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.