CRIME
Proposed Illinois law would cut all prison sentences in half: ‘Fair’ or ‘outrageous’? A proposed bill could grant JoAnn Cunningham – who is serving 35 years for killing her 5-year-old son AJ in their Crystal Lake home – freedom after completing only half her sentence.
Should the measure become law, it also could free the child’s father, AJ Freund Sr., who was sentenced to 30 years for crimes tied to his son’s murder, after serving 15. His term currently is ordered to be served at 85%, which would keep him in prison for about 25 years.
Those are only two examples of what would happen should House Bill 5219, sponsored by state Rep. Barbara Hernandez, a Democrat from Aurora, and co-sponsors Kevin John Olickal and Lilian Jimenez, becomes law. The measure, if passed during the so-called lame-duck session in January, would allow incarcerated people who’ve been convicted of even the most egregious felonies – including first-degree murder, aggravated predatory criminal sexual assault of a child and driving under the influence of alcohol or a controlled substance resulting in death – to serve only half the imposed sentence.
Under the current truth-in-sentencing laws, most prison terms in Illinois, except for those for murder, are not served in full. Convictions for offenses of DUI, sexual abuse, sexual assault and weapons charges are required to be served at 50%, 75% or 85%, depending on the class of the felony and details of specific cases. This new proposed law would require that all prison terms – regardless of the crime – be served at 50%, including murder, except where a term of natural life is imposed. The law would work retroactively, reducing sentences of those already serving time in prison, lawmakers said.
Read more on this story from Shaw Media.
AGRICULTURE
National Farmers Market Week: August 4-10. National Farmers Market Week celebrates local agriculture and the dedicated farmers who bring us fresh produce and goods. This week, stop by your local farmers market to savor seasonal flavors and foster a healthier, more connected community.
A recent competition held by the American Farmland Trust and Farmers Market Coalition named the top 10 Farmer’s Markets in Illinois, as reported by the Illinois Farm Bureau:
- Farmers Market at The Dole (Crystal Lake)
The Open-Air Farmers Market at The Dole in Crystal Lake, which started in 2021, was voted the most popular in Illinois. This market has quickly gained a loyal following thanks to its historic setting of the 1860s-era Dole Mansion.
- Woodstock Farmers Market
Celebrating its 40th anniversary, this market is known for its producer-only policy, ensuring all products are grown or made by the vendors themselves.
- Oak Park Farmers Market
The Oak Park Farmers Market is known for its wide variety of fresh produce, baked goods, and artisanal items.
- Downtown Evanston Farmers Market
This market operates on Saturdays and features an extensive selection of local produce and specialty items, making it a favorite among locals and visitors alike.
- Park Ridge Farmers Market
The Park Ridge Farmers Market is known for its friendly atmosphere and excellent range of products, from fresh fruits and vegetables to handmade crafts.
- Green City Market (Chicago)
The Green City Market in Lincoln Park, operates on Wednesdays and Saturdays. It promotes sustainable farming practices and features some of the finest organic produce in the area.
- Downtown Elgin Farmers Market
The Downtown Elgin Farmers Market offers a lively atmosphere on Fridays with a broad selection of local produce, meats, cheeses, and more.
- Logan Square Farmers Market (Chicago)
This market is celebrated for its vibrant community and diverse array of vendors offering everything from fresh produce to handmade goods.
- Olde Schaumburg Centre Farmers Market
This market operates on Fridays and offers a variety of local products, including fruits, vegetables, baked goods, and crafts.
- Springfield Old Capitol Farmers Market
This market is held on Wednesdays and Saturdays in the heart of Illinois’ capital. It offers local produce, meats, baked goods, and more.
Farmers markets are essential not only for providing fresh, high-quality products but also for supporting local economies. Visiting a local farmers market is a wonderful way to enjoy the bounty of Illinois and connect with your community. For more information on finding a farmers market near you, visit the Illinois Farmers Market Association.
BACK TO SCHOOL SHOPPING
Back to school spending taxing families. As summer ends and a new school year approaches, many Illinois families are feeling the financial strain. With the rising cost of living, back-to-school shopping can be tough. From clothes and shoes to school supplies, the expenses add up quickly, causing stress for parents who are already struggling.
State Representative Jennifer Sanalitro understands these challenges and is committed to doing her part to help. She is hosting her Second Annual Back to School Supply Drive to support students and families in her community. This initiative stemmed from her desire to ensure every student has the necessary tools to succeed in school.
“Back-to-school season should be a time of excitement, not stress,” said Rep. Sanalitro. “We want to support our students and their families by providing essential school supplies so they can focus on learning.”
