Illinois has a long, proud farming tradition, and farmers markets are one of the best ways to experience that firsthand. Whether you're searching for farm-fresh produce, artisanal goods, or just looking to support local growers, these markets are where communities come together to celebrate good food and great company.

The Best Farmers Markets in Illinois
Every year, the American Farmland Trust and Farmers Market Coalition rank the top farmers markets, and Illinois has some incredible spots worth visiting.

On April 10, 1912, leaving from Southampton, England and heading to New York City, the Titanic set out on its maiden voyage carrying over 2,200 passengers. Although a British ship, the Titanic has remained the most famous shipwreck in American history, claiming the lives of over 1,500 passengers when it hit an iceberg in the Atlantic Ocean just five days into the trip.

Aboard the ship were passengers from a wide range of countries, with the majority being from the United Kingdom, the United States, and Ireland. Of those on board, 108 of the passengers were from or had ties to Illinois.

While the Titanic is most known for how many victims it claimed, many families survived and lived prosperous lives, three well-known here in Illinois.

Amongst the most famed conflicts in the United States’ storied history is the Revolutionary War, a period that ultimately allowed for the birth of our young nation. While most remember the war for its iconic battles along the East Coast, beginning with the Battles of Lexington and Concord on April 19 of 1775, many of the important events that steered the direction of the war took place well beyond the original colonies. Amongst the places that helped sway the tide of the war in the Union’s favor was Illinois Country – a faintly developed land that serves as the background for one of the most underappreciated chapters of our country’s early history.

State Representative Amy Elik (R-Alton) says the fight for homeschool families continues following news that the Homeschool Act, HB 2827, was held on third reading and not brought for a vote by last Friday’s House bill deadline. This bill places unnecessary mandates on homeschool families and includes an annual registration scheme. The public has been vocal in opposition to this bill. Elik’s concerns are about the cost of the mandates on different levels of government as well as the restrictions this will have on homeschool families.

Brunch refers to a unique, late morning/early afternoon meal that combines numerous and diverse breakfast and lunch items. Brunch is typically served as a sit-down or buffet-style meal in a relaxed, unhurried setting on a weekend or for special occasions, such as birthdays or anniversaries.

In the modern era of ‘foodies’ and the social media explosion, the popularity of brunch is on the rise. Many restaurants will cater their weekend menus to attract regular, loyal customers with lavish food and drink offerings. Saturdays are the most popular for brunch-goers, though Sundays can bring in large gatherings from those leaving church services or others who enjoy sleeping in after a late night.

The theme for National Safety Zone Awareness Week this year is “Respect the Zone so We All Get Home.” It is a call to action to raise awareness about work zone safety and an effort to save lives.

You've seen them. The workers in the bright construction vests, repairing roads and directing traffic. Their efforts are crucial for keeping travelers safe and our economy moving forward. But they are more than that, they are someone’s spouse, parent, child, sibling and friend, and they all deserve to go home safely to their families at the end of their shift. Unfortunately, that hasn’t been the case for many of them. Workers have faced close calls, serious injuries or death due to drivers' reckless actions in work zones.

State Representative Brandun Schweizer (R-Danville) passed two measures, HB 1882 and HB 2777, to benefit veterans out of the House. The legislative pieces were originally filed by State Representative Stephanie Kifowit of Aurora, a U.S. Marine Corps veteran, and Vice Chair of the House Veterans’ Affairs Committee, before chief sponsorship was transferred to Rep. Schweizer, also a veteran of the Marine Corps, serving 21 years.

Rainy days might dampen outdoor plans, but they can also spark creativity and invite a new sense of discovery. In Illinois, there's no shortage of activities to turn a soggy day into an opportunity for exploration, learning, and even relaxation. Whether you're in the city or one of Illinois's charming smaller towns, you'll find plenty to do indoors when the rain starts falling.

As the sun dips below the horizon on April 12, 2025, Jewish communities around the world will begin the observance of Passover, or Pesach in Hebrew. This eight-day festival, running through April 20, commemorates the Israelites' liberation from slavery in ancient Egypt, a story deeply embedded in Jewish heritage.

