The domestic policy law signed by President Donald Trump last week creates new work requirements that could jeopardize food assistance benefits for 360,000 Illinoisans.
by Ben Szalinski
Capitol News Illinois
SPRINGFIELD - Hundreds of thousands of Illinoisans could lose benefits from a federal food assistance program while the state will be required to cover more costs under changes passed in the latest domestic policy plan.
Photo: Donna Spearman/Unsplash
President Donald Trump signed the “One Big, Beautiful Bill Act” into law on July 4, making sweeping changes to social services programs, including Medicaid. Among the programs being revamped is the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program, better known as SNAP. The bill institutes new work requirements for many people to remain eligible for benefits and shifts some costs for the program to the states.
Food stamps were first established in the 1930s during the Great Depression. Renamed to SNAP in 2008, the program provides monthly stipends for low-income Americans to purchase select foods at grocery stores. While states implement the program and pay a portion of administrative expenses, the federal government has historically covered the cost of the benefits.
Under the law, work requirements to qualify for SNAP benefits have been expanded to include people up to age 64, along with homeless people, veterans and young adults leaving foster care. Previously, only people age 18-54 had to meet work requirements.
Those populations didn’t previously have to prove they were doing a certain amount of work, but when the changes kick in, they will have to do 80 hours of paid, unpaid or volunteer work each month to qualify for benefits, according to the U.S. Department of Agriculture. The law continues to provide exemptions for people who are physically unable to work, such as for pregnancy.
The changes could leave 360,000 people in Illinois at risk of losing eligibility, according to the state.
“Trump and Republicans would rather children go hungry so their friends can receive tax cuts,” Gov. JB Pritzker said in a statement. “Here in Illinois, we have been working to combat food insecurity for years, and while no state can backfill these costs, the State of Illinois will continue to fight against these harmful impacts and stand up for working families.”
About 1.9 million people were using SNAP in Illinois as of March 2025, according to the USDA.
New costs for the state
Illinois and most other states will have to cover a greater portion of costs for SNAP under the law, including benefits based on the state’s error rate of over- and under-payments on benefits.
Beginning in federal fiscal year 2028, which begins in October 2027, the law requires states with an error rate greater than 10% as of at least FY25 to cover 15% of the cost of benefits. States with lower error rates would cover a smaller portion of the benefits. Illinois recorded an 11% error rate in FY24, according to the USDA.
More than 1.8 million Illinoisians received $4.7 billion of SNAP benefits in FY25, according to the state. If Illinois must pay 15% of the cost of benefits, it could leave the state on the hook for $705 million — or about 1.3% of the current-year budget.
Also beginning in federal fiscal year 2027, which begins in October 2026, states will have to cover 75% of administrative costs for SNAP, rather than 50%. This year’s state budget appropriates $60 million for administrative costs for SNAP — up $20 million from last year.
The changes are part of initiatives by congressional Republicans and the Trump administration to shift more responsibility for assistance programs to states. The nonpartisan Congressional Budget Office estimates changes to SNAP will reduce federal spending by $279 billion over 10 years but increase state spending on SNAP by $121 billion over the same time. The CBO predicts some states could abandon the program or choose to provide a lower level of benefits and not make up for reductions Congress made to the program.
Pritzker and 22 other governors sent a letter to Congress last month saying it’s possible states will have to leave or reduce the SNAP program because of the new cost requirements.
Capitol News Illinois is a nonprofit, nonpartisan news service that distributes state government coverage to hundreds of news outlets statewide. It is funded primarily by the Illinois Press Foundation and the Robert R. McCormick Foundation.
School choice proponents are calling the Educational Choice for Children Act a win for all students, while opponents said the program will only benefit wealthy families.
Photo: Pixabay
An estimated 138 million people nationwide could be eligible to take advantage of the Educational Choice for Children Act tax credit. by Judith Ruiz-Branch Illinois News Connection
CHICAGO - Mixed responses continue to swirl about the new federal law offering tax incentives to people who donate to organizations providing scholarships to private K-12 schools.
School choice proponents are calling the Educational Choice for Children Act a win for all students, while opponents said the program will only benefit wealthy families. Starting in 2027, people who donate up to $1,700 to organizations offering K-12 scholarships will be 100% reimbursed through federal tax credits.
