passed during the previous spring Session. In recent years, the Veto Session has been used by Democrats to ram through tax increases, erode Second Amendment Rights, and pass new legislation unrelated to veto action. Governor Pritzker has vetoed very few bills in recent years, as Democrats hold supermajorities in both the House and Senate, and rarely pass legislation that would see the governor exercise his veto authority. 

On October 14, 2025, the Illinois General Assembly returns to Springfield after the summer adjournment period comes to an end.

The annual Veto Session, for decades, was used by lawmakers to consider voting to override vetoes leveled by the governor on bills that were passed during the previous spring Session. In recent years, the Veto Session has been used by Democrats to ram through tax increases, erode Second Amendment Rights, and pass new legislation unrelated to veto action. Governor Pritzker has vetoed very few bills in recent years, as Democrats hold supermajorities in both the House and Senate, and rarely pass legislation that would see the governor exercise his veto authority. 

As the leaves turn and the air grows crisp, there’s no better way to toast the season than with a pint of pumpkin-flavored beer. Illinois, home to a thriving craft beer scene, offers a delicious array of autumn-inspired brews that celebrate the cozy, spicy essence of fall. Whether you're a seasoned beer enthusiast or just looking for something festive to sip, these local pumpkin beers are worth seeking out. 

Education is the single greatest lever we have for hope. But in Illinois today, families who want a better fit for their children’s schooling face needless barriers. A new federal law has handed us a chance to expand educational opportunities in Illinois, if Governor Pritzker has the courage to act.

In 2025, Congress passed what’s formally known as the One Big Beautiful Bill Act (OBBA). Within that bill is the Educational Choice for Children provision, a federal tax credit allowing individuals to receive a dollar-for-dollar credit (up to $1,700) on their federal taxes when they donate to state-approved Scholarship Granting Organizations (SGOs). Those SGOs in turn can allocate scholarship funds for qualifying education expenses: tuition, fees, tutoring, special needs services, books, transportation, technology, and more. 

It has been two long years since Hamas militants initiated a deadly surprise attack in Israel. On October 7, 2023, entire families were slaughtered in their homes, and Hamas militants took more than 250 people as hostages, 10 of whom were Americans. Hamas terrorists staged a mass slaughter of soldiers and civilians in at least 22 Israeli villages, towns, and military outposts. The initial death toll was around 1,200, including over 800 civilians and more than 40 Americans. 

Each October, we recognize Breast Cancer Awareness Month. It is a time to raise awareness about this disease that affects millions of individuals and families across the nation. In Illinois alone, approximately 12,000 women are diagnosed with breast cancer each year, according to the Illinois Department of Public Health. This statistic shows the urgent need for education, early detection, and support for those affected.

Breast cancer is the most common cancer among women in the United States, and while survival rates have improved significantly over the past few decades, early detection remains crucial. The American Cancer Society reports that when detected early, the five-year survival rate is about 99%. This is why regular screenings, such as mammograms, which can detect cancer before symptoms appear, are highly recommended. 

VETO SESSION
2025 Fall Veto Session Preview. In a couple of weeks, the Illinois General Assembly will return to Springfield to convene for the annual two-week Veto Session. The session is scheduled for October 14-16 and October 28-30. The Veto Session is generally intended for the legislature to review legislation passed in the spring that has received a total veto or an amendatory veto from the Governor. The legislature can seek to override a Governor’s veto by a 3/5 majority vote in each chamber or vote to accept an amendatory veto. 

As manufacturing jobs are vanishing across Illinois, two Metro East leaders are fighting back. State Representative Amy Elik and State Senator Erica Harriss are fighting to keep Granite City Works alive.

Granite City, Illinois is a proud blue-collar steel town. Just 10 miles east of St. Louis, the town’s steel history dates back to the 19th century. The steel mill began operations in 1895 under the name Granite City Steel, and has served as the heartbeat of the entire city for over a century. When U.S. Steel acquired the plant in 1927, it cemented itself in America’s industrial history. 

A few weeks ago Illinois played host to the Pumpkin Party of the Century.

That was the theme of the 59th annual Morton Pumpkin Festival, the Tazewell County town’s celebration of the area’s prime agricultural product. The event had a special significance this year as it marked the 100th anniversary of the community’s Nestle Libby’s pumpkin canning plant.

“Being born and raised in Morton, I can tell you we are very proud of our pumpkin heritage,” said State Representative Bill Hauter who represents Morton and the surrounding area. “Agriculture is the number one industry in Illinois generally and in my district specifically, with pumpkin production playing a huge role. We are proud to be the pumpkin capital of the world!” 

Illinois’ sanctuary state policies have created an environment where law-abiding families are left vulnerable, and violent offenders slip through the cracks. Time and again, dangerous individuals who should never have been on our streets have been allowed to remain free, with devastating consequences. These tragedies are not isolated incidents, they are the direct result of failed leadership and reckless policies that put politics ahead of public safety. Leaders in Illinois should allow ICE to do their jobs. 