The Back-to-School Supply Drive collects a variety of items, including backpacks, pens, pencils, crayons, colored pencils, glue, tape, notebooks, scissors, folders, binders, hand sanitizer, and tissues. These supplies are then given to students in need, helping to ease the financial burden on their families.
In addition to the supply drive, Rep. Sanalitro introduced HB3201. This bill proposes a sales tax holiday on school supplies during the first seven days of August each year. This would help families save money on essential items during the crucial back-to-school shopping period.
“Every child deserves to start the school year with confidence and the right supplies,” Rep. Sanalitro said. “By creating a sales tax holiday, we can make these necessities more affordable for all families.”
According to the National Retail Federation, families with children in elementary through high school plan to spend an average of $874.68 on back-to-school shopping.
JOBS
The unemployment rate is up in all 14 Illinois metropolitan areas. Over-the-year, total nonfarm jobs increased in five metropolitan areas, decreased in six, and was unchanged or nearly unchanged in three for the year ending June 2024, according to data released last month by the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) and the Illinois Department of Employment Security (DES). Over-the-year, the unemployment rate increased in all fourteen metropolitan areas.
The metro areas which had the largest over-the-year percentage increases in total nonfarm jobs were the Champaign-Urbana MSA (+1.5%, +1,700), the Carbondale-Marion MSA (+1.4%, +800), and the Bloomington MSA (+0.9%, +900). The metro areas which had the largest over-the-year percentage decreases in total nonfarm jobs were the Decatur MSA (-1.4%, -700), the Springfield MSA (-1.4%, -1,500), and the Rockford MSA (-1.3%, -1,900). The Danville MSA and the Illinois section of St. Louis MSA each had change in total nonfarm jobs, while the Chicago-Naperville-Arlington Heights Metropolitan Division saw almost no change in total nonfarm jobs.
Industries that saw job growth in a majority of metro areas included Government (nine areas) and Private Education and Health Services (eight areas).
The metro areas with the largest unemployment rate increases were the Chicago Metro Division (+1.7 points to 6.4%), the Danville MSA (+1.6 points to 7.5%), followed by the Bloomington MSA (+1.1 points to 5.3%) and the Carbondale Marion MSA (+1.1 points to 5.8%).
The growing unemployment rate coupled with our contracting economy is why I am pushing for property tax relief and reforms to our regulatory system, as well as judicial reforms which would still protect the public and our workforce, but will attract businesses to Illinois.
IDFPR Announces Plans for New Digital Licensure Process for Working Professionals in Illinois. The Illinois Department of Financial and Professional Regulation has reached an agreement to secure a new professional licensing system for individuals whose careers require a license to work in Illinois.
With a focus on increased government transparency, the new licensing system will feature a user-friendly interface with improved communications and creates a streamlined review of license applications and fees. Prospective licensees will be notified electronically when applications are received, reviewed, and licenses are issued by the Department.
IDFPR will announce the next steps related to the new licensing system as they become available. More information about professional licensing in Illinois may be found on IDFPR’s website: idfpr.illinois.gov.
ILLINOIS STATE FAIR
The State Fair is officially underway. The Illinois State Fair officially opened Thursday with a ribbon-cutting ceremony at the Fairgrounds in Springfield. Special days at the State Fair include Ag Day (Aug. 9), Kids Day (Aug. 10), Veterans Day (Aug. 11), and Senior Day (Aug. 12). During special days, designated State Fair visitors can get discounted or free admission to the Fair. Special group-oriented events are also offered on each day of the Fair, which will continue until Family Day on Sunday, August 18. The daily State Fair schedule is available here.
The theme of the Aug. 8-18 Illinois State Fair in Springfield is “It’s Showtime,” and fair officials have planned a full schedule of activities and events that live up to that catchphrase, including the unveiling of the newly-renovated Coliseum and other recent fairgrounds improvements.
The $31.5 million state-funded Coliseum renovation is the most prominent of the numerous construction projects totaling $85.3 million that will improve the fair experience, according to Illinois Department of Agriculture director Jerry Costello.
This year’s State Fair Grandstand entertainment lineup includes: Aug. 9, Keith Urban; Aug. 10, Motley Crue; Aug. 11, Jason Isbell & The 400 Unit; Aug. 13, Jordan Davis; Aug. 14, Lil Wayne; Aug. 15, Jonas Brothers; Aug. 16, Smashing Pumpkins; Aug. 17, Miranda Lambert; and Aug. 18, Shaboozey.
Prescription Drug Drop Off Event
Rep. Ugaste will host a prescription drug drop off event Tuesday, August 13, from 9-11 a.m. at the South Elgin Police Department, 10 N. Water St., South Elgin.
This is a free outdoor event that allows residents to safely dispose of unused, unwanted, or expired prescription drugs. Please join us if you can!