Halloween has roots that stretch far beyond the brightly lit pumpkins and decorated houses we see across Illinois each October. Its origins go back to the ancient Celtic festival of Samhain, a time when the Celts of what is now Ireland, the United Kingdom, and northern France marked the end of the harvest and prepared for winter. They believed that, on this particular night, the boundaries between the worlds of the living and the dead were at their thinnest, allowing spirits to roam freely. People would gather around bonfires, dress in disguises, and leave food offerings to ward off any wandering souls that might bring harm or mischief​

As Diwali season arrives, Illinois joins millions worldwide in celebrating one of the most cherished and enduring festivals in South Asian Culture. Diwali, also known as the Festival of Lights, has deep historical and spiritual significance, marking a time to honor the triumph of light over darkness, wisdom over ignorance, and hope over despair. Celebrated over five days, Diwali brings families and communities together through traditions that span centuries.

Tuesday is Election Day and will be the last day for voters to cast their ballots for the 2024 General Election. Voters will be voting for candidates running for local, state and federal offices. 

Polling places throughout Illinois will be open from 6 a.m. to 7 p.m. on Tuesday, November 5 for in person voting. Voters must be in line at the polling place before polls close to be permitted to cast a ballot.

As November draws near, Illinoisans are gearing up for the transition back to Standard Time as Daylight Saving Time (DST) ends this weekend. On Sunday, November 3, 2024, at precisely 2 a.m., clocks will be set back one hour. This change signals the official return to Standard Time. This gives an extra hour of sleep for many but also the arrival of earlier sunsets and longer nights.

Do you know someone who has been the victim of a stroke? The chances are very high, as one in six people worldwide will suffer a stroke during their lifetime. In fact, one in four adults over the age of 25 are victims of a stroke. Strokes are the second-leading cause of death worldwide.

On World Stroke Day, it is vitally important to bring awareness to learning the warning signs of a stroke, get immediate help to stroke victims, and also how to prevent strokes from occurring.

Every year on October 28th, we come together as a nation to recognize and celebrate the brave men and women who stand on the front lines during our most challenging moments. National First Responders Day is a time to honor the firefighters, police officers, paramedics, emergency medical technicians (EMTs), and other emergency personnel who respond to calls for help, often risking their own lives to protect and serve their communities.

October 26th marks National Pumpkin Day, a time celebrate one of fall’s most iconic symbols. Pumpkins play a big role in our autumn traditions and are part of many delicious recipes. So whether you’re eating pumpkin pie or carving a jack-o-lantern, there’s a lot of ways to celebrate National Pumpkin Day! And when it comes to pumpkins, Illinois is at the heart of it all.

CORRUPTION
Dozens of secret recordings at Madigan trial show close ties with McClain, undercutting key defense point. This week began with opening statements in the racketeering conspiracy trial of former Illinois House Speaker Michael J. Madigan, whose attorneys insisted that no one had the right to speak for the speaker — that Madigan was “ignorant” of what people said behind his back.

The Rock Island Arsenal (RIA), situated on the Mississippi River between Illinois and Iowa, has been a steadfast presence in the Quad Cities for more than 150 years. Originally established in 1862, the Arsenal has grown into a massive hub of manufacturing, logistics, and defense support for the U.S. Army. Today, it’s home to over 6,000 civilian workers, about 250 military personnel, and supports roughly 14,000 jobs through direct and indirect employment. This network impacts a 150-mile radius, and the financial impact is enormous—more than $1 billion each year flows into the local economy as a result of RIA’s operations​.

For centuries, Halloween has been celebrated around the world by children and adults alike. While the reason for celebration has gradually changed since the first Celtic festivals, October 31st has long been recognized as a day for communities to come together to enjoy spooky fun. Today, Halloween remains one of the most popular holidays in the United States and is often spent visiting haunted houses, carving pumpkins, and trick-or-treating. In 2024, an estimated $11.6 billion will be spent on Halloween-related goods, with more than 70% of Americans planning to celebrate.

