Each year on August 7, Americans pause to honor the brave men and women who have been wounded or killed in combat while serving in the U.S. Armed Forces. Known as Purple Heart Day, this solemn occasion recognizes recipients of the Purple Heart Medal, the nation’s oldest military decoration still awarded.

The origins of the Purple Heart trace back to August 7, 1782, when General George Washington created the Badge of Military Merit to honor “singularly meritorious action” among enlisted soldiers. Though only three were awarded during the Revolutionary War, the badge laid the foundation for what would become the Purple Heart.

As families across Illinois prepare for the upcoming school year, the rising cost of school supplies is weighing heavily on household budgets. While other states are stepping up to ease the burden through back-to-school sales tax holidays, Illinois families are still waiting for relief.

State Representative Jennifer Sanalitro (R-Hanover Park) is fighting to change that with her legislation, HB1905, which would create a 7-day sales tax holiday on essential school supplies during the first week of August each year. The bill would provide real savings on items like backpacks, notebooks, calculators, pencils, and more—putting money back into the pockets of hardworking Illinois families.

On Tuesday, August 5, thousands of residents across Illinois from small towns to big cities,are gearing up to participate in National Night Out, a nationwide campaign dedicated to fostering trust between communities and law enforcement. What started as a modest initiative in 1984 has grown into a cornerstone of public safety outreach, with millions of Americans now taking part. The first National Night Out, launched by Matt Peskin and the National Association of Town Watch, encouraged people to turn on porch lights and spend time outside with their neighbors. That simple act has since evolved into coordinated events featuring cookouts, concerts, emergency vehicle tours, and more.

Each year on August 4th, we celebrate the birthday of the U.S. Coast Guard—one of the nation's five armed services. The Coast Guard is tasked with protecting Illinois' shores, enforcing US maritime law, and responding to accidents and disasters. The maritime service was founded in 1790. The Coast Guard has served on American waterways over two centuries. As we commemorate its founding, we pause to reflect on the courage, discipline, and selflessness of the men and women who serve under its banner.

While Illinois may be far from any ocean coastline, the state still feels the impact of the Coast Guard’s mission. With locations in Chicago, Downer's Grove, Wilmette, Willowbrook, and Waukegan, the Coast Guard monitors and supports boating activity and special events like the Navy Pier fireworks. The Waukegan Air Facility offers quick airborne response to emergencies during peak summer months.

DCFS
Reps. Weber, La Ha, and Reick Demand Accountability Following Repeated DCFS Failures. At a press conference this week, State Representatives Tom Weber, Nicole La Ha, and Steve Reick called for urgent reforms to the Illinois Department of Children and Family Services (DCFS). Findings from the Illinois Auditor General’s July 2025 compliance report revealed 34 violations at DCFS, 29 of which were repeat failures. Also, the death of 18-year-old Mackenzi Felmlee in a foster home in Fairview Heights has raised serious concerns about accountability within the Department of Children and Family Services. 

At a press conference held today, State Representatives Tom Weber, Nicole La Ha, and Steve Reick called for urgent reforms to the Illinois Department of Children and Family Services (DCFS). Findings from the Illinois Auditor General’s July 2025 compliance report revealed 34 violations at DCFS, 29 of which were repeat failures. Also, the death of 18-year-old Mackenzi Felmlee in a foster home in Fairview Heights has raised serious concerns about accountability within the Department of Children and Family Services.

Rep. Weber, who chairs the House Republican working group on Sustaining & Protecting At-Risk Kids, said, “This isn’t about funding. It’s about a culture of mismanagement that continues to put children at risk.”

Illinois farmers are no strangers to hard work, long days, and generational commitment. But when it comes to passing on the family farm, they’re facing a tax burden that threatens everything they’ve built. Despite bipartisan calls for reform, Democrats in Springfield have failed to act.