Brian Jodice, national press secretary for the American Federation for Children, emphasizes it is not a voucher program but rather a donor-driven initiative to provide families with more schooling options.
"It doesn't impact state budgets. It doesn't impact the federal budget," Jodice pointed out. "It allows people to donate to these scholarship granting organizations and get a tax credit, so (it) incentivizes the donors to go do that, which we think is a good thing. But then it also incentivizes families to be able to go apply for it and let their students benefit from it."
The Institute on Taxation and Economic Policy said more than 138 million people nationwide could be eligible for the tax credit. It predicted about 43% will participate which would cost the federal government more than $100 billion per year. States must opt in to participate.
Illinois recently failed to extend its tax credit scholarship program for low-income families. Opponents argued the scholarships would benefit those who are already in private schools rather than providing an opportunity for lower-income families to switch from public to private school. In Chicago, families who make up to about $225,000 could apply to receive scholarships.
Maura McInerney, legal director at the Education Law Center, said the program is a tax shelter, benefiting the wealthy at the expense of the poor and public schools.
"We've seen this occur in other states and there's no accountability for these dollars and how they're spent," McInerney emphasized. "The only criterion for receiving a voucher is actually a high family income limit. So essentially this money will potentially benefit students who are already in private schools."
She added the program opens the door to discrimination since there is no oversight on what qualifications scholarship-granting organizations can impose on applicants. The program also does not have a cap, which McInerney said makes it especially concerning.
Federal law said the governor or a designated agency will decide if a state participates in the program. So far, Gov. JB Pritzker has called the new federal budget a setback for students across the nation which will increase barriers to success.
Snoring Could Signal a Hidden Stroke Risk – Here’s Why
Here’s another reason to pay attention when your partner complains that you’re snoring or gasping for air at night: sleep apnea – repeated episodes of stopped or slowed breathing during sleep – and stroke go together in more ways than you think.
ST. JOSEPH - St. Joseph-Ogden's Tyler Hess is congratulated by teammates after scoring a goal in the first half. The junior led the team to a 5-3 win over University High on Wednesday at Dick Duval Field. Hess, who is the top finisher in the area with a hat trick in the team's first three matches this season, will try to make it four in a row in the undefeated Spartans' road game against the Vermilion Valley Conference's Hoopeston Area Cornjerkers on Friday. More photos and a game recap coming soon.
Fatal heart attack risks may be higher during days with extreme heat & air pollution
The combination of soaring heat and smothering fine particulate pollution may double the risk of heart attack death, according to a new study of more than 202,000 heart attack deaths in China. The study published today in the American Heart Association’s flagship journal Circulation.
Viewpoint |
Immigrants are our neighbors, isn't that enough?
I recall seeing a sign in a yard in my small hometown of around 12,000 residents. “No matter where you are from,” it said, “we’re glad you are our neighbor.”
Learning by leading: Building teen entrepreneurship and real-world business know-how
Already on Tiktok or Instagram? Teens can get real-world skills by blending business and their social media platforms into a unique venture this summer where they can learn valuable business experience as entrepreneurs.
All-American Double Bacon and Cheddar Smash Burgers
Family Features - Take an all-American creation up a notch this summer by doubling the burger fun with this fan-favorite version.
These All-American Double Bacon and Cheddar Smash Burgers, created by Wonder in partnership with The McLemore Boys, give you an opportunity to fire up the grill, gather the family and savor the flavor of a summer favorite. Pro tip: For an even bigger punch, chop half the bacon before cooking it and add to the patty mixture.
Avoiding holiday acid reflux is a cinch; Dr. Greg Ward explains how
The advice from Greg Ward, MD, is sure to raise some eyebrows.
But he’s serious. It’s one way to prevent reflux, an ailment that’s painful and annoying in mild cases and can necessitate surgery in advanced instances. And it's something to be aware of during holiday eating.
Microplastics and our water: What families should know
Statistics show if that if you’re not filtering your water the right way, your family is likely consuming microplastics.
