Another year, another budget, and another near-record-breaking spending increase.

On the last day of the legislative session, Illinois House Democrats passed the FY26 budget that will cost taxpayers more than $55.2 billion, a $2 billion increase over last year.

Budget season is here. Know the warning signs of the impending budget and prepare for possible devastation. Check back daily for the latest forecast. 

The federal government is seeking a prison sentence of 12.5 years and a fine of $1.5 million for former Speaker of the Illinois House of Representatives, Michael J. Madigan who was convicted on corruption charges earlier this year. Madigan will face sentencing on June 13.

 
"The crimes charged and proven at trial demonstrate that Madigan engaged in corrupt activity at the highest level of state government for nearly a decade," federal prosecutors argued in their sentencing memo. "Time after time, Madigan exploited his immense power for his own personal benefit by trading his public office for private gain for himself and his associates, all the while carefully and deliberately concealing his conduct from detection."

House Republican legislators point out the hypocrisy of Democratic measures presented in the House of Representatives yesterday. Watch Illinois State Representatives Kyle Moore, Patrick Windhorst and Bill Hauter debate the issues on the House Floor. 

Illinois State Representative Kyle Moore rose in debate opposing the creation of yet another year-long task force to study how to help working families while dozens of real and meaningful ideas that would actually help families are blocked by the Democratic supermajority. Watch below:

A recent Chicago Tribune op-ed penned by Rep. Regan Deering (R-Decatur) calls out the unsustainable growth of Illinois government and the lack of transparency in the state’s budget process. Here is an excerpt:

Later this week, the General Assembly is expected to pass a new state budget for the upcoming fiscal year.

In general, rules of decorum are guidelines for polite and appropriate behavior, especially in formal settings like board rooms, courtrooms, and yes, even in the Illinois General Assembly. These rules aim to ensure order, respect, and a professional environment.

In the Illinois House of Representatives, the Speaker of the House, and in their stead, the presiding officer, is responsible for maintaining decorum in the House Chamber during session and in committee hearings. The House decorum is guided by Rules established by the majority political party. The Democrat supermajority adopted House Rules for the 104th General Assembly in January of this year that include a provision on Decorum.

No summer is complete without a visit to one of Illinois' numerous county and state fairs. The activities at fairs are numerous and may include classic carnival rides and games, livestock shows, agricultural exhibits, food vendors, and live entertainment. Many fairs also feature contests, such as baking, crafts, and livestock competitions. You can also explore vendor booths for unique crafts and souvenirs. All in all. lots of fun for the entire family.

Three bills championed by State Representative Brandun Schweizer to benefit veterans passed out of the House and Senate late last week and are now headed to the Governor for his signature.

Senate Bill 1160, originally filed by State Representative Stephanie Kifowit and then transferred to Rep. Schweizer, amends the Illinois Vehicle Code to allow any resident of Illinois who served in the United Nations Protecting Force in Somalia, Panama, or Grenada to apply for a United National Protection Force license plate.

Tragedies and accidents involving dust storms in Illinois have increased in recent years, and so has awareness. When it comes to finding the causes, there can be more questions than viable answers.

Researchers at the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign and across the country are continuing to examine the causes of these clouds of dust, with weather patterns, wind speed and direction, and loose farmland soil the key ingredients. Researchers are looking into ways farmers can reduce the risk of these dust storms occurring, including ways to adjust their management practices.

For many Illinoisans, fishing can be a beloved tradition that serves as both a leisure activity and a source of food. Eating fish from state waters, however, can pose risks to public health. The Illinois Department of Public Health (IDPH) has issued its latest report on sport fish advisories, which serves as an annual reminder for fishermen everywhere about what their catch is safe to consume.



Each year on the last Monday in May, we pause to remember the brave men and women who gave their lives in service to our country. Memorial Day is a sacred time of remembrance, and for many families in Illinois and across the nation, it's personal.