Illinois is one of just 16 states that still levy an estate tax, and its exemption threshold, currently set at $4 million, hasn’t been adjusted for inflation since 2013. That might sound like a lot, but for farmers whose value is tied up in land and equipment, it’s alarmingly easy to cross that line. The result? Families are forced to sell off acreage or assets just to pay the tax bill.

Each summer, the Office of the House Republican Leader sponsors a summer internship program for aspiring high school and college students. Unlike many other summer internships, the House Republican internship includes an education program designed to expose interns to different career opportunities in the General Assembly and government service.

While interns may be assigned to a State Representative’s District Office or a division within the House Republican Caucus, the education program allows them to participate in weekly activities that include presentations and exercises hosted by experts on the House Republican staff. 

The 2025 Illinois State Fair is only one week away, and this year promises plenty of adventure and excitement at the state fairgrounds in Springfield.

This year’s event features a showcase of Illinois agriculture and products, as well as plenty of carnival rides, attractions, concerts and (of course) good food!

The event kicks off on Thursday August 7 with the annual State Fair Twilight Parade through Springfield and into the fairgrounds.

Legislation introduced in the spring session of the General Assembly would overhaul the funding formula for state universities in Illinois.

It would do so to promote Diversity, Equity and Inclusion (DEI) and would lower grade point average standards.

If passed, Illinois would be the first state to implement a diversity-based funding formula like this one. 

With August just around the corner, almost 2 million students are preparing to move from their homes to a college dorm or apartment, marking a key turning point in their transition to adulthood. With the transition to higher education comes higher costs. Between tuition, living expenses, books and supplies, and the cost of activities, college remains a huge expense for many families and students.

According to a study conducted by College Pulse and GradGuard, 67% of students are covering the cost of college fully on their own, including anything outside of tuition costs. Affordability remains the top barrier for students, and with the majority paying for higher education themselves, budgeting tips for students are essential to cut costs where possible. 

State Representative Nicole La Ha is leading the charge in how communities think about accessibility. Her work is rooted in lived experience as a parent, a neighbor, and someone who’s seen firsthand how hard it can be to navigate public spaces when mobility is limited.

Rep. La Ha’s advocacy is lived. Her daughter was born with cerebral palsy, and that experience reshaped how Rep. La Ha sees the world. She’s navigated the health care system, fought for better equipment, and watched her child face barriers that most families never have to think about.

CORRUPTION
Judge hands 2 years in prison to ex-ComEd lobbyist Michael McClain, calls bribery scheme with Speaker Madigan a ‘criminal alliance’. Michael McClain, a longtime lobbyist for utility giant Commonwealth Edison who was also a close confidante of then-House Speaker Michael Madigan, has always insisted that what federal prosecutors claimed was an elaborate scheme to bribe the powerful speaker was nothing more than relationship-building. 

Each year nearly 200,000 servicemen and women leave the United States military and transition back into civilian life. Of those transitioning, 55% of veterans cite employment as one of their most significant hurdles during their transition, according to a study conducted by the Society of Human Resource Management (SHRM).

Politicians of every party in every state in the union are fond of using some form of the phrase, “budgets are about priorities.”

Where and how we spend our money reflects what is truly important to us.

For more than two centuries, the Illinois state budget has been no different – a reflection of the priorities of a majority of the members of the General Assembly and the Governor.

Improving public safety for everyone in Illinois is a top priority for House Republicans. Unfortunately, the majority party continues to back legislation that puts innocent people at risk while blocking any attempts at needed reforms. In recent years, laws such as the SAFE-T Act and its Pre-Trial Fairness Act provision, which abolished cash bail in Illinois, have allowed dangerous criminals who should have been detained back out on the streets.

Vehicle theft remains a serious concern across the United States, though recent data shows a promising decline. According to the National Insurance Crime Bureau (NICB), 850,708 vehicles were reported stolen nationwide in 2024, marking a 17% decrease from the record-setting 1.02 million thefts in 2023. Despite this progress, the financial toll remains steep, with the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) estimating that vehicle theft costs Americans more than $8 billion annually.