CRIMINAL LAW
Windhorst Leads Advocacy for Crime Victims in Resentencing Debate. State Representative Patrick Windhorst has long advocated for crime victims as Massac County State's Attorney and now as an Illinois legislator. On Thursday, he continued that advocacy by helping to defeat legislation that would have allowed resentencing of murderers and rapists.

State Representative Patrick Windhorst has long advocated for crime victims as Massac County State's Attorney and now as an Illinois legislator. On Thursday, he continued that advocacy by helping to defeat legislation that would have allowed resentencing of murderers and rapists.

National Pet Day was founded in 2006 by animal welfare advocate Colleen Paige to not only celebrate the joy our pets bring to us, but also to bring attention to pet adoption. Thousands of pets are housed in shelters around the country and are awaiting their forever homes. The holiday is now recognized in several countries around the world, and its mission is promoted by many celebrities.

After the Illinois Supreme Court refused to take up Illinois House Minority Leader Tony McCombie’s lawsuit to fight for Illinois voters through a fair map, she released the following statement:

"Today is a shameful day in Illinois history. The voices of voters have once again been silenced by a Democratic machine that will stop at nothing to cling to power. This isn't leadership — it's a raw, cynical power grab. Every Illinoisan, regardless of political affiliation, should be outraged by what just happened.

The state of Illinois created and expanded (multiple times) a program to give hundreds of millions of dollars in taxpayer-funded health benefits to illegal immigrants with almost no public notice and almost no public debate.

It wasn’t the first time a controversial program or spending item was sneaked through the General Assembly in secret. This tactic is made possible by inserting major policy changes into what is known as a “budget implementation” bill, often shortened to “the BIMP.”

An amendment to the Homeschool Act was filed yesterday and posted for hearing this morning at 8:00 a.m. in the Education Policy Committee. 

State Representative Amy Elik continues to stand with homeschooling families in opposition to the bill and urges them once again to sign witness slips in opposition to the this new attack on homeschool freedom.

While more than 40,000 witness slips were filed in opposition to the original bill, opponents must once again file witness slips on the new amendment.

Witness slips can now be filed on Amendment 2 to HB 2827.


Follow along with committee here: https://ilga.gov/houseaudvid.asp

Outraged at the continuing failures and mismanagement at several Illinois agencies, State Representatives Charlie Meier, Jeff Keicher, Patrick Sheehan, and Brad Fritts called on the Governor to take action to protect the state’s most vulnerable.

Reports of abuse, neglect and improper procedure have spurred an investigation by the U.S. Department of Justice that will be conducting an audit of the State-Operated Developmental Centers (SODC), specifically the Choate, Shapiro, and Mabley Centers, for abuse and neglect.

With barely just two weeks of reserves in its rainy days, new data shows Illinois now ranks last among all 50 states in its ability to withstand a financial crisis.

New Pew Research data highlights Illinois now ranks last in the country in terms of being able to withstand a financial crisis.

Illinois state Rep. Dan Ugaste, R-Geneva, wonders when state lawmakers will get out of their own way when it comes to fiscally steering the state on the right track.

Spring is finally here! After months of cold weather, gray skies, and bundling up, it’s time to open the windows, let the sunlight pour in, and welcome the season of fresh starts. But before you dive headfirst into picnics and garden parties, it’s worth taking a little time to tackle some spring essentials. A little spring cleaning helps you to free yourself up to truly enjoy everything spring has to offer.

So, let’s roll up our sleeves and jump into this springtime to-do list!

World Health Day is marked around the world on April 7th which is the anniversary of the World Health Organization’s (WHO) founding, 77 years ago in 1948. Each year, it draws attention to a specific health topic of concern to people all over the world. This year the theme of World Health Day is Healthy beginnings, hopeful futures, focused on improving maternal and newborn health and survival.

Today, on National Deep-Dish Pizza Day, we celebrate the origins of the beloved style of pizza that dates back to the 1940s. In about every city across the globe, people can find deep-dish pizza, but it’s known to all in America that Chicago, Illinois is home of the deep-dish style, thanks to Ike Sewell and Richard Riccardo. The two men would venture out to create an iconic style of pizza that is still a fan favorite to this day.

