For Illinois, the snow is inevitable and expected in the winter, even arriving in late fall or early spring. Snow and ice affect the state for sometimes up for six months out of the year. While inconvenient, it is important to take precautions when trekking in and managing the snow. Below are lists of tips to avoid falls while walking and shoveling snow this winter.

Popcorn holds a special place in the hearts of many, especially here in Illinois. National Popcorn Day is celebrated on January 19th, and it's a wonderful opportunity to reflect on the significance of this beloved snack and its deep roots in our state.

GENERAL ASSEMBLY
House Republican Leader Tony McCombie Announces Leadership Team. Illinois House Republican Leader Tony McCombie has announced her Leadership team for the 104th General Assembly.

“My leadership team is built to provide a strategic advantage on how to achieve our shared objectives of creating a stronger Illinois without adding to the burdens on Illinois families,” McCombie said. “I’ve selected colleagues from districts across Illinois to work alongside me in pushing our state forward.”  

Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.’s influence extended far beyond the Southern United States. His work left an indelible mark on Illinois, particularly in Chicago, where he addressed systemic racial injustices that shaped the lives of millions. His visits and campaigns in Illinois exemplify his belief that the fight for civil rights was a nationwide call to equality and justice.

Illinois State Representative Charlie Meier is urging men to get screened for prostate cancer after he was diagnosed with the disease. Doctors discovered the cancer after routine blood tests. Rep. Meier will begin undergoing 28 days of treatment this month and will continue his legislative efforts on behalf of his constituents. According to Meier, this type of cancer is very treatable, and he expects a full recovery.

Even as new laws sponsored by Illinois House Republicans were enacted this year to help survivors of human trafficking, the ill-conceived Safe-T Act, passed by Illinois Democrats, is keeping traffickers out of jail pending trials after their arrests, giving them the opportunity to target new victims.

Last week, news outlets reported that six men were arrested by the Illinois State Police (ISP) for allegedly attempting to engage in commercial sex acts with underage individuals in McLean County. According to Bloomington’s 25 News, only one of the six remains behind bars until their trials.

Illinois House Republican Leader Tony McCombie announced her leadership team for the 104th General Assembly.

“My leadership team is built to provide a strategic advantage on how to achieve our shared objectives of creating a stronger Illinois without adding to the burdens on Illinois families,” McCombie said. “I’ve selected colleagues from districts across Illinois to work alongside me in pushing our state forward.”

This month, the Illinois General Assembly returned to session, with a scheduled conclusion in May. During session, legislators spend a significant amount of time in Springfield. This can make it difficult for residents to engage with the legislative process, but there are options to stay involved.

“Your voice matters, and your participation makes all the difference,” House Republican Minority Leader Tony McCombie said. “When constituents take the time to learn the process, share their perspectives, and hold their representatives accountable, democracy thrives. Together, we can ensure that every voice is heard, and every concern is addressed.”

Human trafficking is a heartbreaking reality that’s closer to home than many realize. Across Illinois, countless individuals are exploited and abused in ways that often go unseen. In 2022, the National Human Trafficking Hotline received 287 calls from Illinois, identifying 199 victims. And those numbers are just the tip of the iceberg. The true scale of this crime is hidden in the shadows, with many victims unable to speak out.

General Assembly
Welcoming New Members on Inauguration Day for the 104th General Assembly. January 8th was an exciting day for Illinois as the state’s 104th General Assembly was sworn in. It was a celebration of public service and the beginning of new chapters in the lives of Illinoisans and their leaders. This year, two new Republican representatives, Regan Deering and Kyle Moore, join the ranks of lawmakers working to shape the future of the state. They will serve under the leadership of House Minority Leader Tony McCombie. As they step into their new roles, they bring fresh energy, unique experiences, and a commitment to serve their communities.

Welcome to the "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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Here are three things you didn't know about Illinois State Representative Kyle Moore:

1. Life Long Dodger Fan

Throughout the summer Rep. Moore stays up late and watches the Los Angeles Dodgers. He has his mom to thank for his Dodger fandom, she started taking him to baseball games at an early age

2. Once Shared a Stage with the Dalai Lama and Lady Gaga

Rep.  Moore attended a US Conference of Mayors in Indiana, where both the Dalai Lama and Lady Gaga made appearances. He was even able to get a selfie with His Holiness...although it wasn't a good one.

3. Bowls Regularly

Every Wednesday night, (when not in session) you can find Rep. Moore at the bowling alley. His family owned a bowling alley when he was a kid, igniting his love for the sport. He stopped bowling as an adult, but joined a league a few years ago after a buddy began to learn the sport. Rep. Moore hits the lanes every Wednesday, although he was probably a better bowler as a kid.

The little-known Rules that control the legislative process in Illinois were voted on today in the Illinois House of Representatives.  Adopting a set of procedural rules to govern the House for the next two years is one of the most important votes a legislator will cast.

The Rules for the 104th General Assembly were drafted by the Democrat supermajority with no input from the Republican minority. These Rules will govern the House of Representatives for the next two years.  House Republicans did propose reasonable changes that would increase accountability and transparency, however the proposal was rejected by the supermajority. 