An overwhelming 94% of U.S. tap water is contaminated with fragments of plastic pollution called microplastics, and bottled water does not fare much better — microplastics are found in 93% of 11 popular water bottle brands around the world.
PONTIAC - People everywhere are conquering their cabin fever and are enjoying the great outdoors after a long, bitter winter. But before you head out for that hike, health care experts remind you to take precautions to avoid tick bites.
The Centers for Disease Control (CDC) estimates around 300,000 people are infected with Lyme disease each year, and is now warning people to be on the lookout for signs and symptoms of the disease, which is usually contracted through tick bites.
Urbana "No Kings" rally draws thousands in peaceful protest against Trump policies
URBANA — More than 3,000 people gathered in downtown Urbana on Sunday for a peaceful protest against former President Donald Trump’s policies and what organizers called a growing threat of authoritarianism in the United States. Many participants said they came not just to protest Trump’s immigration policies but also to stand up for democracy ...
Flesh-eating maggots reappearing in the U.S, farmers brace for impact on livestock
The hum of the cargo plane’s engines was steady but distant, drowned beneath the weight of anticipation. Dr. Lena Mireles leaned against the cool fuselage, eyes fixed on the pale glow of morning rising over the Gulf of Mexico. Below them, a swath of farmland, scrub brush, and winding rivers awaited the release. Behind her, row after row of aluminum canisters held billions of sterile male flies — tiny, winged soldiers ...
Illinois lawyer says Kilmar Obrego Garcia case is a ‘constitutional crisis’
CHICAGO - An Illinois law professor is weighing in on what she called a "very public and open test of due process" for immigrants being deported from the United States without court hearings.
(Culinary.net) Sweets with enhanced fruit flavors are often among the best of the best when it comes to family treats. Fruit can add levels of sweet, tart or even citrus flavor to all kinds of recipes. From grapefruit to berries and lemons, there are a variety of fruits that can take your delightful desserts to the next level of flavor.
C-U 'Hands Off!' protesters rally against Trump administration policies and Musk-led cuts
CHAMPAIGN - In a show of solidarity against President Donald Trump's trade and immigration policies, which critics say are harming families and retirement savings, more than a thousand protesters gathered Saturday at West Park near downtown Champaign for the Hands-Off! Mobilization rally.
You don’t need a construction crew to improve your home. Simple upgrades that make a big difference often come down to details.
Photo: James Wilson/PEXELS
Older homes have a lot character, each with their own unique story.SNS - Older homes tell a story.
They have solid bones and character, but they also come with issues. Drafts sneak in—paint peels. Fixtures feel stuck in time. You don’t need to get everything to see results. Simple upgrades that make a big difference can breathe new life into your space. These changes improve comfort, style, and practicality—without draining your budget.
Replace Outdated Light Fixtures
Nothing dates a room faster than an old light fixture. Swapping out heavy brass chandeliers or flickering fluorescent tubes gives your space an instant lift. Choose clean, modern designs that match your home’s layout. Bright LEDs improve energy efficiency and make dark corners feel fresh again.
Refresh Walls with Strategic Paint Choices
Painting walls is affordable, fast, and surprisingly powerful. Start with the busiest rooms. A new coat in the kitchen or living area can redefine the space. Use neutral tones to brighten older homes. Pale grays, creamy whites, or gentle pastels open tight spaces and hide imperfections. If you're feeling bold, add an accent wall for dimension. Painted trim can also bring a vintage house back to life without overwhelming the original character.
Photo: Rene Terp/PEXELS
Upgrade Door Handles and Cabinet Pulls
Don’t overlook the details. Swapping old hardware makes a big visual impact. It’s one of the easiest updates you can complete in a single afternoon. Replace faded knobs and squeaky handles with newer styles in matte black, brushed gold, or oil-rubbed bronze. Use the same metal tone throughout the room for a cohesive finish. These finishes blend well with both modern and traditional spaces and instantly give the impression of a cared-for home.
Seal Gaps and Insulate Problem Areas
Older homes often leak air through windows, doors, and floors. Simple upgrades that make a big difference include sealing those gaps to make your home feel warmer and reduce energy bills.