In a couple of weeks, the Illinois General Assembly will return to Springfield to convene for the annual two-week Veto Session. The session is scheduled for October 14-16 and October 28-30. The Veto Session is generally intended for the legislature to review legislation passed in the spring that has received a total veto or an amendatory veto from the Governor. The legislature can seek to override a Governor’s veto by a 3/5 majority vote in each chamber or vote to accept an amendatory veto. 

Illinois residents can make their voices heard during the legislative process with the General Assembly scheduled to return to Springfield for the annual Fall Veto Session in October. 

Communicating with legislators is one way residents can get involved and stay engaged on current issues pending before the legislature. State lawmakers offer email addresses, district and Springfield office locations, office numbers, and surveys that residents can utilize. In both district and Springfield offices, legislators have dedicated staff that field calls, emails, and meetings with residents to provide critical real-time feedback to elected officials. 

Illinois is known for many things, but one of the most haunting is our state’s reputation for corruption. With four of our last ten governors and our last Speaker of the Illinois House being convicted on criminal charges occurring while in office, our state serves as a cautionary tale for the rest of the United States.

Outside of Illinois’ political corruption, Illinois has a rich history that includes accounts from some of the most famous criminals. One of the most notorious was involving Al Capone, a mastermind and mobster in Chicago, known for running a highly successful criminal enterprise. During his reign, Al Capone allegedly used the Congress Hotel in Chicago, situated on the famous Michigan Avenue, as his criminal headquarters. The building has an iconic history, built in 1893, being classified as “new Chicago,” as it came after the horrific Chicago Fire of 1871. The famous hotel is known as the “Home of Presidents,” as it has served as lodging for several United States presidents, including Grover Cleveland, Theodore Roosevelt, William Taft, and Franklin D. Roosevelt. 

BUDGET/TAXES
Get ready for higher taxes: Gov. Pritzker issues splashy executive order to lay foundation for big tax hike. In “Executive Order 2025-05”, published this week, Gov. Pritzker admitted that Illinois’ economy is going downhill, and issued a text that tried to shift blame to the federal government for Illinois’ longstanding budget woes.

The FY26 budget passed by the Democrat supermajority already included over $1 billion in tax increases, fund sweeps, and other budgetary gimmicks, and was still only barely balanced on paper. Democrats supported and the Governor signed this precariously balanced budget despite multi-year, repeated warnings from credit ratings groups and economists that a recession was on the horizon. Ignoring these warnings will have more of an effect on the FY26 budget than any federal action will. 

Illinoisans deserve steady leadership and straight answers. Instead, Governor JB Pritzker shifts with the political winds, saying one thing when the cameras are on and doing another when the pressure hits. The result is confusion on budgets, mixed signals on public safety and immigration, and a credibility gap that keeps growing. When leaders flip, families pay. 

Dating back centuries, southern Illinois has been home to some of the best hunting and fishing opportunities in the United States. Southern Illinois, in particular, is a region rich in natural resources, beautiful forests, abundant lakes, rivers, and streams, and a plethora of fishing and hunting spots to land a variety of species of fish and wild game.

Early settlers to the area farmed, hunted, and fished the expansive public lands and waterways, taking deer, turkey, waterfowl, and a variety of fish to help feed their families. As the means of production improved, the need to hunt and gather to provide sustenance gave way to more readily available and easily attainable food sources. However, the tradition of hunting and fishing has remained a staple for millions of southern Illinoisans. 

Governor Pritzker is blaming Washington for a crisis he created. Since taking office, he has increased state spending by roughly 40% and just signed the largest budget in Illinois history.

Transparency first. House Republicans have demanded real transparency across agencies and the budget process, including time to review billion-dollar bills and clear accounting of dedicated funds. The current process hides the ball and fails taxpayers. 

Illinois families are already reeling from the nearly $1 billion in tax hikes shoved through by Democrats during the Spring Session in late May. And as Fall has descended upon us and the Halloween season awaits, Democrats once again have your pocketbooks on their radar. No, this isn’t some scary Halloween hoax; it’s daily life in Illinois, the Land of Pumpkin Spice and Tax Hikes that are Not So Nice.

Just a few short months ago, Illinois Democrats worked their ‘magic’ and passed several tax increases. These tax increases directly affected sports betting wagers, hotel and short-term rentals, cell phones, and tobacco products. More tax increases were put on the table and did not pass, but that does not mean those proposals are dead. Not by a long shot. 

Illinois has topped the list of states with the highest property taxes, which comes as no surprise to many Illinois residents. The burden has made Illinois unaffordable for too many families, and particularly weighs heavily on senior citizens and working families. Illinois House Republicans have been vocal about the need for relief and have proposed legislation to bring down costs for families. 

Another week, another bad one for Governor Pritzker. From lying about his past statements to posing with criminals, the Governor continues to prove he’s out of touch with Illinois families.

At a press conference last Monday, Governor Pritzker flat-out denied ever calling Republicans Nazis. But his record tells a different story, and the cameras were rolling.

A few examples: 

When former President Joe Biden took office, he flung the southern border of the United States wide open. During his tenure, millions of illegal immigrants poured into the country, overwhelming local, county, and state government resources and costing taxpayers billions of dollars. Out-of-control illegal immigrant crime also took hold, with horrifying examples of gang activity, carjacking, theft, assault, sexual assault, and murder dominating headlines and disrupting life for American citizens. 

