GENERAL ASSEMBLY
Five new laws you need to know. Every year the General Assembly passes hundreds of bills which are signed into law by the Governor. Many of these new laws take effect on January 1 – this year there are 293. Here are five new laws for 2025 that you need to know about. 

Every Christmas Eve, as children around the world eagerly await Santa Claus's arrival, the North American Aerospace Defense Command (NORAD) tracks Santa's journey across the globe. This beloved tradition interestingly began by accident in 1955.

Illinois Democrats failed to pass the Hemp Consumer Products Act before leaving Springfield last spring and did not take it up during the Fall Veto Session in November. House Bill 4293 would have regulated popular and dangerous hemp products currently on the market.  

Nearly five years after Illinois became the eleventh state to legalize recreational marijuana, a new, rapidly expanding cannabis market has raised concerns from residents and lawmakers alike. Hemp-derived THC products, which remain largely unregulated, have become increasingly abundant and easily accessible due to a loophole in federal and state laws. 

Traditions are an integral part of human culture. They are passed down from generation to generation providing a sense of stability and helping to connect us to our roots. Whether its through the food we eat, the songs we sing or the manner in which we decorate our homes, traditions tie us to family, to our culture and to a feeling of belonging.

Every year the General Assembly passes hundreds of bills which are signed into law by the Governor. Many of these new laws take effect on January 1 – this year there are 293. Here are five new laws for 2025 that you need to know about.

Keeping emergency responders safe
House Bill 4255, sponsored in the House by Rep. Amy Elik of Alton, would help keep emergency responders and motorists approaching accident sites safe by allowing emergency responder vehicles to display flashing green lights.

In the fall of 1858, two men stood face-to-face in a series of debates that would define not only their own political futures but the soul of a nation. Abraham Lincoln and Stephen A. Douglas were opponents in the race for a U.S. Senate seat, but their rivalry transcended mere political ambition. Their debates became a national spectacle, a stage for the pressing issue of slavery and the future of America.These debates were about two visions of what America should be.

MADIGAN TRIAL
Corruption trial of Speaker Madigan draws in convicted former Rep. Eddie Acevedo. Former Chicago Democratic State Rep. Eddie Acevedo, already sentenced to prison on separate charges of tax evasion, has been ordered to the witness stand in the Madigan corruption trial. Prosecutors assert that the longtime legislator was familiar with many of former Speaker Madigan’s clout-heavy maneuverings.

During the Christmas season, many traditions come to light as families and friends gather. Of the traditions, many signify something special, like recreating the same cookie recipe that was passed down from a generations ago, whereas others come out of sheer luck or popularity.

Near the Capitol stands a building constructed to celebrate Illinois’ first 100 years of statehood. The Centennial Building (today called the Howlett Building) features an area for exhibiting battle flags of Illinois regiments from the Civil War and other conflicts. The flags have been removed to another facility to be better preserved, but the hall still includes displays marking the history of the Illinois National Guard.

In yet another sign of the changing retail landscape, 76-year hardware giant True Value, headquartered in Chicago, announced in October it had filed for bankruptcy and plans to sell its business operations to industry rival Do it Best Corp, which is headquartered in Indiana. However, True Value’s 4,500 stores are independently owned, not part of the bankruptcy filing, and will continue to operate in their current capacities.

As Illinois transitions away from coal power, the focus on building battery storage capacity has intensified. While some view this as a necessary solution for energy reliability, it may actually reflect the unintended consequences of unfortunate policy decisions.

The central issue with relying on wind and solar energy is their intermittent nature. Unlike fossil fuel plants, which can operate continuously to meet demand, renewable sources are dependent on weather conditions. This creates gaps in energy supply that batteries are intended to fill—charging during peak production times and discharging when demand spikes.

As the holiday season ramps up to full swing, towns and cities across Illinois come alive with a shared sense of joy and celebration. Each with their own holiday traditions, communities are coming together to create moments that bring neighbors closer and make the season unforgettable.

