(SPRINGFIELD) With one of the busiest travel periods of the year now underway, the Illinois State Police, Illinois Department of Transportation, and local law enforcement agencies all around Illinois are out in extra force this holiday weekend, reminding the public to buckle up and drive sober. With hundreds of saturation patrols, roadside safety checks, and enforcement zones, law enforcement personnel at all levels are out from now until next Tuesday night looking for those not buckled up, for those driving impaired by alcohol and/or drugs, for those texting while driving, for those who are speeding, and for those violating other important rules of the road.
(SPRINGFIELD) According to the latest Maternal Mortality Data Report from the Illinois Department of Public Health, substance use disorders remain the leading cause of pregnancy-related deaths in Illinois. The report shows 116 women died while pregnant or within one year of pregnancy in 2021, and 103 women died during the same time frames in 2022. The IDPH says 43% of pregnancy-associated deaths were due to pregnancy-related causes.
(SPRINGFIELD) Despite a recent decline in production value, Illinois is far and away the nation’s leader in raising pumpkins. In fact, according to the University of Illinois Extension, at least 80% of all pumpkins found in nationwide stores are grown in the Land of Lincoln. Illinois led the country by producing about 485 million pounds of pumpkins in 2024, or about as much as the next four leading states combined. Meanwhile, the American Farm Bureau Federation says the average cost of a classic holiday meal for ten people dropped 5% from 2024, to $55.18. The Illinois Farm Bureau found the average price of a holiday meal for ten in Illinois is at $49.20.
(SPRINGFIELD) The Illinois Department of Public Health has issued food safety and hygiene reminders for this holiday weekend. The recommendations for the kitchen include washing hands and utensils frequently, separating raw meat from foods that will not be cooked, using a food thermometer, refrigerating food within two hours of serving, and always keep hot foods hot and cold foods cold. More tips and safe cooking details are on the dph.illinois.gov website.