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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Here are three things you didn't know about Illinois State Representative Regan Deering:

1. Degree in Marine Biology
From a young age, Rep. Regan Deering has loved the water. While pursing her degree, she had the opportunity to experience a summer on the island of South Caicos, where she studied environmental science. With a degree in marine biology, she has held some interesting jobs, including working at both The Columbus Zoo and Shedd Aquarium.

2. Science Teacher
As an elementary school science teacher, Rep. Deering has long encouraged young people to explore the sciences in hopes of developing future leaders in the science and technology industries. She is also passionate about agricultural education and the role that it plays here in Illinois. Rep. Deering supports programs like Ag in the Classroom, which is a hands-on agricultural education program that allows students to increase their agricultural literacy.

3. Dog Lover

Rep. Deering loves dogs! Her family has an affinity for the golden retriever breed. She had the honor of serving alongside her late dog J.J. as comfort therapy team with a local organization, Pawprint Ministries. Their mission is sharing the love of Jesus using trained and registered comfort dogs with individuals in health care facilities, schools, senior homes, and during times of crisis.

 

 

Every day, across towns and cities, law enforcement officers quietly step into their roles as protectors, peacekeepers, and pillars of safety in our communities. They wear their badges as a commitment to uphold justice and ensure that our neighborhoods remain places where families can thrive. On Law Enforcement Appreciation Day, we pause to honor these individuals who dedicate their lives to serving others.

January 8th is an exciting day for Illinois as the state’s 104th General Assembly is sworn in. It’s a celebration of public service and the beginning of new chapters in the lives of Illinoisans and their leaders. This year, two new Republican representatives, Regan Deering and Kyle Moore, join the ranks of lawmakers working to shape the future of the state. They will serve under the leadership of House Minority Leader Tony McCombie. As they step into their new roles, they bring fresh energy, unique experiences, and a commitment to serve their communities.

The House of Representatives of the new 104th General Assembly will be sworn in during an Inauguration Ceremony at the University of Illinois Springfield today at 12:00 PM. You can watch the Inauguration live here.

As the brisk winter temperatures begin to drop across Illinois, the amount of energy required to keep homes warm will only increase, and in turn, drive up heating bills throughout the season. With the cost of living already placing a tremendous burden on many working families in the state, shelling out more to stay comfortable during these colder months can be challenging and leave some to question how they can cut back on their energy usage until the warm of Spring returns. While there is no quick fix to drastically lower one’s energy costs, homeowners can get the most out of their heating system by implementing a few simple practices.

The actions of the Illinois state legislature affect many facets of your life from the taxes you pay, the highways you drive, the schools that educate your children to the programs that help the poor, seniors, veterans and the disabled. The list is endless.

While the legislative process is clearly spelled out in the Illinois Constitution, the human component of legislating is always in flux, and always in play. State legislators come from all walks of life and bring with them their own priorities, agendas, alliances, personalities and biases. This group of independent-minded individuals may or may not vote for a particular measure on any given day. Moreover, like in any setting, group dynamics often take over. A bill that garners enough votes to pass on one day, may fail to pass on another day solely based on the mood of the room at that moment.

The northern cardinal, commonly referred to as simply the cardinal, has been Illinois’ official state bird for nearly a century. These vibrant birds, known for their bold colors and melodic whistles, have long remained one of Illinoisans’ most beloved creatures and emblematize the state’s remarkable biodiversity.

GENERAL ASSEMBLY
Lame duck Democrats let bad bills fly. In the final minutes of the Illinois House of Representatives’ 2024 Veto Session, House Republican Floor Leader Patrick Windhorst called for a vote to end Veto Session, and the entirety of the 103rd General Assembly, “sine die,” a Latin term that means “without a day.” A Sine Die adjournment would have ended session without setting a date to reconvene, but the motion was struck down by House Democrats, thus setting a time for the 103rd General Assembly to reconvene once more in early January in what is known as a “lame duck session.”

As a new year begins, many of us take the time to set New Year’s resolutions. It may be getting healthier, learning a new skill, or spending more time with loved ones, but no matter what it is, resolutions reflect our hopes for the year ahead. However, keeping these resolutions as the new year begins can be a bit more challenging. If you’ve struggled with sticking to your goals in the past, don’t worry; you’re not alone! Here are some practical strategies to help you stay on track and make meaningful progress this coming year.

In the final minutes of the Illinois House of Representatives’ 2024 Veto Session, House Republican Floor Leader Patrick Windhorst (R-Metropolis) called for a vote to end Veto Session, and the entirety of the 103rd General Assembly, “sine die,” a Latin term that means “without a day.” A Sine Die adjournment would have ended session without setting a date to reconvene, but the motion was struck down by House Democrats, thus setting a time for the 103rd General Assembly to reconvene once more in early January in what is known as a “lame duck session.”

Each new year represents an opportunity for a fresh start and the perfect time to reflect on the past year and celebrate accomplishments. Cheers to the triumphs of the year past and to the new beginnings awaiting in 2025.