Illinois House Republicans continue to lead efforts to combat diaper insecurity through community-based donation drives that support families with young children. In 2025, State Representatives Jennifer Sanalitro (R–Hanover Park) and Ryan Spain (R–Peoria) each hosted their respective annual diaper drives, building on years of outreach and growing public awareness of this critical issue.

CORRUPTION
John Hooker, first of ‘ComEd Four’ to be sentenced, gets 1½ years in prison. A former executive for electric utility Commonwealth Edison has been sentenced to 18 months in prison for his role in bribing ex-Illinois House Speaker Michael Madigan for jobs and contracts for the Democratic power broker’s political allies.

Shark Week returns here in 2025 with a wave of excitement, education, and conservation, marking the thirty-seventh year of the Discovery Channel's beloved summer programming tradition. Scheduled to run from Sunday, July 20 through Saturday, July 26, Shark Week continues to captivate viewers with its blend of thrilling storytelling, scientific exploration, and eye-opening insights into one of the ocean’s most iconic predators. This year’s theme carries even more cultural weight as it coincides with the fiftieth anniversary of the blockbuster film "Jaws," which first debuted in 1975 and has since become a cornerstone in shaping American perceptions of sharks. Shark Week offers something for everyone, especially for Illinois residents who want to dive deeper into shark-themed activities close to home.

Illinois Democrats love to talk about local control—but their actions tell a very different story. In Springfield, they continue to pass down expensive mandates to cities, towns, and school districts, all while starving them of the resources needed to meet those demands.

Whether it’s the unfunded requirements stemming from the SAFE‑T Act, costly zoning preemptions, or education mandates on school districts — the pattern is clear: the state piles on the requirements, then walks away from the bill.

Illinois is more than just the crossroads of America—it is a cornerstone of our nation’s food supply. With more than 2,600 food manufacturers operating throughout the state, Illinois leads the nation in processed food sales, bringing in $180 billion each year. From the rolling fields of grains to the bustling production lines in Chicago, our state transforms raw agricultural goods into the foods families rely on each and every day.

Illinois politics is no stranger to corruption. Considering our state’s history, the past few years have brought an unfortunately unsurprising wave of scandal that shook public trust and exposed blatant abuses of power. From the Capitol Dome to Chicago City Hall, a multitude of indictments and convictions have made one thing clear: Illinois has an ethics problem, and the time for action is now.

Illinois is known for many great things, but one that may not be well known is Illinois’ rank in the wine industry. Illinois is home to two officially recognized American Viticultural Areas (AVAs), which are areas known for their wine producing, called wine regions.

A wine region is just as it sounds, an area where the produce used to make wine grows, most notably grapes. Grapes, however, are not versatile and need different geographical and environmental factors to thrive. This is called terroir and contributes to the different taste of the grapes, which then make different tasting wines. For example, a dry wine will require grapes to be picked off the vines early to create a more bitter taste, whereas a sweeter wine will need grapes that are harvested late to achieve sweetness.

PUBLIC CORRUPTION
Federal prosecutors seek nearly 6 years in prison for Madigan confidant Michael McClain. The feds say a man who once had an “unbreakable” bond with former Illinois House Speaker Michael J. Madigan should be sentenced to nearly six years in prison, partly for serving as Madigan’s “agent, messenger” and “henchman” in a lengthy conspiracy involving ComEd.

When you think of big-time sporting events, there’s a lot to offer in Illinois. There’s Cardinals/Cubs on a summer weekend at Wrigley Field, Packers/Bears on a crisp fall night at Soldier Field, Cubs/White Sox cross-town rivalry, and Illinois/Michigan or Illinois/Northwestern football in late fall…and the list goes on and on.