 
Each year, the night after Thanksgiving, Woodstock, Illinois welcomes the Christmas season with the cherished Lighting of the Square event. During this event, tens of thousands of beautiful lights are turned on downtown, surrounding the central park. The event also hosts a variety of other activities, including an appearance by Santa himself!

 

National Christmas Card Day is celebrated on December 9th each year. It's a day to reflect on the tradition of sending and receiving holiday cards, and to spread joy and holiday cheer. It is a day you can set aside time to write and address your own holiday cards.

According to the Postal Museum in London, England, Christmas cards date back to the Victorian era. It was Queen Victoria who sent the first official Christmas card. However, it was the founding director of the Victoria and Albert Museum, Henry Cole, who commissioned and sent the first commercial Christmas card in 1843.

Each year on December 9, countries around the globe come together to recognize International Anti-Corruption Day which calls for awareness about the impacts of corruption and the importance of standing against it. Since its establishment by the United Nations in 2003, the day marks the adoption of the United Nations Convention Against Corruption (UNCAC), the first and only legally binding international anti-corruption instrument designed to combat public and private corruption. As of 2024, 191 countries have ratified the UNCAC, a testament to the prevailing struggle against corruption and global recognition of the need to address it.

December 7 marks Pearl Harbor Day, a time to honor the lives lost during the surprise attack on the U.S. naval base at Pearl Harbor, Hawaii, in 1941. This event, often referred to as "a date which will live in infamy," as President Franklin D. Roosevelt described it, not only changed the course of World War II but also shaped the history of the United States and the wider world.

MADIGAN TRIAL
Wiretaps show Madigan using political power for his personal benefit. One of the principal allegations against former Speaker Michael J. Madigan, based on his positions as head of the Illinois House of Representatives and the Democratic Party of Illinois, is that he explicitly used legislative and political clout to drum up business – especially business involving continuous lawyer-client relationships and fees – for the Chicago-based law firm that he also controlled and profited from.

The holiday season is a magical time in Illinois. While many love the seeing the outdoors blanketed in snow and the light displays in their neighborhoods and towns, holiday movies are also a beloved Christmas tradition. This year, Illinois is celebrating its rich connection to holiday movies in special ways, with events featuring iconic stars and towns stepping into the spotlight as festive film locations.

 

Cookies are a holiday staple for many Illinois families so as the festive season approaches, we’d like to celebrate National Cookie Day with a quick history of the holiday cookie.

The tradition of baking cookies for the holidays goes back to the Middle Ages when Christmas took the place of winter solstice festivities throughout Europe. It was also at this time that Europeans were introduced to the exotic spices of the Far East, including ginger, nutmeg and cinnamon.

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 celebrate 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.

 

The area was originally inhabited by various Native American tribes, including the Illiniwek, from whom the state derives its name. European exploration began in 1673 when French explorers Jacques Marquette and Louis Jolliet traversed the region, claiming it for France. The French established settlements such as Cahokia in 1699 and Kaskaskia in 1703, which became centers of trade and missionary work. 

 

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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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.

Thanksgiving is a treasured national holiday in the United States, celebrated this year on Thursday, November 28, 2024. Its origins date back over four centuries to 1621, when the Pilgrims of Plymouth Colony and the Wampanoag people shared an autumn harvest feast. This act of gratitude for survival and a bountiful harvest is recognized as one of the earliest Thanksgiving celebrations in American history.

Human trafficking is an often hidden but pervasive crime that continues to impact communities across Illinois. In 2022, the National Human Trafficking Hotline received 287 reports from Illinois, leading to the identification of 199 victims of trafficking, according to the hotline's data. These numbers represent only a fraction of the actual cases, as many victims remain unseen and unheard due to the covert nature of the crime.

Illinois has an estimated population of 640,000 white-tailed deer, which ranks 22nd in the nation. Deer hunting is a way of life for thousands of Illinois residents, and with firearm deer season currently underway statewide, deer processing plants are buzzing with activity. Illinois is home to dozens upon dozens of deer processing plants, many of which are family-based and have been passed down from generation to generation.