Lincoln's New Salem State Historic Site will host their annual candlelight walk event that begins October 3. Due to popularity, the family-fun event has been expanded to three weekends for 2025. Families can now start planning their visits for these weekends: Oct. 3-5, Oct. 10-12, and Oct. 17-19. Event hours each night will be from 5:00 p.m.-7:30 p.m. The extra weekend will give visitors more evenings to enjoy the event and everything the historic village has to offer. The candlelight walk reveals several log homes, stores, a tavern, school, gristmill, along with other outbuildings. 

CRIME
The Verdict Is In: SAFE-T Act Is Not Working Two Years Later. When Governor J.B. Pritzker signed the SAFE-T Act into law in February 2021, supporters claimed it would modernize Illinois’ criminal justice system and make incarceration practices more “fair.” The law was rushed through during a lame-duck session and made sweeping changes, putting criminals over victims, imposing unfunded mandates on police officers and counties, and eliminating cash bail.

Two years after the no-cash bail system fully took effect in September 2023, Illinoisans continue to suffer the consequences while criminals walk free. Courts are overwhelmed, police are operating with fewer tools and more unreasonable mandates, all while repeat offenders are cycling in and out of custody. Families are left questioning whether the system is still on their side. Instead of fairness, the law has produced confusion and risk. 

National POW/MIA Recognition Day is a time to honor and remember the courageous men and women who were prisoners of war or remain missing in action. Their sacrifice and bravery are a reminder of the high cost of freedom.

The Illinois House Republicans honor their legacy by renewing our commitment to ensuring they are never forgotten.

The city of Cairo, Illinois, located at the southern tip of the state of Illinois, is a community steeped in rich Civil War history. The community is located at the confluence of the Ohio and Mississippi Rivers and served a major role in the Union Army’s strategy for victory. Understanding the geographic significance of control of the two rivers, General Ulysses S. Grant commanded forces that controlled the region’s waterways and rail lines. Grant, who was assigned to command the District of Southeast Missouri, occupied Cairo early in the war (circa 1861), using it as a base for western operations for Union forces. 

When Governor J.B. Pritzker signed the SAFE-T Act into law in February 2021, supporters claimed it would modernize Illinois’ criminal justice system and make incarceration practices more “fair.” The law was rushed through during a lame-duck session and made sweeping changes, putting criminals over victims, imposing unfunded mandates on police officers and counties, and eliminating cash bail.

Two years after the no-cash bail system fully took effect in September 2023, Illinoisans continue to suffer the consequences while criminals walk free. Courts are overwhelmed, police are operating with fewer tools and more unreasonable mandates, all while repeat offenders are cycling in and out of custody. Families are left questioning whether the system is still on their side. Instead of fairness, the law has produced confusion and risk. 

Governor Pritzker took to the podium this week to claim that accusations about his use of Nazi rhetoric were “completely false.” When pressed on whether he has ever compared Republicans to Nazis, the Governor snapped back, saying:

“No, I have not. That is completely false. I have never called Republicans Nazis.”

The backtracking is stunning, as if the Governor forgot that his interviews are on camera. His own past remarks tell a very different story:

Illinois House Republicans are advancing legislation to eliminate state income taxes on tips and overtime pay, two forms of compensation that thousands of workers across the state rely on to make ends meet, as part of the Relief for Working Families Bill Package. The initiative, which includes three bills introduced by Representatives Joe Sosnowski, Jennifer Sanalitro, and C.D. Davidsmeyer, reflects a growing effort to ease the financial burden on service industry employees, hourly workers, and anyone whose livelihood depends on long shifts and customer generosity. 

Lincoln-Douglas Debate Square in Freeport, Ill.

Freeport, Illinois – also known as Pretzel City, USA – is a hidden gem in Northwest Illinois that blends small-town charm with rich history and proud traditions. House Republicans are highlighting this unique community not just for its fun nickname, but for everything that makes Freeport a special place to visit, live, and work. 

Why Pretzel City? Freeport earned its title in the late 1800s when German immigrants brought their pretzel-making skills to town. At one point, the city was home to more than a dozen bakeries turning out hand-twisted pretzels. That tradition still lives on today, and you can taste it for yourself at local favorites like Mrs. Mike’s or Union Dairy. 

It was sad news indeed on Sunday afternoon when the state of Illinois learned that former Governor Jim Edgar had passed away after a courageous fight against pancreatic cancer. He was 79.

Governor Edgar served two terms as the state’s chief executive, from 1991 until 1999. Prior to that he was the Secretary of State and had also been a state legislator. 

This Spring, out-of-touch Democrats were fighting to strip educational freedom, hammer schools with unfunded mandates, and enact woke gender policies in our schools. House Republicans fought to empower parents and families - and stopped some of the nonsense.

Minority spokesperson on the House Education Policy Committee Amy Elik (R-Alton) led the fight against the burdensome Homeschool Act. This act would have mandated an unnecessary annual registration scheme for homeschool families.