Illinois is updating child labor regulations in the state. Governor Pritzker signed the Child Labor Law of 2024, which repeals the existing statute and replaces it with a modern framework. The measure sets standards for working conditions for children ages 15 and younger, including limiting hours of work and updating the list of jobs that minors can’t hold. It also provides the Illinois Department of Labor with new tools to enforce the law and protect youth workers.
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Former President Donald Trump’s invite to the National Association of Black Journalists Convention in Chicago is sparking backlash. Trump will be participating in a Q-and-A today with political journalists about issues facing the Black community. The group’s decision to host the former President was followed by the resignation of NABJ convention co-chair Karen Attiah. However, NABJ President Ken Lemon backed the decision, saying they welcome the opportunity for their members to ask the tough questions that will provide the truth Black Americans want and need to know.
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A McHenry man is sentenced to 3 ½ years in prison after pleading guilty to methamphetamine possession. 32-year-old Daniel T. Hawkins was arrested last year on various drug offenses. Additional charges including possession with intent to deliver MDMA powder, possession with intent to deliver lookalike pills and possession of ecstasy were dropped in exchange for Hawkins’ guilty plea. Hawkins is only required to serve half of his prison term and then will serve 12 months of mandatory supervised release.
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Streator Fest begins Thursday, Aug. 1, and runs through the weekend until Sunday, Aug. 4. The festival will be held at Northpoint Plaza and feature live music, a carnival and a fireworks show finale. Admission to all concerts is free but VIP Party Pit tickets are available for purchase for Thursday, Friday and Saturday nights. Prices vary per night for these tickets and are available on the Streator Fest website. VIP tickets include a VIP lanyard, access to the area closest to the stage, private restrooms and access to bars in the VIP section. 21-and-older wristbands are required for purchasing alcohol and are available for $5 at any bar at the festival. For more information about Streator Fest visit streatorfest.com
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The Peru City Council approved St. Bede Academy’s use of the Washington Park tennis courts. St. Bede will continue using the courts for daily practices and home matches. During matches, the courts will be closed from 3:30 p.m. to 7 p.m. and will remain open during St. Bede practices.
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Ottawa Friendship House is hosting its annual Concert for a Cause on Friday, Sept. 20. The concert will feature a Beatles tribute band, American English. Tickets are $30. Food and drinks will be available for purchase from Tony’s Tacos JP, Maria’s Pizza of Peru, Tangled Roots, August Hill and Kountry Vodka. A percentage of food and drink purchase proceeds go to Friendship House. The event takes place at 1718 N. 2525 Rd., Ottawa. Gates open at 5:30 p.m. and the concert starts at 6:30 p.m.
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A teen is charged in a shooting this month in Normal. Police say a man was found shot on July 20 on Traders Circle in Normal. He remains hospitalized with life-threatening injuries. McLean County prosecutors filed charges against the teen, including attempted murder and aggravated battery.
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An Eastern Illinois University alumna is celebrating after winning a historic Olympic medal. Class of 2012 graduate Lauren Doyle is the co-captain of the US Women’s Rugby team, which won the bronze against Australia at the Paris Olympics. It marks the team’s first-ever Olympic medal. Doyle grew up in Macon playing sports before joining the Women’s Rugby team at EIU.
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WEATHER:
Wednesday
Showers and thunderstorms are likely, mainly before 1 pm. Patchy fog before 8 am. Otherwise, cloudy, then gradually becoming mostly sunny, with a high near 88. Heat index values as high as 98. Calm wind becoming south-southwest around 5 mph in the morning. The chance of precipitation is 60%. New rainfall amounts between a half and three-quarters of an inch possible.
Wednesday Night
Showers and thunderstorms are likely, mainly after 4 am. Partly cloudy, with a low around 74. South wind around 5 mph. The chance of precipitation is 60%. New rainfall amounts between a tenth and a quarter of an inch, except higher amounts possible in thunderstorms.
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OBITUARIES:
John R. “Slim” Sipula, 57, of Ottawa, passed away on Sunday, July 28th, at his home. Private services will be held at a later date. Arrangements have been entrusted to the Mueller Funeral Home in Ottawa.
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Robert Ernest Knottek, 69, of Ottawa, passed away on July 28th, at OSF Saint Francis Medical Center in Peoria surrounded by the love of his family. Per Bob’s request, there will be no services. Arrangements have been entrusted to the Mueller Funeral Home.
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Marjorie “Marge” (O’Donnell) Larkin, 92, of Earlville, peacefully passed away, surrounded by family, on Monday, July 29th, Mass of Christian Burial will take place at noon on Thursday, August 1st, at St. Teresa Church in Earlville. Visitation will be at the church from 10:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m. on Thursday, August 1st. A private burial will follow the Mass. Arrangements have been entrusted to the Mueller Funeral Home in Ottawa.