The national debate on immigration continues to intensify, and California’s recent proposal to offer housing assistance to undocumented immigrants has placed even more attention on how states handle the crisis at hand. The proposed bill in California would allow undocumented immigrants to apply for state-backed home loans of up to $150,000, and with Chicago’s migrant crisis making headlines throughout the year, we must ask ourselves, “is Illinois next?”

This year nearly $4 million was slashed from the Illinois Department of Agriculture’s budget for the state’s 97 Soil and Water Conservation Districts (SWCDs). The reductions represent close to a 50% cut in funding for programs vital for the protection and management of state’s natural resources.

This October 21-25, we’re recognizing National School Bus Safety Week, a time to shine a spotlight on school bus safety and the role each of us plays in protecting children as they travel to and from school. 

The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) is urging drivers everywhere to take school bus safety seriously and be vigilant around buses. Even though school buses are designed to be one of the safest modes of transportation, far too many tragedies happen when drivers disregard the stop signs, ignore the flashing red lights, and fail to slow down.

National Mammography Day is observed annually on the third Friday of every October during Breast Cancer Awareness Month, and serves as a reminder that early detection through mammography saves lives.

Breast cancer is the second leading cause of cancer deaths in women, however if caught early, breast cancer can be successfully treated and cured.

CORRUPTION
Jury of 12 finally selected in Madigan corruption case — but work is not done. And on the seventh day, a jury was selected.

After a long week of intensive questioning, a panel of 12 people who will decide the fate of former Illinois House Speaker Michael Madigan was finalized Thursday, although attorneys for both sides will not finish picking alternates to sit for the landmark trial until next week.

Opening statements are scheduled for Monday afternoon.

On October 18, we celebrate the birthday of one of rock and roll’s founding fathers, Chuck Berry. His contribution to music is undeniable, particularly through his association with Chicago’s legendary Chess Records. Together, Berry and Chess Records created a sound that would define an era but also leave a lasting mark on American music culture.

The Mahomet Aquifer is a vital source of drinking water for more than half the population in east-central Illinois. Which is why in 2015, the US Environmental Protection agency designated a portion of the Mahomet Aquifer as a "Sole Source Aquifer." That designation provides additional protections for the nearly one million Illinoisans who rely on it for their primary source of drinking water.

According to the National Insurance Crime Bureau (NICB) vehicle theft rates have risen steadily since 2019. In 2023, more than one million vehicles were reported stolen nationwide. Illinois saw 41,528 vehicles stolen during that time, an increase of 7% from the previous year.

In fiscal year 2024, the Illinois Statewide Auto Theft Task Force (ISATT) conducted 1,854 investigations and recovered 1,346 vehicles worth approximately $30 million.

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.

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.

As we celebrate the U.S. Navy’s 248th birthday on October 13, we recognize the courage, commitment, and sacrifice of the men and women who have served our nation. Since its founding in 1775, the Navy has been a cornerstone of American defense, evolving from a small fleet of ships into a global force that protects not only U.S. interests but also promotes peace and stability around the world.

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.

CORRUPTION
Madigan corruption trial convenes; jury selection begins. A major criminal trial of former Illinois House Speaker Michael J. Madigan began this week in Chicago.

Madigan faces bribery and racketeering charges.

Practicing optometrist and State Representative Paul Jacobs (R-Pomona) was awarded the Illinois Optometric Association’s top award, "Legislator of the Year" earlier this week.

Jacobs, a southern Illinois native, has been a practicing optometrist for more than 40 years in the Marion, Carbondale, and Union County areas. Jacobs offered the following remarks to attendees at the annual Illinois Optometric Association’s annual conference held in Springfield at the Abraham Lincoln Hotel and Conference Center on Saturday, October 5, 2024.

Domestic violence is a reality that affects millions of people and families each year. Understanding the signs is crucial for early intervention and prevention.