Use weather stripping around doors. Apply caulk to window frames. If your attic is accessible, consider rolling out extra insulation. You’ll feel the results quickly—fewer drafts, more stable temperatures, and better control over your monthly heating and cooling costs.
Install Smart Thermostats and Switches
Modern thermostats learn your schedule and optimize your heating and cooling. They help you cut energy waste without sacrificing comfort. Install dimmer switches in the living room or bedroom. These small additions improve the ambiance and lower electricity use at night. Smart plugs and motion sensors can also help older homes function with modern convenience. You gain efficiency with very little effort.
Refinish or Paint Your Floors
Hardwood floors in older homes are often hidden under carpet or are in poor shape. Refinishing them restores natural beauty and adds value. If refinishing is out of reach, consider painting them. Painted floors offer charm and personality, especially in porches or smaller bedrooms. Seal your painted surface well to handle foot traffic. Use rugs to soften the look and define zones within larger rooms.
Update Faucets, Fixtures, and Showerheads
Older faucets often drip or look outdated. A new one makes a kitchen or bathroom feel fresh again. Simple upgrades that make a big difference include choosing modern designs with clean finishes.
Showerheads are just as important. Newer models improve water pressure, reduce water waste, and elevate your daily routine. Most hardware stores carry easy-install kits. You don’t need to hire a plumber for small fixture swaps—just a wrench and a few minutes.
Storage Solutions and Other Simple Upgrades That Make a Big Difference
Storage is limited in many older homes. Look for space under stairs, beds, or unused corners to tuck away essentials. Open shelving works in kitchens, bathrooms, and mudrooms. Hang hooks for bags, keys, or tools. Use labeled baskets to group similar items. In tight spots, furniture with hidden storage—like ottomans or benches—can double your space without crowding the room.
Protect Your Furniture Properly When Moving
When you're relocating furniture to a new place or just to update your space, take extra care to wrap furniture for moving the right way. Use moving blankets to cushion large surfaces and prevent scratches, and apply bubble wrap around fragile or detailed parts like chair legs and table edges. Protect sharp edges and corners with padding or corner guards to avoid chips or breaks.
If your furniture has any delicate finishes or older materials, take extra time to secure those areas. This added layer of care will help protect your pieces throughout the move and save you from dealing with repairs or replacements later.
Focus Room by Room for Better Results
Working on the entire house can feel impossible. Break it down. Pick one room—like the living room or bedroom—and complete that space first. Finish each space. Paint, update hardware, organize, and add storage. Small wins keep motivation high and results more visible. You’ll build momentum and feel more in control. Plus, seeing a finished room helps guide your style choices for the next one.
Boost Kitchen Function with Minor Tweaks
Full kitchen remodels are expensive. But simple upgrades that make a big difference still transform the space. Reface cabinets instead of replacing them. Add under-cabinet lighting.
Install a backsplash using peel-and-stick tiles for a clean look without major tools. Even replacing a single old appliance improves functionality and style. Clear the counters. Decluttering helps any kitchen feel bigger. Use wall-mounted racks to hang utensils, towels, or spices.
Refresh Bathroom Style with Simple Changes
Bathrooms in older homes often look worn out. Swap the shower curtain, add new towel bars, and hang a fresh mirror. Use moisture-resistant paint to avoid peeling. Add extra lighting if the room feels dim. Upgrading the vanity hardware can give a dated bathroom a more contemporary look with minimal work. Add a small shelf or cabinet for storage without remodeling.
Photo by Tim Gouw/PEXELS
Use Mirrors to Open Up Tight Spaces
Many older homes have small or oddly shaped rooms. Mirrors reflect light and make these spaces feel larger. Hang mirrors across from windows to bring in natural brightness. Use the above dressers, mantels, or entry tables for visual balance. Choose rounded or framed mirrors that match your home’s era or design. They add elegance while helping the space feel less cramped.
It All Adds Up
You don’t need a construction crew to improve your home. Simple upgrades that make a big difference often come down to details. From better lighting to improved storage, small changes lead to big results. These projects are manageable, affordable, and truly transformative. Your home can reflect your needs and style—even if it’s been standing for decades. Make the changes that matter most to you, one step at a time.