Illinois House Republicans are reacting to the Pritzker Administration’s announcement of a $3.2 billion projected budget deficit for FY26. The lawmakers have repeatedly voiced concerns about the state’s budget process, especially for the past fiscal year which relied on gimmicks and tax hikes amid the Majority Party's continued failure to manage state finances responsibly.

Becoming an organ and tissue donor can save lives, restore sight, and enhance the quality of life for countless individuals across Illinois. As of November 2024, approximately 4,000 Illinois residents are awaiting organ transplants, holding out hope for a second chance at life. By choosing to become a donor, you can be the beacon of hope they desperately need.

Every child deserves the love, stability, and support of a permanent family. National Adoption Day, held annually on the Saturday before Thanksgiving, is a reminder of the need to help children in foster care find loving homes. This year, on November 23rd, communities across Illinois and the nation will unite to raise awareness about adoption and celebrate the thousands of families formed through it each year.

MADIGAN TRIAL
Mike McClain’s “magic lobbyist list” presented to jurors in Madigan criminal trial. McClain, a former close associate of Michael J. Madigan, is on trial with the former Illinois House Speaker in federal court in Chicago. Madigan and McClain have been charged with a variety of crimes relating to influence peddling. These charges include allegations that Madigan and McClain “clouted” their allies and associates into leadership positions in other key Illinois entities, such as Chicago-based electricity distributor ComEd. On Tuesday, November 19, former ComEd board member Juan Ochoa testified to the court about how, as a Madigan ally, he had won appointment to the governing board of ComEd.

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.

For many years low-income Illinoisans have struggled to find affordable dental care.

Throughout the state, dental schools, individual dentists and nonprofits have sought to address the need for routine services like cleanings. The Illinois Department of Healthcare and Family Services even offers a dental program for low-income Illinoisans in need of dental care.

Deer hunters in Illinois will be busy this weekend, as firearm hunting season begins this Friday and continues through Sunday, November 24. A second round of firearm deer hunting will be coming in two weeks, from December 5 through 8.

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. In 2018, Rep. Tony McCombie co-sponsored legislation that allowed deer hunters to wear solid pink gear in addition to solid orange. 

This year, the Illinois House Republicans have been rallying communities around the cause of blood donation. Representatives Dan Ugaste, Tony McCombie, Jeff Keicher, C.D. Davidsmeyer, Brad Stephens, Jackie Haas, and Tom Weber have each hosted successful blood drives, giving the residents of their districts the opportunity to make a real difference.

Madigan Trial
‘Make it a federal court suit’: Jurors hear wiretap of McClain describing subcontracts alleged to be bribes. Thursday marked the end of six days on the witness stand for star government witness Fidel Marquez, a ComEd executive-turned-FBI mole who secretly video recorded conversations with his colleagues, including McClain.

What could a merchants’ gathering half a millennium ago in the foothills of the Bavarian Alps possibly have to do with holiday-season commerce in Illinois today?

Quite a bit, actually. Over the next few weeks thousands of Illinoisans will visit a Christkindlmarket somewhere in the state, enjoying the sights and sounds (and tastes and smells) of a holiday village, complete with vendors, entertainers and a healthy dose of German Christmas tradition.

National Take a Hike Day, held on November 17 each year, is a day to encourage us to step outside, explore the natural world, and embrace the physical and mental benefits of hiking. Across the country, more than 60,000 miles of trails await hikers, and Illinois offers some of the most scenic paths in the Midwest. With the Illinois Department of Natural Resources (IDNR) managing a vast network of trails, this day is an ideal time to discover Illinois’ unique landscapes, from woodlands to riverside bluffs, and to appreciate the natural beauty of our state.

In 2021, Governor Pritzker signed the Climate & Equitable Jobs Act into law. The measure set deadlines for phasing out fossil-fuel energy sources starting in 2030, with the ultimate goal of shutting down all Illinois coal and natural gas-fired power plants by 2045. It also incentivizes renewable energy development and at the same time imposes diversity hiring requirements, with the additional expectation that providers will hire from the state-sponsored workforce programs. The hiring requirements have slowed things down for renewable energy providers because the state’s workforce training programs are not fully ramped up yet.