ETHICS REFORM
House Republicans Call for Anti-Corruption Package. Last week, House Republican lawmakers presented their legislative proposals to once again bring forward an opportunity for ethics reform in the Illinois statehouse. The proposals are an attempt to restore public faith in government and root out commonplace corruption under the dome. State Representatives Patrick Windhorst, Dave Severin, and David Friess discussed the unfortunate record of public corruption guilty verdicts impacting the Illinois General Assembly, including the former Speaker of the Illinois House Michael Madigan.

April marks the observance of National Child Abuse Prevention Month, an annual campaign that aims to raise awareness of the devastating consequences of child abuse and neglect. This month-long initiative highlights the importance of families and communities working together to safeguard the physical, emotional, and mental well-being of children across the nation. Each one of us can play a vital role in preventing severe neglect, physical, emotional, and sexual abuse by being proactive and informed. 

State lawmakers left Springfield without passing any ethics reform legislation during committee deadline week. House Republicans told reporters that they are frustrated their Democratic colleagues refused to call any of the bills addressing corruption for a committee vote.

Some argue this was the perfect time to show the public that lawmakers want to close the lawmaker to lobbyist revolving door and end the use of campaign funds to pay for public corruption defense.

"When Democratic politicians were arrested, indicted, charged, convicted and incarcerated, we waited for action," said Rep. Patrick Windhorst (R-Metropolis). "We've been disappointed time after time."

Autism Awareness Month in April is a special time to recognize and support the autism community. Autism Awareness Month, highlighted by World Autism Day on April 2nd, is a powerful reminder to embrace inclusivity, raise awareness, and inspire meaningful action. Autism spectrum disorder (ASD) touches the lives of millions, and understanding its impact is critical to building a more understanding world.

The 1848 Illinois Constitution remains a defining document in our state’s history, setting key reforms in place while modernizing Illinois’ government. While the Prairie State’s new constitution went into effect on April 1,1848, the story of Illinois’ second constitution begins in the summer of 1847, when discussions and debates established the foundation for one of Illinois’ most prominent transformations.

By the mid-1800s, Illinois had outgrown the framework of its first constitution, signed in 1818. The state’s population had surged and its economy had evolved thanks to advancements in farming, newly created railroads, and, notably, the construction of the Illinois and Michigan Canal. While these benefited the state immensely, they also underscored the imperfections within the 1818 Constitution, which could not meet the needs of a rapidly expanding society.

Time is running out to file your state and federal income tax returns. The filing deadline for Illinois taxpayers is Tuesday, April 15. Illinois is participating in the IRS Direct File Program this year, which means eligible taxpayers can complete their 2024 federal returns electronically for free. The Illinois Department of Revenue features several online programs to aid in tax preparation. Filing extensions can also be requested.

Since the 1960s, the concept of spring break in March and April has been alive and well all over the world and most notably in the United States. March and April serve as sweet spots for half-way through the semester and students take full advantage by taking trips or using the time to recharge before tackling the remainder of the school year.

In Illinois, three physicians are bringing their medical expertise to the state legislature. State Representatives Paul Jacobs, Bill Hauter and Kevin Schmidt are proving that healing extends beyond the clinic, as they work to shape policies that prioritize the health and well-being of their constituents.

The pictures are so famous they almost speak for themselves.

A two-day long Grand Review of the Armies in Washington DC in May 1865 to celebrate the northern victory in the Civil War.

General Eisenhower, in an open car with a wide grin and outstretched arms receiving a ticker tape parade through Manhattan following American victory in World War II.

GENERAL ASSEMBLY
Democrats Follow the Leader, Continue to Undermine Illinois. For weeks, the Democratic supermajority has wasted time on the House floor throwing tantrums against President Donald Trump’s actions to “Make America Great Again.” Democrats have decried Republican efforts to make life more affordable for everyday Americans, to secure our borders, and to cut wasteful government spending. After only 10% of the bills passed out of committee by last week’s deadline were Republican bills, and after two session days were canceled this week, House Minority Leader Tony McCombie issued the following statement:

The Original Little Red Wagon that has served many generations for over 100 years and is a staple to most childhood memories. Radio Flyer, the company characterized by its famous red wagon, trikes, and outdoor toys was created right here in Illinois by Italian immigrant Antonio Pasin.