A fly that was once wiped out in the U.S. is back. Screwworm flies return in Mexico and pose a risk to U.S. farms. If untreated, animals die in weeks from flesh-eating maggots.
DiGiFX Media from Pixabay
A USDA study estimated that a screwworm outbreak could cost Texas alone nearly $2 billion each year. The US government plans to fight the pest from the air by dropping billions of flies over Texas and other states where the larvae has been detected. SNS - The hum of the cargo plane’s engines was steady but distant, drowned beneath the weight of anticipation. Dr. Lena Mireles leaned against the cool fuselage, eyes fixed on the pale glow of morning rising over the Gulf of Mexico. Below them, a swath of farmland, scrub brush, and winding rivers awaited the release. Behind her, row after row of aluminum canisters held billions of sterile male flies — tiny, winged soldiers bred in a lab, irradiated, and readied for war against a flesh-eating parasite that once again threatened to crawl northward.
She tapped her tablet, reviewing the flight path as the countdown ticked closer. In just minutes, the belly doors of the aircraft would open, scattering the living payload across the borderlands of southern Texas and northern Mexico. The plan was simple, almost elegant: drown the wild screwworm population in a tide of infertile mates. But Lena knew it wouldn’t feel elegant if they failed. The New World screwworm was already burrowing into livestock flesh in Chiapas and Campeche. If it crossed into U.S. herds, the economic and ecological damage would take decades to undo.
The cabin lights dimmed as the pilot radioed clearance. Lena stepped closer to the viewing port, watching the earth spin slowly beneath them. It was strange, she thought, to fight something so ancient with something so engineered. The flies would be gone in days, their work done in silence. No guns, no poison — only radiation, instinct, and time. Yet the stakes couldn’t be higher. This wasn’t just pest control. This was containment. Survival. A race between biology and biotechnology, she was flying at 12,000 feet over the front line yet again.
This sounds like a scene from a made-for-Netflix science-fiction movie, right? Actually, billions of irradiated male flies will soon rain from airplanes over southern Texas and northern Mexico as the U.S. government accelerates efforts to contain the alarming resurgence of the New World screwworm — a parasitic fly species that threatens livestock, wildlife, and food security across North America. This scenerio might actually happen in the years ahead.
The plan, announced this week by the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA), represents the latest escalation in a long-running battle against a pest that was once eradicated from the United States but has now breached containment lines and advanced to within 500 miles of the U.S.-Mexico border.
The U.S. government is preparing to drop billions of flies from airplanes over southern Texas and northern Mexico to stop the screwworm. This flesh-eating fly lays eggs in animals' wounds, and its maggots eat living flesh. If not treated, the infestation can be fatal in just two weeks.
Photo: Babs Müller/Pixabay
The United States plans to drop billions of flies in the southern US to stop the return of flesh-eating screw worm maggots.
The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) is using this strategy to stop the insect from spreading into the United States. The pest was once eliminated from North America, but in recent years, it has returned, moving north through Central America and into Mexico.
The economic and health risks are growing, especially in Texas, where cattle populations are the highest in the country. Officials are increasing efforts to contain the spread before it reaches U.S. herds.
What is the New World Screwworm?
The New World screwworm (Cochliomyia hominivorax) is a type of fly that attacks warm-blooded animals. Female flies lay eggs in open wounds or body openings. When the eggs hatch, the maggots dig into living tissue. As more larvae grow and feed, the wounds get larger and deeper. Untreated, this infestation can lead to death.
This parasite affects livestock, pets, wildlife, and people. Animals that have given birth, had surgery, or have open wounds are most at risk.
The adult fly is slightly larger than a housefly, with orange eyes, a metallic blue-green body, and three dark stripes on its back. Maggots can often be seen in wounds, and animals may act restless, stop eating, or isolate themselves.
Eradicated before, but now it’s back
The U.S. removed screwworm from the country in 1966 using a process called the Sterile Insect Technique (SIT). This method involves releasing large numbers of male flies that have been sterilized using radiation. These sterile males mate with wild females, but no larvae hatch. Over time, this lowers the pest’s population.
SIT worked well for decades. A biological barrier was created in Panama to stop the screwworm from moving north again. But in 2023, that barrier was broken. Since then, screwworm has spread through Central America and into Mexico.