According to the International Diabetes Federation (IDF), approximately 537 million adults worldwide were living with diabetes in 2021, a number projected to rise to 643 million by 2030.

Diabetes is a chronic health condition characterized by elevated blood glucose levels. There are primarily two types:

Four of the top six turkey production states in the U.S. are in the Midwest, led by Minnesota. In Illinois, the turkey industry has a smaller but important footprint. The Prairie State includes a concentration of independent growers in the Peoria and Morton areas, along with a couple of USDA-inspected processing plants.

With the holidays around the corner, it’s a busy time for everyone preparing to send gifts and to family and friends, whether across the country or internationally. Ensuring holiday packages arrive takes planning and following recommended shipping dates. Here’s a guide to making holiday shipping as smooth as possible, so packages can reach your loved ones on time.

When our county needed them, Veterans stepped up answering the call to serve with distinction. Our nation’s Veterans swore a solemn oath to support and defend our Constitution and through their courage, sacrifice and commitment, they defended our freedoms. Veterans have earned our undying gratitude and our ongoing support. Illinois House Republicans believe it is not enough to just honor these heroes on Veterans Day: They deserve our recognition every single day of the year. What’s more, they deserve policymakers who will go the extra mile to ensure Veterans receive the benefits and support they have more than earned.

November 10, 2024 marks the 249th 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.

Alzheimer's disease affects countless lives, not only for those diagnosed but for families, caregivers, and communities who feel the impact every day. Approximately 250,600 Illinois residents aged 65 and older are currently living with Alzheimer’s, a number projected to climb to 260,000 by 2025, signaling a need for urgent attention and collective action. For these individuals and their loved ones, Alzheimer’s is a daily reality that reshapes lives, routines, and futures.

CORRUPTION
Madigan jurors hear ally complaining to speaker's son about those who don’t get ‘what happens when you’re in this game.’ ComEd consultant Michael McClain sounded incredulous in 2018 after learning that a fellow player in the utility game had complained to a colleague about feeling pressure to hire someone with political connections.

In line with recent years, the 2024 holiday season is set to pose challenges for those looking to obtain seasonal retail positions. Per a Challenger, Gray & Christmas analysis of Bureau of Labor Statistics data, U.S. retailers are only expected to take on 520,000 new workers this quarter; a 7.8% decrease from last year.

The holiday season is a time for joy, generosity, and for many, a chance to make dreams come true. For over a century, the United States Postal Service (USPS) has been doing just that through its beloved Operation Santa program.

The United States Postal Service receives thousands of letters to Santa each year. In response, they created the Operation Santa program. Through this program, the USPS gives people the opportunity to adopt and respond to them.

Today is Election Day and Illinoisans who did not vote early or by mail will be taking to the polls to cast their ballots for the candidates of their choice. We’ve put together some of most frequently asked questions to help voters navigate Election Day in Illinois.

What time can I vote on Election Day?

Polls will be open from 6 a.m. to 7 p.m. on Election Day.

Should the polls open late or have other operating issues, they may be ordered by the courts to remain open later.

Voters must be in line at the polling place before polls close to be permitted to cast a ballot.


Where is my Election Day polling place?

You can find your polling place on the State Board of Election website.


Do I need identification to vote?

It depends.

If you are a registered voter and have voted in previous Illinois elections your signature is typically all you need to vote on Election Day.

If you registered by mail you are required to vote in person for the first time. If you did not provide identification with your mail-in registration, you must provide two forms of ID, and one must include your current address, such as a utility bill.

If you plan to register to vote on election day you will be require to meet certain conditions and will need identification. See the next FAQ, “Can I register to vote on Election Day at my polling place?”


Can I register to vote on Election Day at my polling place?