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Helen Newcomb, 78, of Ottawa, passed away Sunday, July 28th, at her daughter’s home surrounded by her loving family. Visitation will be on Thursday, August 1, from 4:00 pm until 7:00 pm at Ottawa Funeral Home. A rosary will be said by the Catholic Daughters of the Americas at 9:30 am on Friday, August 2nd, at Ottawa Funeral Home. Mass of Christian Burial will follow at 10:30 am at St. Patrick’s Catholic Church. The burial for Helen Newcomb will be in St. Columba Cemetery.
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Maria L. Kanellis, age 95 of Ottawa, passed away Monday, July 29th, at The Pavilion of Ottawa surrounded by her loving family. Visitation will be from noon until the funeral services at 2:00 PM on Saturday, August 3rd, at Gladfelter-Roetker Funeral Home. Interment will follow in Ottawa Avenue Cemetery.
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Linda Kay (Larimer) Lindeman, 81, of Ottawa, passed away on Thursday, July 18th, at OSF St. Elizabeth in Ottawa. A Memorial Service will be held at 11:40 a.m. on Saturday, August 3rd, at the First Presbyterian Church in Ottawa. Visitation will be before the service starting at 10:10 a.m. Arrangements have been entrusted to the Mueller Funeral Home in Ottawa.
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Charles “Art” Barth, 79, of Ottawa, passed away peacefully on Thursday, July 25th, at OSF St. Elizabeth Medical Center in Ottawa.
Memorial services will be at 11 a.m. on Saturday, August 3rd, at the Mueller Funeral Home. Burial will follow at Oakwood Memorial Park in Ottawa. Visitation will be from 9 to 11 a.m. at the funeral home before the service.
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Mrs. Virgine “Jean” (Powell) Johnson, age 81, of Ottawa, died in her home, surrounded by family, on Saturday, June 8th. Visitation will begin at 10:00 am on Saturday, August 3rd, followed by a funeral service at 11:00 am at Crossbridge Community Church. Interment will follow at Oakwood Memorial Park. Gladfelter-Roetker Funeral Home is honored to serve the Johnson family.
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Norma (Lock) Willy, 87, of Ottawa, passed away on Sunday, July 28th, at OSF Richard L. Owens Hospice Home in Peoria. A Celebration of Life will be at 11 a.m. on Tuesday, August 6th, at the Mueller Funeral Home in Ottawa. Visitation will be from 9 to 11 a.m. before the services on Tuesday at the funeral home. Private interment will take place at the Shrine of Rest Mausoleum in Oakwood Memorial Park.
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Evelyn Jakubek Zabawa, formerly of Ottawa, passed away peacefully early Tuesday morning, July 23rd. Visitation will be held from 9:00 AM to 10:00 AM on Saturday, August 10th, at Ottawa Funeral Home. Liturgy of Christian Burial will be at 10:30 AM on Saturday, August 10th, at St. Francis of Assisi Church. Burial will follow at Ottawa Cemetery.
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SPORTS:
The Chicago White Sox are on a 16-game losing streak following a 4-3 loss to the Kansas City Royals at Guaranteed Rate Field. The Southsiders had a one-run lead heading into the top of the eighth before surrendering three runs. Fraser Ellard was charged with his first loss in relief, while Andrew Vaughn hit his 13th home run. Jonathan Cannon allowed just one run on one hit in a no-decision. The Sox are in last place in the AL Central at 27-and-83. Drew Thorpe starts for Chicago against Kansas City today.
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The Chicago White Sox wrapped up their fire sale by trading away three players before last night’s trade deadline. The team sent Eloy Jimenez to Baltimore, shipped Paul DeJong to Kansas City, and traded Tanner Banks to the Phillies. In return, the Southsiders acquired infielder William Bergola and pitching prospects Jarold Rosado and Trey McGough. The White Sox held onto ace pitcher Garrett Crochet and star outfielder Luis Robert Jr. despite rumors that the pair would also be traded away.
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The Chicago Cubs got off to a slow start during their 6-3 loss to the Cincinnati Reds at Great American Ball Park. The Cubs gave up five runs in the first two innings and trailed the rest of the way. Cody Bellinger homered in the losing effort, and Justin Steele was charged with his fifth loss after giving up five runs on six hits in five innings. The Northsiders have dropped five of their last seven and remain in last place in the NL Central at 51-and-58. Kyle Hendricks starts for Chicago against Cincinnati tonight.
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Bears fans will have to wait a little bit longer before seeing Caleb Williams in-game action. The team announced yesterday that Williams will not play in the Hall of Fame preseason game against the Houston Texans tomorrow night. Williams was the first overall pick of the 2024 NFL Draft. Tyson Bagent is slated to start the exhibition contest for Chicago.
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The Chicago Bears are rewarding wide receiver DJ Moore with the largest contract in franchise history. ESPN reports the Bears and Moore have agreed to a four-year, 110-million dollar deal. It includes 82.6 million in guaranteed money, which ranks third among wide receivers behind Minnesota’s Justin Jefferson and Philadelphia’s A.J. Brown. Moore racked up 1,364 receiving yards in his first season in Chicago last year, which ranks fourth best in team history.