Billionaire populist really just a billionaire
I had hoped that candidate Trump shared my view and that of my fellow Patriotic Millionaires – that our tax system needs a massive overhaul and a fairness adjustment.

Winner takes nothing
Except that the two best teams were already known back on Oct. 4. They’re the Royals and the Cardinals, which the Cubs eliminated from the playoffs.

‘We are writing the rules,’ says Obama
What theater? Kabuki. It’s a 17th-century form of Japanese drama, featuring elaborate sets and costuming, rhythmic dialogue and stylized acting and dancing.

LETTERS
The note at the end of the article stated that he has lived on the east side for some time. I wish I knew how to recognize him, as I would cherish the opportunity to offer a helping hand to him and Baby Girl.

Building resentment over a building sale
Gov. Bruce Rauner said last week that he had spoken with both Senate President John Cullerton and House Speaker Michael Madigan about his proposed sale of the state’s Thompson Center building in Chicago and that both men were “forward leaning and positive” about the plan.

Urban League hit in pocketbook
The order issued last month by Sangamon County Associate Judge Jack Davis came on top of a $100,000 jury award for emotional distress to Jamie Schnitker, a former Head Start teacher who lost her job in 2010 and won her case against the Urban League last summer after a week-long trial.

North to Peoria
The version in downtown Peoria promises to be bigger and better. In addition to a microbrewery, a bocce ball court and outdoor dining, all of which are featured at the Springfield location, the Obed and Isaac’s in Peoria will have a distillery that will produce rum, vodka and gin.

Thinking of the children
A report released Oct. 14 by The Sangamon County Continuum of Learning outlines a comprehensive plan to give disadvantaged kids better resources and opportunities. The report, titled “Sangamon Success,” represents a large coordinated effort by schools, nonprofits and social service providers to remove the barriers keeping some children from success.

Thrills and chills aplenty in Peak
Edith Cushing (Mia Wasikowska) is a hopeless romantic at heart, which is reflected in her fiction – stories replete with heroines in need of saving and white knights at the ready.

Archaeology of a hate crime
When Floyd Mansberger and Christopher Stratton at Fever River Research began their archaeological investigation of 10th Street between Madison and Mason streets in Springfield, they knew the probability was high that they would uncover something significant.

Mitsubishi exits. What’s next?
Now, as the Tokyo-based automaker cuts more than 1,250 good-paying area jobs and prepares to permanently end vehicle production by December, that mammoth plant is turning into something else: One of the most complex and daunting economic redevelopment projects Illinois has ever faced, a Rescuing Illinois report reveals.

Make your own sausage
Nineteenth century American poet/lawyer Saxe’s quip is still commonly used, though less elegantly phrased – and not just about lawmaking. We wince, shrug and say, “You know, it’s like making sausage….” Everyone understands that the rest is better left unsaid.

CuisineScene
St, 217-824-8200. Taylorville, Best Mexican food in the Springfi eld area. L & D, $$ Omar’s Mexican Grille.

Octobering for music
Let’s start when Chris Miller, the extraordinary guitarist, singer and songwriter originally from Latham, Illinois, a farming community near Decatur, plays at Trails End Saloon in Curran.

BAND SPOTLIGHT | Rockin’ Johnny Burgin
Hot off a Southern California run and in between a southern Missouri romp, the very busy and very talented blues guitarist, singer and bandleader from Chicagoland makes his way to the Illinois Central Blues Club Blue Monday show at The Alamo. RJB is on the move in more ways than geographical tours.

PUB CRAWL
Dates, times and locations are subject to change, so we suggest calling before attending an event..

THE CALENDAR
dipping, soap making, meat smoking, fruit and vegetable preservation. lincolnsnewsalem.com. Lincoln’s New Salem State Historic Site, 15588 History Lane, Petersburg, 632-4000. Jacksonville Mainstreet’s Pumpkin Festival.

HOLIDAY HAPPENINGS | Trick-or-treat where Lincoln walked
Children ages 12 and under are invited to don their Halloween costumes on Friday, Oct. 23, from 5:30-7:30 p.m. and enjoy a free trick-or-treating event compliments of the Lincoln Home Employee Association.

FESTIVALS | Craft beers, wines and liquor
Love craft brews? Then the Springfield Jaycees Annual Beer Festival is the place for you on Saturday, Oct. 24, from 2 to 8 p.m. The beer bonanza features more than 125 local, regional and national craft beers plus assorted wines and spirits.

THEATER & COMEDY | Funny Frank Ferrante
On Sunday, the Kirkland Center for Fine Arts welcomes award-winning actor/director/playwright Frank Ferrante as he performs his hilarious show portraying the third-born Marx brother, Groucho Marx. Ferrante, accompanied by his pianist, incorporates the audience into the quick-witted, slapstick show, resulting in a crowd-pleasing performance.