United States Navy Machinist's Mate 1st Class Keith W. Tipsword

A large crowd of local residents lined the streets and watched respectfully as Machinist’s Mate First Class Keith Tipsword was laid to rest at Moccasin Cemetery in Beecher City, Illinois, on November 15, 2022.

An honor guard of Navy pallbearers carried the fallen hero to his final resting place, and a Navy chaplain presented his sister with the folded flag from his casket at the conclusion of the service.

In a nation which has been at war since the September 11, 2001, terrorist attacks, this was a scene that has become all too familiar. But this ceremony stood out for another reason. It had taken 81 years for MM1c Keith Tipsword to reach his final resting place, a journey which began on December 7, 1941, at Pearl Harbor, Hawaii. 

SAFE-T ACT
CTA arson attack suspect was on Illinois release status after 72 prior arrests. The suspect in the November 17 CTA Blue Line attack, in which a victim was doused with gasoline and set on fire, is a person who had previously been arrested on serious criminal charges and then released into what the court called “home confinement.” A pervasive pattern of home-confinement violations has been repeatedly observed in Chicago and Cook County. After being placed in “home confinement” suspect Lawrence Reed ignored the court advice, left his home, filled a container with gasoline, and climbed aboard a Blue Line electric train. A search of Reed’s criminal record showed that he had 72 prior arrests. The arson victim, Bethany MaGee, survived with critical injuries. 

From left to right: Rep. Patrick Windhorst, Rep. Ryan Spain, Leader Tony McCombie. 

From the city of Chicago to the farms of the central and southern region of the state, Illinois citizens expect their voices to matter and their votes to count. They also rightly expect that our elections are secure and transparent and that they can trust the results when the votes are tallied. 

State Representative Patrick Windhorst serves as the House Republican Floor Leader and as the House Minority Spokesman on the House’s Ethics & Elections Committee. Rep. Windhorst is a native of Metropolis, a community situated on the border of Kentucky and about a six-hour drive from the city of Chicago. Windhorst says Illinois government must do all it can to secure our elections. 

On December 3, 1818, Illinois was admitted as the 21st state of the United States. That’s why on December 3rd of every year we commemorate Illinois Statehood Day. To celebrate, let’s take a look back on the early history of Illinois and trace its journey to becoming a state. 

Deputy House Republican Leader Norine Hammond was among the Illinois House Republicans who received the Americans for Prosperity-Illinois (AFP-IL) 2025 Prairie State Policy Champions, for her role in advocating for reduced government spending, easing Illinois’ state tax burden, protecting homeschoolers and empowering educational choice in the Land of Lincoln. 

Chicago is famous for its sports teams, world-class museums, and vast array of shopping choices. The city remains a popular tourist destination. However, Chicago is also famous as a setting for numerous holiday films. While it may be called the Second City, Chicago is the king of holiday movies.

Living in Illinois means homeowners have to always be prepared for changes in the weather. The climate encapsulates all four seasons in Illinois, and staying ahead of the game can save a homeowner thousands of dollars and days and weeks of unwanted challenges or issues. Winter is a beautiful season, with falling snow and cooler temperatures. But it can also be fierce, with arctic-cold temperatures, ice and risks of damage to homes. 

The Illinois House Republican Caucus wish you and your family a Happy Thanksgiving filled with the warmth of family and friends. 

This year, we are more grateful than ever for the opportunity to serve our communities and be your voice at the State Capitol in Springfield. 

From Chicago to Cairo, from Danville to Quincy and everywhere in between, House Republicans are honored to serve parts of all 102 counties in Illinois. All across our beautiful state, we celebrate this Thanksgiving with appreciation for the people and organizations that make our communities thrive -- and who give so generously of their time and their talents in service to neighbors in need. 

In 1691, the French explorer Henri de Tonti established a settlement along the banks of the Illinois River and Lake Peoria. That settlement, the oldest established by a person of European descent, according to the Illinois State Archaeological Survey, would become the City of Peoria, named after the Peoria Tribe.

Peoria has a rich history in the annals of the United States. The city is where Abraham Lincoln gave his famous speech against the Kansas-Nebraska Act in 1854, was once the leading producer of whiskey in the U.S., and has remained a major shipping city with its port on the Illinois River. 

From left: Rep. Dennis Tipsword, Rep. Nicole La Ha, Rep. Jennifer Sanalitro. 

Human trafficking is a hidden crisis that devastates lives. Often described as modern-day slavery, trafficking involves the exploitation of vulnerable individuals for sex or labor. While it thrives in secrecy, the data and survivor testimonies reveal its presence in communities large and small. Illinois lawmakers, advocates, and survivors are working to expose this crime and strengthen protections for victims.

