ILLINOIS NEWS (08/15/2024) | WSEI 92.9 FM | Freedom 92.9

(SPRINGFIELD) A new state law will expand fentanyl instruction for grades 6 through 12 in Illinois schools beginning in the 2025-2026 school year. Last week, Governor JB Pritzker signed the bipartisan bill. The Illinois Department of Public Health says a lethal dose of fentanyl is smaller than a drop of water. Opioids containing fentanyl are involved in 70% of all fatal drug overdoses, along with several other drugs.

(CHICAGO) Air BNB searches are up 30% and more ahead of the Democratic National Convention in Chicago next week. Short- and long-term homestay brokers say big events like the DNC present an opportunity for existing and potential new hosts to open their homes, helping cities meet demand during peak travel times. The top cities for Chicago Air BNB guests for next week are Washington, DC, 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 their properties to beware of resale scams. Such scammers typically pose as escrow agents or representatives of brokerage firms, travel agents or title companies and make unsolicited contact with timeshare owners using different names and phone numbers than the legitimate resale companies. For more information, visit illinoisattorneygeneral.gov or call toll-free 1-800-243-0607 to report a scam.

(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 and hosting activities, most notably at Conservation World, as well as 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 evening. 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 evening. Daily activities include various shows at Conservation World as well as all the food vendors, rides and more. Stay up to date at statefair.illinois.gov