Originally known as Decoration Day, this tradition began in the years following the Civil War. Both Northern and Southern communities started honoring fallen soldiers by placing flowers on their graves during springtime “decoration days.” By 1868, the observance had gained a new name, Memorial Day, and took on broader meaning in the years that followed. After World War I, the commemoration was expanded to include American military personnel who died in all wars.

With summer break right around the corner, parents are on the lookout for summer programs to keep their kids entertained and learning. Luckily, Illinois has no shortage of summer activities for kids that promote learning, creativity, and exploration. From STEAM camps to nature programs, there’s a summer program to suit your child’s interests. 

College Summer Programs
There are a variety of STEAM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts, and Mathematics) programs in Illinois that allow students of all ages to learn with real-world applications. Several of Illinois' public universities offer summer camps based on specific interests and age ranges.

• Chicago State University offers programs for students from kindergarten through 12th grade.
• Eastern Illinois Music Camp provides a fantastic opportunity for young musicians.
• Governors State University hosts a Summer STEAM Camp for students aged 11 to 16.
• Illinois State University features the Redbird Esports Summer Camp, catering to students aged 8-15.
• Northern Illinois University provides a variety of STEAM camps for both students and educators.
• Southern Illinois University at Carbondale offers specialized camps in medicine and aviation.
• University of Illinois at Chicago hosts an Engineering Summer Camp with hands-on challenges for students in grades 4-12.
• University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign presents Grainger Engineering Summer Camps and a STEM Career Exploration and Symposium on July 24, 2025, welcoming high school and community college students.
  
  

Museums and Outdoor Learning Opportunities
Illinois museums and nature centers host many engaging summer camps for families seeking hands-on and discovery-oriented fun.

• Griffin Museum of Science and Industry hosts K-12 summer camps focused on discovery and innovation.
• DuPage Children’s Museum provides a Summer Tinkering Camp, where budding engineers can embrace challenges.
• Nature Museum Camps immerse children in the wonders of nature and science.
• Children’s Discovery Museum and Children's Museum of Illinois offer engaging summer camp options.
• Adler Planetarium provides space-themed activities for aspiring astronomers
  
  

Illini Summer Academies
For high school students eager to experience college life, Illini Summer Academies offers a unique opportunity. Hosted by the University of Illinois, this program allows participants to attend academy sessions led by university professors, providing a glimpse into various degree programs and career paths. It’s an excellent way for teens to gain insight into higher education while enjoying a summer of learning and networking.

Illinois summer programs aren't simply a way to bridge the academic gap until school resumes. They're an excellent opportunity for kids to further cultivate potential friendship, interests and skills. Coding? Engineering? Music? Environmental science? There are numerous exciting Illinois programs available! 

With that said, parents interested in any of these enriching summer programs are highly encouraged to check them out and sign up as soon as possible as slots for these programs are likely to get filled quickly. Summer learning is an investment that pays off, ensuring that kids get to continue growing, discovering and flourishing even during their break from formal schooling.

BUDGET/TAXES
Watch Your Wallet as End of Spring Session Nears. Illinois House Minority Leader Tony McCombie, Deputy Leader Norine Hammond and Deputy Leader Ryan Spain held a press conference Thursday to call for structural reform and preview the end of the spring legislative session, as the FY26 Budget deadline looms near. With several new tax proposals introduced in the last week, the lawmakers raised the alarm for Illinoisans.

Summer is right around the corner and it’s that time of the year when families across Illinois start to enjoy BBQ cookouts. Despite the rise of more high-tech and expensive grills over the years, there is one famous grill that is still considered to be a favorite for grilling: the Weber kettle grill. For decades, this grill has a reputation for being the go-to grill for backyard barbecues.