Yes. You will need identification and must meet these requirements:

1. Must be a U.S. Citizen
2. Must be 18 years old to vote in a Consolidated General Election
3. Must have been a resident of the precinct at least 30 days prior to Election Day.

You will also need to provide two forms of identification and one must include your current address. Accepted identification includes:

• A current and valid photo identification like a driver’s license or state ID
• Utility bill
• Bank statement
• Government check
• Paycheck
• Lease or contract for residence
• Student ID and mail addressed to the voter’s residence
• Government document
  
  

Where do I find out who is running for office or what measures will be on my ballot?

Sample ballots can be found on your county election authority website or the Illinois Voters Guide.


Can I bring written or printed material into the voting booth to help me remember who to vote for?

Yes. You are permitted to bring written and printed materials into the voting booth.


Can I get instruction on how to use the voting machines?

Yes. Any instruction that might be required should be given by a poll worker before you enter the voting booth and in view of the entire polling place. A specimen ballot, not the voter’s official ballot, must be used during instruction.


I have a vision impairment. Can I receive assistance in casting my vote?

Yes. Voters with specific disabilities may receive assistance in voting either from the election judges or from a person of the voter's choice, as long as that person is not an employer, union official or candidate on the ballot. If the voter who needs assistance does not specify a person to assist them, then the voter can be assisted by two election judges, one from each political party. The voter and the assistant must complete a Affidavit of Assisted Voter.

I requested and received a ballot in the mail, but did not send it in. Can I vote in person at my polling place?

Yes, however you must bring the ballot that was mailed to you to the election site. If you do not bring your mailed ballot with you to the polls, you will only be able to vote using a provisional ballot.

I’m pretty sure I registered to vote. What if my name isn’t on the voter’s list in my precinct?

If your name is not on the registered voter list and you believe you registered to vote in your precinct, you have the right to vote on a provisional ballot. Your vote will count if election officials confirm your eligibility to vote. You can find out if your provisional ballot was tabulated on the State Board of Elections Provisional Ballot Search webpage.

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Read more:
How to cast your ballot in Tuesday’s election

In the Illinois General Assembly, lawmakers convene in Springfield for two different legislative sessions during the year. The first of the two is Spring Session or Regular Session, taking place from January through the end of May, adjourning with the passage of the state budget. The second session is Veto Session, spanning over two weeks, typically between October and November.

Before the creation of infrastructure and establishment of large populous cities, bison roamed around North America, including in Illinois. The Prairie State served as the perfect spot for these large mammals as they are grazers by nature, with 90% of their diet being made up of grasses, sedges, and other grass-like plants. While bison were drawn to areas with luscious prairie to graze, their patterns only helped to restore disrupted ecosystems. Since bison typically only eat grass-like plants, other plants and animals that lived in the prairie or grassy areas were left alone and able to flourish without being forced out by overgrown grass. With having the large animals in these grassy areas, the soil beneath their hooves was constantly being compacted, which helped to open areas for new plant growth.

CORRUPTION
As Former Speaker’s Corruption Trial Carries on, Republicans Continue Call for Ethics Reform. Former Illinois House Speaker Mike Madigan is currently sitting trial facing 23 felony charges, including racketeering, bribery, wire fraud, and extortion. While Madigan’s trial takes place in Chicago, House Republican lawmakers are continuing their call for comprehensive ethics reform and will continue to push for common sense laws as the trial continues over the next 11 weeks.

In 1994, Congress issued Joint Resolution 413 declaring November 1st Family Literacy Day. This day is observed every year to raise awareness about the importance of family literacy and the crucial role it plays in developing children’s ability to communicate effectively. Literacy skills are fundamental for success in life, and today serves as a powerful reminder that learning valuable skills doesn’t just happen in school, but also at home. Parents are encouraged to foster effective opportunities to bond with their children and teach them reading and learning skills with daily routines. Taking the time to engage with your children to strengthen their learning skills will also build a family bond. Activities such as drawing, writing, reading, singing, and talking will help improve children’s literacy skills.