Peoria Standard

Anna Peplowski of Germantown Hills has earned a silver medal in the women’s 4×200-meter freestyle team event at the Paris Olympics. The former Metamora High School swimmer's achievement was highlighted in the Journal Star.

A proposed Illinois bill, House Bill 5219, aims to reduce all prison sentences by half. This legislation could potentially allow JoAnn Cunningham, who is serving 35 years for killing her son AJ, and AJ Freund Sr., sentenced to 30 years for related crimes, to be released after serving only half their sentences. Sponsored by state Rep. Barbara Hernandez and co-sponsored by Kevin John Olickal and Lilian Jimenez, the bill would apply retroactively and affect those convicted of severe felonies including first-degree murder and aggravated predatory criminal sexual assault of a child.

Whiteside County Sheriff John Booker has expressed concerns over Illinois' new law ending cash bail. He supports the principle but criticizes its implementation, citing increased overdoses and deaths as unintended consequences. According to Booker, many suspects with substance abuse issues are being released without receiving necessary treatment.

The unemployment rate has risen across all 14 metropolitan areas in Illinois over the past year. Data from the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics and the Illinois Department of Employment Security shows varying changes in nonfarm jobs across different regions. The Champaign-Urbana MSA saw a 1.5% increase in jobs while Decatur MSA experienced a 1.4% decrease.

The Illinois Department of Financial and Professional Regulation (IDFPR) has announced plans for a new digital licensure process aimed at improving transparency and efficiency for working professionals in Illinois.

Drowning remains the leading cause of unintentional death for children aged 1-4. Experts emphasize constant supervision around water to prevent such tragedies.

The Illinois State Fair opened last week with events continuing until August 18 under the theme “It’s Showtime.” The fair features numerous activities including unveiling newly-renovated facilities funded by state projects totaling $85.3 million.