Pasin immigrated to the United States at just 16 years old in 1914 and made a living as a craftsman, mostly selling phonograph cabinets and built the wagons to carry his woodworking tools. After building the wagons, Pasin would sell them to area toy stores. Although crafting wagons was not Pasin’s original business model, it soon would take off and transform his life.

The HIRE Vets Medallion Program is an employer recognition program administered by the Department of Labor’s Veterans’ Employment and Training Service (VETS). Through the program, VETS accepts voluntary applications from employers for the HIRE Vets Medallion Award beginning on January 31 of each calendar year. The Award recognizes employers who hire and retain veterans, including their efforts to establish employee development programs and veteran specific benefits to improve retention.

“As a proud veteran of the United States Navy from 1965 to 1971, I am encouraging employers to learn about the Honoring Investments in Recruiting and Employing American Military Veterans Act of 2017 (HIRE Vets Act or the Act), signed by President Trump in 2017,” said State Representative Paul Jacobs, a member of the Veterans’ Affairs Committee. “This program recognizes employer efforts to recruit, employ, and retain veterans.”

Employer-applicants meeting criteria established in the rule receive a “HIRE Vets Medallion Award.” There are two award tiers, Platinum and Gold, for large (500-plus employees), medium (51-499 employees), and small employers (50 or fewer employees). Verification of award criteria includes a self-attestation by the applicant CEO or CHRO and a check for violations of the Uniformed Services Employment and Reemployment Rights Act (USERRA) and the Vietnam Era Veterans’ Readjustment Act (VEVRAA).

Successful employers receive a certificate stating the award year, a digital image of the medallion to use, including as part of an advertisement, solicitation, business activity, or product, and will be recognized on the program website. Award recipients have the opportunity to utilize the medallion in the marketing of their firm as a veteran ready business when hiring and in efforts to attract additional business.

Detailed information about how to gain eligibility can be found at the HIRE Vets Medallion Program can be found at HIREVets.gov or by contacting [email protected].

Each year, March 25th marks National Medal of Honor Day in the United States, a time to reflect on extraordinary acts of bravery and selflessness that define the essence of true heroism. It is a day dedicated to the men and women who have earned the Medal of Honor, the nation's highest and most prestigious military decoration. For Illinoisans, this day carries a special weight, as many of the medal's recipients have roots in the Prairie State.

Shell Bills (sometimes referred to as vehicle bills) are a mechanism used by the Illinois General Assembly to provide placeholders for legislation yet to be determined. Essentially shell bills allow lawmakers to introduce legislation after the bill filing deadline established by chamber rules has passed. It’s important to first note that each bill introduced must be read by title on three different days in each chamber before it is passed. The first reading introduces the bill and the second reading allows for floor amendments. A bill is voted on when called for third reading.

REDISTRICTING REFORM

Reformers: Democrats Recruit ‘Prince of Darkness’ to Defend Illegal Maps. Illinois House Republican leaders provided the latest update this week regarding their ongoing lawsuit on redistricting filed with the Illinois Supreme Court. The lawsuit alleges that the Illinois Democratic majority has rigged legislative elections by gerrymandering electoral districts to their benefit, and at the expense of a fair process for all Illinois voters.

Illinois House Republican State Representatives C.D. Davidsmeyer (R-Murrayville), Mike Coffey (R-Springfield), and Paul Jacobs (R-Pomona) held a Capitol news conference during Committee Deadline Week to denounce Illinois’ costly and dangerous “Sanctuary State” policy.

Illinois House Republican leaders provided the latest update this week regarding their ongoing lawsuit on redistricting filed with the Illinois Supreme Court. The lawsuit alleges that the Illinois Democratic majority has rigged legislative elections by gerrymandering electoral districts to their benefit, and at the expense of a fair process for all Illinois voters.

House Republican Leader Tony McCombie was joined by Deputy Leader Ryan Spain and Assistant Leader Dan Ugaste at a press conference in Springfield to provide the latest details.

Grain bins, towering symbols of agricultural prosperity, can, under certain conditions, become perilous. Entrapments occur when individuals become submerged in flowing grain, rendering self-rescue nearly impossible. The statistics are sobering: in 2023 alone, at least 27 grain entrapments were reported, resulting in 16 fatalities. Over the past decade, more than 300 such incidents have been documented, with experts estimating that an additional 30% go unreported. Alarmingly, in just four seconds, an adult can sink knee-deep in flowing grain, and within 20 seconds, they can be completely engulfed, leading to suffocation.