The Weber kettle-style grill was founded in Chicago Illinois in 1952 by George Stephen, who worked at Weber Brothers Metal Works. Stephen was known to have an inventive mind and worked as a fabricator and sold innovative products, including mailboxes and fireplace equipment. During his time working at Weber Brothers Metal Works, there was a popular grill design that was an open charcoal brazier. Although the grill was successful in the market, Stephen noticed the design made meat vulnerable to weather and affected the overall process of backyard grilling. In 1952, Stephen took it upon himself to create a superior kettle grill. Little did he know it would transform the way families enjoy cookouts more than 70 years later.

No commonly circulated American coin inspires more discussion than the penny.

Does it cost more to make a penny than it is worth?

What is it actually made of?

Should we even use pennies anymore?

Earlier this week, the Illinois House of Representatives unanimously passed legislation carried by State Representative Jeff Keicher (R-Sycamore) to improve school safety. Senate Bill 71 is in response to a hazardous material spill that revealed a gap in how schools handle their emergency and disaster plans.

“This legislation arose following a chemical spill near a school in Ohio,” said Keicher. “The school administration wasn’t sure what to do, and there was some conflicting information about whether they should evacuate students, lock the school down, shut off the HVAC systems, or what.”

In January, House Republican Leader Tony McCombie announced that the House Republican's budget team would be Deputy Leader Norine Hammond (94th District - Macomb) as Chief Budgeteer and Assistant Leader Amy Elik (111th District - Alton) as Deputy Budgeteer.

Representative Norine Hammond has in-depth experience in appropriations and public policy. She has successfully passed legislation to tackle the teacher shortage, keep Illinois students attending Illinois universities, fairly fund public K-12 education, and protect our seniors and most vulnerable citizens. Hammond has been a strong advocate for procurement reform and other cost-cutting measures which keep dollars focused on strategic goals instead of overhead and administrative costs.

“The House Republican Caucus wants to make it perfectly clear that we will not negotiate a budget that includes any tax increases,” said Hammond. “State government desperately needs structural reforms and to learn to live within its means. If history serves us correctly, the Democratic supermajority will continue to craft a budget alone, continue to increase wasteful spending, and absolutely continue to raise taxes on hardworking Illinois families and businesses.”

Representative Amy Elik has spent her thirty-year career as a Certified Public Accountant and auditor and brings a sharp eye and attention to detail to budget negotiations. Elik has been a strong voice for reining in wasteful spending.

“I’m a CPA and am used to making difficult decisions to craft a budget that is rooted in reality,” said Elik. “Fuzzy math is not fiscal responsibility. Our communities are screaming out for tax relief, it’s hard for young families to afford homes, daycare, and utilities, and the budget that comes out of the 104th General Assembly cannot include a tax increase.”

Rep. Elik was a member of the Commission on Government Forecasting and Accountability and serves as Spokesperson for the General Services Appropriations Committee and Elementary/Secondary Education: Education Policy Committee.

As the deadline to pass a budget approaches, Hammond and Elik have made clear that Republicans will not support any budget that includes a tax increase to pay for the Democrats’ spending spree.

Starting now and going through late fall, gardens are beginning to reach their peak bloom. Warm weather coupled with busy bees (among other pollinators) are to thank for that.

A pollinator is anything that helps to carry pollen from the stamen to the pistil. While bees, some birds, and butterflies are the most recognized pollinators, they are not the only ones that contribute to the ecosystem. Many different types of insects, like beetles, wasps, and flies, while pesky, play a vital role that affects our daily lives. Some mammals and reptiles, too, help spread pollen, including bats, honey possums, lemures, skinks, geckos, and wall lizards.

The Illinois Department of Natural Resources (IDNR) is accepting applications for Illinois Natural Areas Stewardship grants through June 13, 2025.

Eligible applicants are conservation land trusts exempt from taxation under Section 501(c)(3) of the federal Internal Revenue Code and whose originating documents include in its purposes the restoration and stewardship of land for conservation purposes.