According to the National Human Trafficking Hotline, Illinois has reported over 10,000 trafficking signals since 2007, leading to thousands of identified victims. In 2024 alone, the hotline received 792 signals from Illinois, resulting in 385 identified cases and 627 victims. Of those victims, 83 were minors and 289 were adults, with the majority being women.

In the United States, a new person is added to the national transplant waiting list every 8 minutes. According to Donate Life, even the largest football stadium in the U.S. could not fit the number of patients currently waiting for organ, eye, or tissue donations. As of right now, the figure surpasses 103,000 people on the national transplant waiting list. 

TAXES
Record property tax increases slam Chicago homeowners. Chicago homeowners are being walloped with a record property tax hike, with some of the city’s poorest neighborhoods absorbing the steepest increases even as downtown office owners see their bills fall, according to new data from the Cook County treasurer’s office.

An analysis from Cook County Treasurer Maria Pappas’ office found the median property tax bill for a Chicago homeowner jumped 16.7% since last year, the largest percentage increase in at least 30 years. The surge follows similar spikes in Cook County’s north and south suburbs over the last two years and complicates the job of the Chicago City Council as it considers tax hikes to help close a historic budget gap. 

November 21st is National Rural Health Day. Today, we celebrate the incredible healthcare workers who provide care to rural communities but are also reminded of the struggles that rural Illinoisans currently face when it comes to accessing healthcare. In recent years, rural Illinoisans have seen a massive decline in both access to and quality of healthcare services.

According to the National Rural Healthcare Association, the ratio of physicians to patients in rural areas is far below the rate in urban communities. For every 100,000 patients, there are 263 urban doctors and 30 rural doctors, which is an astounding gap in care for rural communities. 

Deer hunters in Illinois will be busy this weekend, as firearm hunting season begins this Friday and continues through Sunday, November 23. A second round of firearm deer hunting will be coming in two weeks, from December 4 through 7.

During Firearm Season, hunters can use shotguns, muzzleloaders, handguns, and centerfire rifles. Vertical, traditional, and crossbows can also be used, but only on private property. Hunters also must adhere to clothing requirements, which call for a solid blaze orange or blaze pink hat and an outer garment that displays at least 400 square inches of orange or blaze pink material. 

Rep. Jed Davis (left) hosts a Blood Drive w/Versiti Blood Center of Illinois 

Illinois hospitals and clinics depend on a steady supply of donated blood to care for patients statewide. When the blood supply runs low, it puts everyone at risk. A reliable supply of blood allows our healthcare systems to function effectively, as providers can properly plan surgeries, treat traumas, and respond to emergencies without delay.

Donating blood is an easy and practical way to save lives and benefit your community. The blood collected at these drives can be used in a number of different treatments, including for patients with cancer, burns, sickle-cell disease, chronic illness, and more. 

One of the best ways to enjoy the beauty of nature and fresh air of the outdoors is to visit one of the hundreds of great hiking trails Illinois has to offer. And with over 270 hiking trails that total over 700 miles, the Prairie State provides plenty of options for residents and tourists in all areas from north to south, east to west, and everywhere in between.

Depending on the temperature and the weather conditions, hiking can be a year-round activity with some limitations in Illinois. The peak seasons for hiking are in the spring and fall, due to milder and friendlier weather conditions. Fall could be considered the best time for hiking, especially for those that enjoy cooler but manageable temperatures along with the beauty of fall foliage. 

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. 

Since the 19th century, children have participated in the tradition of writing letters to Santa Claus during the Christmas season. At the start of the tradition, children were not the ones writing the letters, rather receiving them from Saint Nick himself. The letters to the children would discuss their behavior throughout the year, encouraging them to keep up the good behavior or start obeying their parents. 

As November marks National Alzheimer’s Awareness Month, Illinois House Republicans are joining families, caregivers, and advocates across our state to raise awareness and support efforts to combat this devastating disease.

Alzheimer’s disease affects more than 230,000 Illinois residents and their families. It is the most common cause of dementia, leading to memory loss, confusion, and the gradual loss of independence. The impact extends far beyond those diagnosed -- millions of family members, friends, and neighbors share in the challenges of providing care and navigating a complex healthcare system. 

MASS TRANSIT
Illinois Democrats Pass a $2.5 Billion Mass Transit Bailout. It was déjà vu all over again at the Capitol this week, with Illinois Democrats passing more tax hikes in the early morning hours of the final day of the fall veto session.

After months of behind-the-scenes negotiations, House Democrats dropped multiple versions of their mass transit bailout in the waning hours of veto session. This came after the Senate Democrats had passed their own mass transit bailout bill at the end of the spring session, a bailout funded by extremely unpopular taxes like a delivery tax on packages and food. 

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.