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.