Armed Forces Day, observed each year on the third Saturday of May, is a moment to pause and acknowledge the dedication, sacrifice, and strength of those serving in the United States military. While it may not carry the same level of national attention as Memorial Day or Veterans Day, it serves a distinct and important purpose: recognizing those actively serving in the armed forces and reinforcing the nation’s gratitude for their commitment to protecting its freedoms. Across the country, communities come together to honor service members.

TAXES
House Republicans Raise Alarm on New Service Tax Proposal. Deputy House Republican Leader Ryan Spain and State Representative Joe Sosnowski joined with small business owners this week to decry a new proposal making the rounds in Springfield that would establish a new sales tax on services across the state. This new service tax would cover almost all services consumers rely on, ranging from streaming services to dry cleaning, haircuts to vehicle repairs, and everything in between. Proponents are pushing the new tax as a bailout to fill the void for years of mismanagement in the Chicago region's mass transportation system, which is facing nearly a billion-dollar budget shortfall in 2026.

State Representatives Chris Miller (R-Hindsboro), Brad Halbrook (R-Shelbyville), Adam Niemerg (R-Dieterich), Blaine Wilhour (R-Beecher City), Jed Davis (R-Yorkville), and Marty McLaughlin (R-Barrington Hills) held a press conference this week highlighting the looming budget pressures, wasteful spending, and the need for Illinois DOGE implementation.

The SAFE-T Act, touted by Illinois Democrats as a step toward criminal justice reform, has proven to be anything but safe. House Republicans gathered at the Capitol yesterday to demand urgent changes to the law, citing its disastrous impact on public safety and judicial oversight during the “Illinois’ Broken ‘SAFE-T Act’” press conference. With tragic cases like Megan Bos’ death underscoring the dangers of eliminating cash bail, House Republican lawmakers called for immediate legislative action to fix the broken system.

Yesterday, Deputy House Republican Leader Ryan Spain (R-Peoria) and State Representative Joe Sosnowski (R-Rockford) joined with small business owners to decry a new proposal making the rounds in Springfield that would establish a new sales tax on services across the state. This new service tax would cover almost all services consumers rely on, ranging from streaming services to dry cleaning, haircuts to vehicle repairs, and everything in between. Proponents are pushing the new tax as a bailout to fill the void for years of mismanagement in the Chicago region's mass transportation system, which is facing nearly a billion-dollar budget shortfall in 2026.

Illinois House Republican lawmakers gathered at the Capitol today to show their support for law-abiding gun owners. State Representatives Charlie Meier (Okawville), Regan Deering (Decatur), and Patrick Windhorst (Metropolis) spoke on the importance of preserving their Constitutional Right to Bear Arms.

State Representative and House Republican Floor Leader Patrick Windhorst (R-Metropolis) serves as the House Republican ranking member on the House Judiciary Criminal Law and Gun Violence Prevention Committees. The 117th District State Representative says policies passed by Illinois Democrats have harmed the rights of law-abiding citizens to practice their Constitutional Rights.

Every year on May 15, we pause to remember the sacrifices made by our law enforcement officers. Peace Officers Memorial Day, part of National Police Week, is a day dedicated to honoring those who have lost their lives in the line of duty. It’s a time of reflection, gratitude, and remembrance, bringing together families, colleagues, and communities to pay tribute to these fallen heroes.

In recognition of May as Motorcycle Awareness Month, State Representative Jennifer Sanalitro (R-Hanover Park) announced passage of HB2980, a bill she sponsored to modernize and expand Illinois’ motorcycle safety education system.

“Every Illinoisan should be able to access high-quality motorcycle safety training no matter where they live,” said Sanalitro. “This bill strengthens our approach by improving access, accountability, and safety for riders statewide.”

House Republican members of the Illinois House Energy & Environment and Public Utilities Committees held a Capitol news conference on Tuesday to warn of a coming summer energy cost crisis and offer solutions to expand energy production capacity.

The Republicans held the press conference after last week sending the House’s Energy & Environment Committee Chair and Vice Chair a letter explaining the urgent need for hearings into the recent results of the Midcontinent Independent System Operator (MISO) capacity auction which returned a shocking $666.50 per Megawatt-day price across all zones in the summer. That same price just one year ago was $30.