Legislation that would impose a $1.50 delivery tax on Illinois businesses did not pass both Chambers from the latest Spring Session. However, the tax hike proposal did pass in the Senate as part of HB 3438. This incredibly burdensome bill contained a LOT of costly proposals, as Democrats searched high and low for ideas to bail out Chicago’s transit funding woes.

Families maintain and grow a number of fruits and vegetables in their own gardens in Illinois, and in many cases they produce more food than what they can consume. Once the harvest is complete, instead of letting this excess food go to waste, families can consider donating their fresh food to a local food pantry.

There are a number of organizations in Illinois that accept food donations, including churches, local food pantries, larger food banks and the Salvation Army. Residents can use search engine tools online to look up donation centers near them, or consult your local health department. Ampleharvest.org is a non-profit organization that makes it easy for gardeners and farmers to find local food pantries to donate their surplus of fresh produce.

One of the great aspects of life in Illinois are the unique County Fairs that are held from June through October all over the state. 

There are over 100 County Fairs in Illinois, all offering wholesome fun for the whole family. The vast majority of county fairs in Illinois are held in the summer months of June, July and August.

Independence Day, observed annually on July 4th, marks the anniversary of the adoption of the Declaration of Independence in 1776, a turning point that laid the foundation for the United States of America.

By the mid-18th century, the thirteen colonies in North America were flourishing under British rule. But as tensions rose over taxation, trade restrictions, and lack of representation in Parliament, many colonists began to call for greater autonomy. Events like the Stamp Act (1765), the Boston Massacre (1770), and the Boston Tea Party (1773) deepened the divide between Britain and its American colonies.

GENERAL ASSEMBLY
New Illinois Laws Take Effect July 1, Starting July 1, 2025, Illinois will usher in several new laws ranging from education requirements to a ban on small single-use plastic bottles in hotels. The State will also implement several new tax increases as part of the record $55.2 billion Fiscal Year 2026 State Budget, passed by Democrats this spring.

As a general rule, consumer fireworks are not legal in Illinois. The Pyrotechnic Use Act, passed in 1942, bans the sale, possession and use of all consumer fireworks. While legal to buy in most other states,

firecrackers, bottle rockets and roman candles are not legal in Illinois. 

Violations of this law can result in large fines or even jail time, especially in cases where the fireworks are bought in from another state and transported across state lines. Illinois is one of only three states to ban all or most consumer fireworks.

Planning a trip with your furry friend? Whether you're flying across the country or hitting the open road, traveling with pets requires careful preparation to ensure their comfort and safety. Here are some essential tips to make your journey smoother for both you and your pet.

Starting Today, Illinois will usher in several new laws ranging from education requirements to a ban on small single-use plastic bottles in hotels. The state will also implement several new tax increases as part of the record $55.2 billion Fiscal Year 2026 State Budget, passed by Democrats this spring.

New Taxes Taking Effect

Sports Betting Tax Increase

A per-wager tax of $0.25 for the first 20 million bets, doubling to $0.50 after that. DraftKings and FanDuel have already responded by raising costs for users.

GENERAL ASSEMBLY

Illinois Republicans urge veto of Senate Bill 328, file lawsuit to expose Constitutional Violation. Last week, members of the Illinois House and Senate Republican caucuses joined together to call on Gov. Pritzker to veto Senate Bill 328, legislation that would serve only to enrich trial lawyers at the expense of jobs and economic growth. They also filed a lawsuit in Sangamon County court to enforce the Illinois Constitution’s Three Readings Rule, due to the blatant unconstitutional manner the Democratic Majority rammed the special interest proposal through the General Assembly after midnight on the last day of session.

Do you ever get things delivered from retailers like Amazon, Walmart, Target, or even your favorite small business? Whether it’s school supplies, household essentials, groceries, or pizza, delivery has become a go-to convenience for many Illinois families.

However, Governor JB Pritzker and Springfield Democrats floated an idea this past legislative session to add a $1.50 delivery tax to nearly every package shipped to Illinois homes. Luckily, delivery taxes did not receive a vote in the House, but the new tax could still be adopted in veto or special sessions later this year.