House Republican lawmakers presented their legislative proposals today to bring light to human trafficking and the impact it has throughout Illinois. With Illinois ranking among the top ten nationwide for human trafficking cases, State Representatives Nicole La Ha (Homer Glen), Jennifer Sanalitro (Hanover Park), and Dennis Tipsword (Metamora) discussed the importance of putting forth viable solutions.

As the brisk cold of winter begins to fade, Illinoisans statewide know that spring is just around the corner. Though perfect weather is far from guaranteed with the arrival of spring, March 20 is more than just a date on the calendar; it marks a turn that symbolizes transformation, new life, and fun to be had on the horizon here in the Land of Lincoln.

Legislation being brought forward in the Illinois House to add new regulations and mandates on Illinois homeschooling families has drawn the opposition of tens of thousands of residents. The measure, HB2827, requires parents to meet certain educational qualifications, notify school districts when homeschooling begins, and provide evidence of teaching materials if concerns arise. It also extends registration requirements to private schools.

In the pre-dawn hours of April 19, 1775, a column of British soldiers on their way to seize a colonial weapons depot in Concord, Massachusetts, were surprised by a small group of militiamen blocking their path.

The colonials had been alerted throughout the nighttime hours by the famed midnight ride of Paul Revere and his associate William Dawes (great-great-grandfather of Illinoisan Charles Dawes who was sworn in as Vice President of the United States one hundred years ago this month). They had gathered on the town green of Lexington, placing them between the advancing redcoats and their objective at Concord.

Every year, National Agriculture Day reminds us of the crucial role agriculture plays in our daily lives. From the food on our plates to the clothes we wear, agriculture is the foundation of modern society. This year, as we celebrate National Ag Day on March 18, let’s take a closer look at the significance of agriculture, with a special focus on Illinois, a leader in agricultural production.

St. Patrick’s (Paddy’s) Day, or the Feast of St. Patrick, is celebrated in Ireland and other countries to honor the live of St. Patrick, an Irish patron saint, who is most known for bringing Christianity to Ireland, establishing many churches, and using of the shamrock. The holiday being celebrated on March 17th is to commemorate the death of St. Patrick, dating back to A.D. 493.

CRIMINAL LAW
House Republicans Working to Restore Public Safety. House Republican lawmakers held a press conference in the Capitol on March 12, 2025, to discuss the dire state of public safety in Illinois and present their pathway forward, aiming to deliver a state where families can succeed.

As the Democratic majority continues to prioritize criminal justice reforms at the expense of public safety, House Republican Floor Leader Patrick Windhorst, Assistant Minority Leader John Cabello, and State Representative Dennis Tipsword spoke about the reality Illinois families face across the state.

Illinois House Republican lawmakers unveiled their legislative bill package to deliver property tax relief to residents across the state. Assistant Minority Leader Dan Ugaste (Geneva) and State Representatives Joe Sosnowski (Rockford) and Tom Weber (Fox Lake) discussed the impact that high property taxes have had on Illinois, and the Democratic majority’s inaction and refusal to provide relief.

March 14th marks Pi Day, a celebration rooted in math and science. Pi, π, is the ratio of circumference of any circle to the diameter of that circle and the 16th letter in the Greek Alphabet. The math constant was first discovered almost 4,000 years ago and is a crucial part to multiple facets of math and science topics. To date, more than 100 trillion digits of pi are known and the number is nowhere near complete, as it is irrational and never ending.

National K-9 Veterans Day, observed annually on March 13, is a tribute to the service and sacrifices of military and working dogs throughout history. These remarkable canines have played irreplaceable roles in safeguarding lives, detecting threats, and providing unwavering companionship to their handlers. The day also serves as a reminder of the deep bond between humans and their four-legged partners, a relationship built on trust, loyalty, and mutual respect.

House Republican lawmakers held a press conference in the Capitol on March 12, 2025, to discuss the dire state of public safety in Illinois and present their pathway forward, aiming to deliver a state where families can succeed.