ILLINOIS NEWS BRIEF (08/15/2024)

(SPRINGFIELD) A new state law will expand fentanyl education for grades 6-12 in Illinois schools beginning with the 2025-2026 academic year. It was last week that Governor J.B. Pritzker signed the non-partisan bill into law. The Illinois Department of Public Health says a lethal dose of fentanyl is smaller than a drop of water. Opioids containing fentanyl, along with several other drugs, are involved in 70% of most all fatal drug overdoses.

(CHICAGO) Air BNB searches have surged by 30% and more in the run up to next week’s Democratic National Convention in Chicago. Short- and long-term homestay brokers say big events like the DNC serve as an opportunity for existing and prospective new hosts to open their homes, which helps cities meet the demand during the peak-travel periods. The top cities for Chicago Air BNB guests for next week include Washington, D.C., New York City, Los Angeles, and Seattle. While President Biden will be the DNC’s first speaker next Monday, former President Obama will address the DNC crowd next Tuesday.

(CHICAGO) The Illinois Attorney General’s Office has issued an alert urging timeshare owners trying to sell properties to be on the lookout for resale scams. Such scammers typically claim to be escrow agents or representatives of brokerage firms, travel agencies or title companies who make unsolicited contact with timeshare property owners by using different names and phone numbers than legitimate resale companies. For more details, go to the illinoisattorneygeneral.gov website or to report a scam, call toll-free 1-800-243-0607.

(SPRINGFIELD) The 2024 Illinois State Fair continues in Springfield. Today is Republican Day with more livestock shows, harness racing, and the Jonas Brothers on stage tonight. Tomorrow is First Responder & Healthcare Heroes Day with more livestock shows, special activities, a circus, and The Smashing Pumpkins on stage tomorrow night. Saturday is Park District Conservation Day with more than 45 statewide Park Districts represented on the fairgrounds hosting activities, especially inside Conservation World, plus USAC Auto Racing, two performances of Fairytales on Ice, the Championship Demo Derby in The Arena, and Miranda Lambert with Gavin Adcock on stage that night. The final day of the fair on Sunday is Family Day with various shows for all ages, ARCA Racing in the afternoon, Drew Baldridge on the Grand Central Stage, and Shaboozy on the Grandstand Stage that night. Everyday activities includes various shows at Conservation World, plus all the food stands, carnival rides, & more. Stay up-to-date on the statefair.illinois.gov website