If you’re looking for a way to get the kids off the couch and into nature, hiking is a great way to unplug, stretch those legs, and make some unforgettable memories. Here in Illinois, you don’t have to go far to find trails that are kid-friendly, beautiful, and full of adventure.

Here are five top hikes for families with kids:

Starved Rock and Sandstone Point Overlook Trail – Starved Rock State Park (Near Oglesby, IL)
Distance: 4.2 miles | Time: ~1 hour 34 min | Difficulty: Moderate

One of Illinois' most iconic hikes, this trail offers sweeping views from Sandstone Point and plenty of natural beauty along the way. The path is paved in parts, but there are quite a few steps, so come ready for a mini workout. It’s a great option for older kids who can handle some stairs and love a good view at the top.

Dells Canyon and Bluff Trail – Matthiessen State Park (Near Oglesby, IL)
Distance: 2.2 miles | Time: ~53 min | Difficulty: Moderate

Waterfalls? Check. Caves? Check. Beautiful canyons? Check. This trail packs a lot into just over two miles and is the perfect blend of exciting terrain and scenic rest stops. Kids love the sense of exploration here. It feels like stepping into another world!

Garden of the Gods Observation Trail – Shawnee National Forest (Near Karbers Ridge, IL)
Distance: 0.5 miles | Time: ~11 min | Difficulty: Easy

Short, easy, and jaw-droppingly beautiful, this is a must-do if you’re in southern Illinois. The rock formations are stunning, and there’s plenty of space to take a break, snap photos, or just let the kids climb and play (safely, of course). Bonus: nearby campsites make this a perfect weekend getaway spot.

Waterfall Glen Trail – Waterfall Glen Forest Preserve (Near Willowbrook, IL)
Distance: 9.5 miles | Time: ~3 hours 7 min | Difficulty: Easy

Don’t let the long mileage scare you, it’s a wide gravel loop with several access points, so you can make this as long or short as you’d like. The trail winds through peaceful woods and past a small waterfall. It’s a great spot for walking, hiking, or biking together as a family.

Eagle Cliff Overlook and La Salle Canyon via Campanula Trail – Starved Rock State Park (Near North Utica, IL)
Distance: 3.9 miles | Time: ~1 hour 34 min | Difficulty: Moderate

This one’s a favorite for families who want a little bit of everything: river views, a boardwalk path, waterfalls, and the scenic beauty of La Salle Canyon. The trail is a mix of boardwalk and concrete, making it accessible and exciting for curious explorers.

Bring snacks, water, and your sense of adventure. Illinois has so many trails that are perfect for families. These are just a few highlights to get you started. Whether you’re chasing waterfalls, exploring rock formations, or just walking in the woods, these hikes are sure to create moments your kids won’t forget.

Now lace up those shoes and hit the trail!

Summer in Illinois isn’t just about cornfields and Cubs games (though we love both). The state offers a surprising blend of big-city energy, charming small towns, and natural escapes, all wrapped in Midwestern hospitality. If you’re a history buff, nature lover, foodie, or just need a change of scenery, here’s your guide to some of the best Illinois cities to soak up summer.

June 23rd marks International Women in Engineering Day (INWED), a day to celebrate the contributions of women in the field of engineering. Since 2014, the Women’s Engineering Society (WES) in the United Kingdom, has launched an international online campaign to celebrate women engineers across the world.

GENERAL ASSEMBLY
Illinois Republicans urge veto of Senate Bill 328, file lawsuit to expose Constitutional Violation.
This week, members of the Illinois House and Senate Republican caucuses joined together to call on Gov. Pritzker to veto Senate Bill 328, legislation that would serve only to enrich trial lawyers at the expense of jobs and economic growth. They also filed a lawsuit in Sangamon County court to enforce the Illinois Constitution’s Three Readings Rule, due to the blatant unconstitutional manner the Democratic Majority rammed the special interest proposal through the General Assembly after midnight on the last day of session.