Domestic violence can take many forms, including physical, emotional, psychological, and financial abuse. According to the National Coalition Against Domestic Violence (NCADV), nearly 1 in 4 women and 1 in 9 men experience severe intimate partner physical violence, which can lead to injury or even death. Understanding the dynamics involved in abusive relationships and recognizing the signs is crucial and can even be life-saving.

In October, we recognize Breast Cancer Awareness Month. This is a time to raise awareness about this disease that affects millions of individuals and families across the nation. In Illinois alone, approximately 12,000 women are diagnosed with breast cancer each year, according to the Illinois Department of Public Health. This statistic shows the urgent need for education, early detection, and support for those affected.

One year ago on October 7, 2023, Hamas militants initiated a deadly surprise assault on Israel, slaughtering entire families in their homes and taking more than 250 people hostage. It was one of the deadliest terrorist attacks in Israel’s history.

In response to eyewitness accounts and video evidence of the atrocities, Illinois House Minority Leader Tony McCombie voiced her support for Israel and issued the following statement:

“The Israeli people and Jewish Americans deserve our unequivocal support against threats to their very existence and the grotesque antisemitism displayed by groups here at home and in the Middle East.”

It’s been more than a week since Hurricane Helene made landfall. It is now the fourth deadliest hurricane to make landfall in the U.S. mainland since 1950 and the deadliest since Katrina in 2005.

Those impacted in Florida, Georgia, North Carolina, South Carolina, Tennessee and Alabama need shelter, water, food and health care. Across the Southeast, hundreds of people are still reported missing. Entire communities were destroyed by fast-moving water and tens of thousands of homes have been affected.

CORRUPTION
Mike Madigan, once Illinois' most influential powerbroker, now faces federal corruption trial. The former Illinois house speaker quietly wielded power in Springfield for decades while developing a reputation as a reclusive political wizard, well-schooled in the playbook of the late Chicago Mayor Richard J. Daley. His trial begins Tuesday at the Dirksen Federal Courthouse.

The dreaded data breach notification letter has just landed in your mailbox. You know -- the letter from your medical provider, government, insurance agency, employer or even your car dealer --  explaining your data was included in a recent data breach. The letters have become so ubiquitous that fake versions are now being sent by criminals in an effort to steal your information.

It’s not often that a small city in a rural area in Illinois boasts two destination restaurants, but that is an absolute reality in the Marshall County city of Toluca, population 1,336. Both Mona’s and Capponi’s date back to the 1930s, and since 1965 they have both been owned by the Bernardi family. The decadent Italian eateries are located a block apart on Main Street, and both sport large, retro glowing neon signs out front. 

Fred Bernardi came to Toluca from Italy in 1907 with son Nildo, whose nickname was Mona. Fred opened a grocery store, while Mona played saxophone and clarinet for a traveling band called Mona’s Harmony Kings. As Prohibition ended in 1933, Mona Bernardi opened a Main Street bar that became Mona’s Italian Food, with the menu staples being 10-cent spaghetti plates and 15-cent chicken dinners. In 1934, Leno Capponi opened Capponi’s just down the street. The two businesses competed for patrons for 30 years until 1965, when Mona Bernardi bought out Capponi. The story behind the transaction involves a legendary card game bet. 

Not long after the merger of the operations in 1965, Mona’s son Jerry Bernardi came up with the idea of making, freezing, shipping, and selling tortellini and other pastas. While Mona was not a fan of the idea, Jerry got his way and Bernardi Foods opened in 1971 in Toluca. The 30,000 square foot facility soon became the largest employer in town. The plant has been sold twice since, but still retains 300 employees and remains one of the region’s biggest employers. 

Obviously, Mona’s and Capponi’s are known for their vast array of delicious Italian food, which includes pasta, lasagna, tortellini, mostaccioli, ravioli, and various sauces. But the two businesses share nearly twin menus and offer many other great choices, including Mona’s fried chicken. Steaks, burgers, ribs, pork tenderloins, seafood, and various appetizers and desserts are also featured. And don’t forget the salad, bread, and Bernardi’s Infused Dipping Oil, which are absolute staples of an Italian eatery. 