New scientific models show that screwworm is most likely to enter the U.S. through southern Mexico. Areas with warm climates and large livestock populations, such as Texas and Florida, are at the highest risk. The fly can travel up to 12 miles to find a host.
Cold weather limits its survival, but summer weather and the movement of animals or wildlife can carry the pest into new regions, including northern states.
Serious threat to farmers and the economy
Texas has about 12.5 million head of cattle — the largest number in the country. A USDA study estimated that a screwworm outbreak could cost Texas nearly $2 billion each year. This number includes lost livestock, lower meat and dairy production, higher veterinary costs, and labor shortages during an outbreak.
If the pest spreads to other states, the economic damage could rise even more. Past outbreaks, such as the one in 1976, required a large number of workers to manage. Today, there are fewer workers in agriculture, making it harder to handle a crisis.
The screwworm is also a threat to food supply chains and public health. The pest does not only harm farm animals — deer, wild hogs, pets, and even humans are at risk.
What the U.S. is doing now to fight back
To prevent an outbreak, the USDA is building a new sterile fly factory in southern Mexico, expected to open in July 2026. Until then, a fly distribution center in southern Texas will help deliver sterile flies from an existing factory in Panama.
Sterile flies will be dropped from airplanes over high-risk areas in Texas and Mexico. The goal is to stop wild screwworms from reproducing by filling the environment with sterile males. This method is safer for the environment than chemical spraying and only targets screwworms.
At the same time, Texas has begun forming state response teams to monitor and respond to new cases. These efforts are focused on protecting livestock and keeping the pest from crossing into U.S. herds.
Photo: Kylee Alons/Unsplash
Response teams focusing on protecting livestock will monitor herds in Texas, hoping to block the spread of screwworm swarms.
Early signs and what to watch for
Farmers and veterinarians are key to spotting screwworm early. Watching animals closely is the best way to catch an infestation before it spreads.
Common signs include:
Foul-smelling wounds with visible maggots
Animals licking or biting at their wounds
Lesions at dehorning or branding sites
Unusual behavior such as restlessness or not eating
By the third day after infestation, there may already be hundreds or thousands of maggots in a wound. If untreated, the wounds grow deeper and cause major damage.
Government agencies and agricultural groups are sharing guides and training materials with farmers to help identify and report possible cases quickly.
A Race against time
The reappearance of the New World screwworm shows how quickly old threats can return. While the USDA and its partners work to stop the pest, experts warn that control will take time and constant effort. Warmer months increase the risk of spread, and infected animals can quickly spread the larvae across large areas.
While the method of dropping sterile flies is proven and safe, it works slowly. It requires months - sometimes years - of regular releases to lower populations. But doing nothing is not an option. Without action, the pest could take hold again in the U.S., harming animals and causing long-term economic loss.
Stopping the screwworm now may save American farmers and ranchers billions in the future.
“Sunlight is the best disinfectant” - first transparency report on solitary confinement in Illinois is just a start, say advocates. Mentally ill inmates in Illinois placed in solitary confinement nearly 500 times monthly, new state report shows.
CHICAGO — The Illinois Department of Corrections (IDOC) released its first quarterly report this week on the use of solitary confinement, as required under a new state law aimed at increasing transparency around the controversial practice. But advocates say the initial data, covering April and May 2025, falls short of offering the clarity and accountability promised under Public Act 103-1074.
Signed into law in March 2025, Public Act 103-1074 mandates that IDOC produce quarterly and annual reports detailing how solitary confinement—referred to as “restrictive housing”—is used, including who is subjected to it, for how long, and why. The legislation was backed by a coalition of civil rights groups including the Chicago Lawyers’ Committee for Civil Rights, Restore Justice, and Uptown People’s Law Center.
Photo: RDNE Stock/PEXELS
Prison rights advocates argue that solitary confinement is not only ineffective but also harmful.
According to the report, 2,420 individuals were placed in solitary confinement in April, with a slight increase to 2,483 in May. The IDOC population stood at 29,029 as of March. However, the report offers no information on how long people remained in solitary, whether placements overlapped from earlier periods, or if individuals were counted more than once.
