Hello Stephanie,

I hope this message finds you and your family well. Can you believe we’re already in the second half of September? This year is flying by!

This past weekend, I had the joy of witnessing our incredible community come together for the annual Kids Expo! The sun was shining brightly as over 800 of our neighbors gathered for a day brimming with fun, laughter, and cherished family moments. The sight of so many smiling faces was truly heartwarming, especially knowing that we were able to create over 100 Kids Safety IDs to help ensure the safety of our children. I want to extend my heartfelt thanks to all the community partners who generously contributed their time and resources to make this event a resounding success. It was a perfect day that reinforced the strength of our community spirit, and I’m already eagerly anticipating next year’s Expo!

Have a wonderful week ahead,

Hispanic Heritage Month begins today! Throughout September and October, we celebrate and honor the culture and history of the many Hispanic Americans in Illinois and across the country.

The Illinois State Board of Education (ISBE) is now accepting input on state funding for public education for fiscal year 2026.

Members of the public can submit funding requests in writing on the ISBE Agency Budget Information webpage. Past requests have led to increased investments in Evidence-Based Funding, early childhood education, Career and Technical Education programs, and more. ISBE is calling on Illinois’ school leaders, teachers, parents, and community advocates to make budget proposals that will have the greatest impact on their students.

Additionally, ISBE will host hearings:

• 4-7 p.m. Oct. 8 – This is an in-person hearing that will be held in the Board Room at 100 N. First St., Springfield, IL 62777. 4-7 p.m.
• Oct. 10 – This is a virtual hearing. 1-4 p.m.
• Oct. 28 – This is a virtual hearing.

learn more here.

How many people born in Illinois have been Saturday Night Live cast members?

SNL

Fifteen cast members of Saturday Night Live were born in Illinois. Chicago produces the second highest number of cast members, with twelve being born in the Windy City.

Saturday Night Live is a sketch comedy show that first aired in 1975. It often satirizes politics and pop culture. One of the original cast members was John Belushi (3rd from the left) who was born in Illinois!

Forty cast members from SNL got their start in Chicago, including Bill Murray, Mike Myers, and Amy Poehler.

Notable U.S. Representative from Illinois Dies

SEPTEMBER 20, 1906

On this day, we honor the life and legacy of Robert R. Hitt. Hitt was an American politician who represented Northwestern Illinois in the United States House of Representatives. He was a close friend of Abraham Lincoln and took notes for him during the Lincoln-Douglas debates in 1858. Hitt was a diplomat under President Ulysses S. Grant. He strongly opposed discriminatory legislation, like the Chinese Exclusion Act. Hitt passed away at the age of 72 in 1906.

Watch the most recent Coffee Chat on Facebook!

Or, subscribe and listen wherever you get your podcasts 🎧!

I continue to host Monday Morning Coffee live on Facebook from 9:00am-10:00am. You can share your comments and ask questions there.

If you don't have Facebook, no worries! You can join us on Zoom instead. Your video and mic will be muted, so you won't be on live. I'll email the Zoom link separately.

To join on Zoom, just email Nick@ildistrict84.com or call 630.585.1308.