Spring is a time of renewal, with blooming landscapes, mild temperatures, and plenty of opportunities to explore. If you're looking for outdoor adventures, cultural experiences, or scenic beauty, Illinois has something for everyone. Here are ten must-visit locations to add to your spring bucket list:

1. Starved Rock State Park
Located along the Illinois River, Starved Rock State Park is famous for its stunning sandstone canyons, waterfalls, and lush hiking trails. Spring is the perfect time to visit, as melting snow and seasonal rains create breathtaking waterfalls throughout the park.

IMMIGRATION
Illinois sanctuary state policies under fire from DHS Secretary, Illinois GOP leaders. U.S. Department of Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem visited Springfield on Wednesday, where she blasted Illinois' sanctuary state policy protecting undocumented immigrants. During her visit, Secretary Noem highlighted how sanctuary policies in Illinois have unleashed violence on American citizens — including rape, sexual assault, murder, and more — while shielding the illegal aliens responsible from facing consequences.

The Illinois Department of Natural Resources (IDNR) is accepting applications for Illinois Natural Areas Stewardship grants through June 13, 2025.

Eligible applicants are conservation land trusts exempt from taxation under Section 501(c)(3) of the federal Internal Revenue Code and whose originating documents include in its purposes the restoration and stewardship of land for conservation purposes.

Mother’s Day is a time to reflect on the invaluable contributions of mothers and all maternal figures in our lives. Through love, sacrifice, and unwavering support, mothers shape our world in ways that can never be replicated. As we celebrate this special day, we’re going to explore its origins and traditions as well as the impact mothers have on our lives.

Every year, around late March, the eyes of the nation turn to a stretch of Potomac River waterfront in the nation’s capital known as the Tidal Basin, where the beautiful blooming of a line of cherry blossom trees signals the long-awaited arrival of spring.

The trees were a 1912 gift from Yukio Ozaki, the mayor of Tokyo, to the city of Washington and the people of the United States, as a gesture of goodwill and the hope for a lasting friendship between the two countries.

Earlier this week, State Representative Charlie Meier (R-Okawville) was awarded the Vince Demuzio Legislator of the Year from the Illinois Association of Community Action Agencies (IACAA) for 2025. Jessica Backs the Executive Director of BCMW Community Services presented the award to Meier. Meier was chosen in part for his work in restoring funding for area Meals on Wheels programs, which was abruptly suspended late last year leaving thousands of residents without regular hot meals.

U.S. Department of Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem visited Springfield on Wednesday, where she blasted Illinois' sanctuary state policy protecting undocumented immigrants. During her visit, Secretary Noem highlighted how sanctuary policies in Illinois have unleashed violence on American citizens — including rape, sexual assault, murder, and more — while shielding the illegal aliens responsible from facing consequences.

As the world watched on Thursday, an American from Illinois, Cardinal Robert Francis Prevost, was elected as the new Pope, the first from the United States.

He chose the name Leo XIV.

Pope Leo XIV was born in Chicago in September 1955. He was raised in the south suburbs, attending St. Mary of the Assumption parish in Dolton.

May 8th marks World Ovarian Cancer Day. The day was established in 2013 by leaders from various ovarian cancer advocacy organizations around the world to join forces to fight against and raise awareness for the aggressive disease.

Ovarian cancer is a growth of cells that form in the ovaries and is one of the hardest cancers to diagnose, next to pancreatic and renal cancers, due to its vague symptoms that often progress before a diagnosis is given. It is also among the deadliest cancer for women along with lung and breast cancer. According to the American Cancer Society’s 2025 estimates, about 20,890 women in the United States will receive a new diagnosis of ovarian cancer and about 12,730 women will die from the disease this year alone.

State Representative Jennifer Sanalitro's resolution encouraging Illinois public colleges and universities to protect and expand night courses to better serve working adults and nontraditional students was adopted on Tuesday in the House Higher Education Committee. 