This year the nation begins its celebration of our 250th birthday, building up to the July 4, 2026, commemoration of the semi-quincentennial of the Declaration of Independence.

The celebration marks not only the gathering of 56 Founders at Independence Hall, but also the progression of American history, from a small experiment in self-government, to the large and powerful democratic republic that we are today.

Today, members of the Illinois House and Senate Republican caucuses joined together to call on Gov. Pritzker to veto Senate Bill 328, legislation that would serve only to enrich trial lawyers at the expense of jobs and economic growth. They also filed a lawsuit in Sangamon County court to enforce the Illinois Constitution’s Three Readings Rule, due to the blatant unconstitutional manner the Democratic Majority rammed the special interest proposal through the General Assembly after midnight on the last day of session.

When you head to Illinois lakes and waterways this summer you may encounter Craspedacusta sowerbii, also known as the peach blossom jellyfish. The peach blossom is the only known species of freshwater jellyfish, and it has been found in both Little Grassy and Devil’s Kitchen lakes in the Crab Orchard National Wildlife Refuge. The tiny invertebrates have also been spotted in Ferne Clyffe and Kinkaid Lakes and at Mermet Springs in southern Illinois.

With summer gardens sprouting up around the state, many gardeners are turning to canning to preserve the freshness of their excess bounty. But, before home canners start preserving, University of Illinois Extension urges canners to get their pressure canning gauge checked to ensure it is functioning properly. The USDA also recommends testing dial gauges annually and replacing them if they are inaccurate, according to the USDA. 

Governor JB Pritzker appeared before the House Oversight Committee in Washington, D.C. last week, where he was grilled by Congressional members over Illinois’ sanctuary state laws.

Over the course of the eight-hour hearing, Gov. Pritzker and the Democratic governors of fellow sanctuary states Minnesota and New York were questioned about their support for failed sanctuary state laws that prohibit local law enforcement agencies from working with federal authorities to detain and deport dangerous criminal illegal aliens.

Every third Sunday of June, we, as a nation, celebrate the fathers who care for us, teach us, and most of all, show us how to be better people by their example. However, underneath the grilling and the greeting cards lies a tale of resilience, love for family, and what it means to be truly American — how the celebration of Father’s Day came to be.

On Saturday, Americans will not only be saluting the Army’s 250th year with President Donald Trump at a parade in Washington, D.C. we will also be celebrating America’s symbol of freedom, the American flag. It should be a celebration of important symbols of American unity and strength – but some Democratic politicians are intent on marring the event with calls for protests – much like the ones that have turned violent in LA and other cities around the country.

PUBLIC CORRUPTION
Convicted ex-Speaker Mike Madigan sentenced to 7.5 years in prison. Convicted former Illinois House Speaker Michael J. Madigan was sentenced to 7.5 years in federal prison and a $2.5 million fine as his public corruption case concluded on Friday, June 13. U.S. District Judge John Robert Blakey ruled that Madigan lied repeatedly and willfully on the witness stand when he testified in his own defense. Madigan is due to report to the Federal Bureau of Prisons on October 13, pending an appeal.

Plot twist needed in story of corruption and abuse of power

Once the influential chairman of the Illinois Democratic Party and powerful Speaker of the Illinois House of Representatives, Michael J. Madigan was found guilty of wire fraud, bribery and conspiracy to commit bribery earlier this year and today was sentenced to 7.5 years in a federal penitentiary followed by 3 years probation, and ordered to immediately pay a $2.5 million fine.

Illinois is teeming with nature and the great outdoors, from beautiful landscapes to various hiking trails. The Prairie State has many outdoor treasures to offer, from a peaceful escape among the trees to a thrilling bike ride or a hike. As the great outdoors fires up the trails this summer, why not get your gear ready and visit the following hiking, biking, and exploring spots?