November is a month dedicated to celebrating the essence of our nation's democracy. It is a time when we exercise our right to vote for our state and federal lawmakers, a privilege that is often taken for granted. This privilege, however, has been hard-won by millions of people across the globe who have fought to voice their opinions in free and open elections.Closer to home, there are countless civic-minded individuals who have taken a pledge to uphold our freedoms and work on our behalf in various capacities. From town councils to county boards, and from the Illinois...
Illinois: A Great Place for Specialty CropsIllinois is known for more than just corn and soybeans. With its ideal soil and weather conditions, the state is a prime location for growing a wide variety of foods, including many that are traditionally enjoyed at Thanksgiving.According to the Illinois Farm Bureau, our state is excellent for specialty crops and can cultivate almost anything found in a grocery store, with the exception of tropical fruits. "Illinois is great for specialty crops, and we can grow almost anything you find in a grocery store, except for the...
A historic number of complaints have been reported in the Executive Inspector General's report for Fiscal Year 2023. The 66-page report highlights that a total of 3,078 complaints were filed, leading to the opening of 450 investigations by the Office of the Executive Inspector General. The report sheds light on various instances of wrongdoing within state agencies.The complaints covered a wide range of issues, including fraudulent conduct, unprofessional behavior, failure to act with integrity, mismanagement, improper reporting, hiring-related improprieties, misuse of...
Lawmakers in [state] have successfully restored protections for farmers and landowners in the field of renewable energy. This comes after a controversial law, supported by the Governor, had stripped away local control over wind and solar farms. State Senator Dave Syverson (R-Cherry Valley) has been a vocal advocate for returning power to local governments. He explains, "Senate Bill 1699 was necessary to undo some of the damage caused by the Governor's green energy push. While this legislation is a positive step, we must continue to fight for the restoration of local...
The Illinois Veterans History Project, a collaboration between the Library of Congress and the Illinois Secretary of State's office, is appealing to Illinoisans to contribute to its mission of honoring and preserving the stories of military veterans. By submitting their personal accounts, photographs, and memorabilia, Illinois veterans and their families can ensure that their experiences are not forgotten.To participate in the Illinois Veterans History Project, individuals are encouraged to visit the website www.idaillinois.org. This online platform serves as a repository...
On Friday, Cabello had a busy schedule, starting with a tour of Home Depot in Machesney Park. During the visit, Cabello was presented with a hand-painted apron, which they described as "awesome."Cabello was also impressed by their visit to Hennig, a company that is rapidly expanding in the area. Recognizing the need for skilled workers, Cabello emphasized the importance of finding great employees for Hennig.The following day, Cabello had the honor of speaking at the Hero Tree lighting ceremony in Freeport. This event served as a beautiful tribute to veterans and first...
On November 19, 1863, a dedication ceremony took place at the Gettysburg Soldiers' National Cemetery. The keynote speaker for the event was Edward Everett, a well-known orator and former U.S. Senator. However, despite delivering a two-hour, 13,000-word speech, Everett's words were overshadowed by a much shorter, but far more impactful, address given by President Abraham Lincoln.At the time, Lincoln's speech, which lasted only two minutes and consisted of 271 words, was initially seen by some as a failure. However, history has shown that it would go on to become one of the...