House Resolution 90 is in response to the needs of many Illinois students who must balance professional responsibilities and family obligations during the day with attaining their education and career advancement goals. It has the added benefits of addressing the call from businesses for expanded workforce development and the need by the state for enhanced economic growth.

Between 1883 and 1929, Andrew Carnegie, a Scottish immigrant turned one of the richest men in the world, donated roughly $350 million (over $6.4 billion today) to build over 2,500 public and academic libraries across English-Speaking countries.

In the United States, Carnegie issued grants for the construction of 1,795 public and academic libraries. Carnegie issued 105 grants for public libraries in Illinois, building 106 total public libraries and five institutional libraries. Illinois was awarded the third most grants in the country, trailing just behind California and Indiana.

Each day, nurses proudly embrace their calling as caregivers, healers, and advocates, working tirelessly to ensure the health and well-being of their patients. Nurses are often the first people to provide care to those in need of help, offering both medical assistance and a calming presence. On National Nurses Day, we take a moment to recognize the dedicated men and women in nursing who keep us safe yet often go without thanks.

With Mother’s Day quickly approaching, now is the perfect time to shop local when picking the perfect gift for Mom or Grandma.

Illinois is home to many incredible companies that offer great products and services to Illinoisans, across the country, and even globally. For those who have waited to shop, below is a Mother’s Day gift guide to shopping for Illinois-made products this year.

In 2012, Jennifer Russell knew there was something seriously wrong with her daughter, Lauryn, and she was determined to make someone listen.

Lauryn, a first grader in northwestern Illinois’ Mercer County, came home from school and got off the bus, but could not go any further.

“She was too fatigued to make it into the house and it seemed as though her legs had stopped working,” Russell later explained.

The 2025 Illinois spring trout fishing season opened Saturday, April 5 at 58 ponds, lakes, and streams throughout the state.

The daily harvest limit for each angler is five trout.

The Illinois Catchable Trout Program receives funding support by those who use the program through the sale of inland trout stamps. The Illinois Department of Natural Resources stocks more than 80,000 rainbow trout each year in bodies of water where trout fishing is permitted during the spring season. An additional 80,000 trout will be stocked for the fall trout season, which begins in October.

BUDGET
Illinois House Republicans Slam $6 Billion in Proposed Tax Hikes. Legislators Condemn Pritzker’s Dangerous Political Rhetoric on the National Stage. Illinois House Republicans slammed proposals from progressive interest groups that would raise taxes by $6 billion on Illinois working families and businesses.

Legislators Condemn Pritzker’s Dangerous Political Rhetoric on the National Stage

Illinois House Republicans slammed proposals from progressive interest groups that would raise taxes by $6 billion on Illinois working families and businesses.

At a Capitol news conference Thursday, Deputy Republican Leader Norine Hammond (R-Macomb) and Assistant Republican Leaders C.D. Davidsmeyer (R-Murrayville) and Amy Elik (R-Alton) called the $6 billion in proposed tax hikes “outrageous and unacceptable.”

It has been an active spring for severe weather in Illinois, and weather experts have been busy issuing watches and warnings to try and keep everyone safe. Illinois has already surpassed its yearly average for tornadoes in 2025, and that comes on the heels of the two most active tornado seasons of all-time in 2023 and 2024.

Illinois State Representative Charlie Meier is fighting alongside the parents of Gregory Dorsey as they try to retain control of their disabled son's care. Gregory was diagnosed with autism, anxiety and ADHD and currently resides not far from his family at Warren G. Murray Developmental Center, a state facility in Centralia run by the Illinois Department of Human Services (IDHS). But, the state agency wants to move Gregory to another State-Operated Developmental Center (SODC) hundreds of miles away in Waukegan. The family is opposed to the move, certain their son needs stability and to be near family,  not moved to yet another facility too far away for frequent visits.