Each business employs just under 50 people, and Mona’s can seat up to 300, while Capponi’s has a capacity of 240. Mona’s has more of a brighter look of a supper club, while Capponi’s has more of an intimate and dimmer atmosphere. And while the menus are close to identical, there are a few unique options at each restaurant. 

A third generation of the Bernardi family now runs Mona’s and Capponi’s, and the business has expanded operations to three more locations in Washington (Bernardi’s), Pontiac (Bernardi’s II), and Dunlap (Bernardi’s Pub). Bernardi’s also offers a variety of catering options. 

For generations of local residents and visitors, Toluca is known for these two restaurants. Located 30 miles northeast of Peoria, Toluca got its start as a railroad stop in 1887. The population exploded to 3,500 and then 6,000 by 1907. Italian immigrants flocked to the area to work in the coal mines, with the mines once employing 770 workers and producing 379,000 tons of coal. By 1924, the coal mines became unprofitable and shut down. The population shrank and has leveled off at just under 1,500. 

Americans celebrate National Italian American month every October. The heritage month is celebrated in October to coincide with Columbus Day, the national holiday observed on the second Monday of the month. Over 26 million Americans of Italian descent currently reside in the United States, making up the nation’s seventh-largest ethnic group. 

“Mona’s and Capponi’s in Toluca fit the perfect definition for a destination restaurant in downstate Illinois,” stated Rep. Dennis Tipsword (R-Metamora). “Plan your trip accordingly, as these are can’t-miss experiences that should be on many bucket lists. Small town businesses that are passed down from generation to generation are the lifeblood of Illinois communities.”

When fall arrives and homes across America start filling with pumpkin pies and jack-o'-lanterns, chances are those pumpkins came from Illinois. Known as the nation's pumpkin powerhouse, Illinois leads by a wide margin, producing over 650 million pounds of pumpkins annually. This accounts for nearly 40% of the entire U.S. pumpkin production, which is more than the next five states combined!

Much of this dominance is due to the rich soil and ideal growing conditions in central Illinois. The region boasts two major pumpkin processing plants, Nestle Libby in Morton—often called the "Pumpkin Capital of the World"—and Seneca Foods in Princeville. These plants process over 85% of the pumpkins used for canning across the U.S.

Beyond the well-known canned pumpkins, Illinois also produces plenty of decorative jack-o’-lantern pumpkins and sugar pumpkins, a sweeter variety commonly used in pies. Pumpkin patches across the state also offer visitors the chance to pick their own pumpkins directly from the fields, creating a fun fall tradition for many Illinois residents.

Morton, Illinois, home to the Libby’s plant, processes more than 90% of the nation’s canned pumpkins. These products end up in everything from pies to soups and even trendy pumpkin-flavored beverages. During peak season, the small town of Morton celebrates its annual Morton Pumpkin Festival, a tradition that dates back to 1967. With Illinois continuing to dominate this industry, its reputation as the "Pumpkin Capital of the World" remains well earned.

State Representative Bill Hauter, whose district includes Morton, takes pride in the region's pumpkin heritage. “Being born and raised in Morton, I can tell you we are very proud of our pumpkin heritage,” said Rep. Hauter. “Agriculture is the number one industry in Illinois generally and in my district specifically, with pumpkin production playing a huge role. We are proud to be the pumpkin capital of the world!”

The state’s climate, characterized by warm summers and well-draining soil, makes it a perfect environment for growing pumpkins. In fact, Illinois’ agricultural land covers more than 18,000 acres dedicated to pumpkins alone.

Representative Bill Hauter believes Illinois' agricultural heritage is key to its success. "From field to table, Illinois pumpkins are essential to American traditions," he said. “We take great pride in our farmers, whose hard work and dedication make the fall season something to look forward to every year.”

Can't get enough pumpkin?

• Pumpkin themed recipes from the Illinois Farm Bureau.
• Illinois breweries create top pumpkin beers
• Illinois is The Great Pumpkin State