“This is a first step, but it is very limited in its scope,” said Nicole Schult, Legal Director of Uptown People’s Law Center. “We still have many questions about how solitary confinement is used in Illinois prisons. We fought for transparency in this new law, and we hope future reports will provide a clearer look into this torturous practice.”
Among the most troubling findings, the report shows that nearly 500 instances per month involved people classified as “Severely Mentally Ill” being placed in solitary confinement. The report does not clarify whether these were unique individuals or repeat placements.
Racial disparities also emerged in the data. In April, 63% of individuals placed in solitary confinement were Black; in May, that figure rose to 65%. Black individuals make up 55% of the total prison population, according to IDOC data. No use of alternatives to solitary confinement was reported in either month.
These findings alarm advocates who argue that solitary confinement is not only ineffective but also harmful. The United Nations’ “Mandela Rules” define prolonged solitary confinement—more than 15 consecutive days—as a form of torture. Illinois currently has no statutory limit on the length of time a person can be held in solitary.
“I’ve seen firsthand the devastating and long-lasting effects solitary confinement can have on a person’s mental and physical health,” said Brian Beals, a Future Leaders Apprentice with Restore Justice. “It’s critical that we get accurate data and reporting to bring to light what is really happening.”
The IDOC stated in the report that it is developing improved systems to offer more comprehensive data in future releases. Meanwhile, the same coalition of advocates is urging the Illinois General Assembly to pass the Nelson Mandela Act (SB 65/HB 1428), legislation that would limit the use and duration of solitary confinement statewide.
For now, the report marks a small but significant step in public accountability, even as advocates push for stronger oversight and reform.
All we have for certain, is today. Even today is iffy. Since today is all we really have then it’s best to not mess it up by constantly looking over our shoulders.
by Glenn Mollette, Guest Commentator
Glenn Mollette
Peace and happiness have many variables.
We aren’t happy when we feel we do not have enough and then burdened if we have too much. We fret over not enough money or worry about what we will do if we have too much money. Most of us don’t have the latter problem.
We fret over not enough space or how we care for too much space. We accumulate and store up in our barns and build bigger barns to store up more stuff. We then don’t know what we will do with all the stuff.
How much does it take to bring you peace and make you happy? Can you be happy in a one room dwelling place? Does it take a 25-room house to make you feel good? How many cars do you need to make you feel satisfied? Or, is satisfaction only a remotely impossible concept? Many years ago, one popular song lamented, “I can’t get no satisfaction.”
Satisfaction and happiness may be claimed for a season. Possibly you are satisfied with your vocation, athletic accomplishments, family life, parenting success, fulfillment of life goals and ambitions? Often, we are but then those seasons pass. Careers end, athletic contests become history, retirement comes with memories that fade further and further into the past.
Too often most of us can look back and wonder, “what if?” we may say. The problem with “what if?” is that it doesn’t change anything. If it is in the past, you can’t relive it or change it regardless of how great you were or how bad you were.
All we have for certain, is today. Even today is iffy. Since today is all we really have then it’s best to not mess it up by constantly looking over our shoulders. You can’t go forward always looking back. In the Bible there was a man named Lot. He and his wife were told not to look back at Sodom and Gomera. She did and turned into a pillar of salt. Looking back has a way of doing that to all us as we become immobilized in time.
What does it take to make you happy? Someone to love and someone who loves you? A few family members to care for who also care for you? Enough money to pay the light bill and keep food on the table? Something to do during the day that you enjoy? The only person who can answer these questions are you because only you know what it really takes to make you happy.
Happiness is very much happenstance. Things change every day. Health, sickness, the stock market, families, jobs and hobbies. Friends and loved ones move away or die. Lie is always changing.
God never changes. Happiness may vary throughout the day or week, but your joy and peace that comes with faith in God and focusing on Him is something the world cannot give or take away.
Keep this verse in mind this day regardless of whether you feel happy or if you are down and blue. “You will keep in perfect peace those whose minds are steadfast, because they trust in you.” Isaiah 26:3.
About the author ~
Glen Mollett is the author of 13 books including Uncommom Sense, the Spiritual Chocolate series, Grandpa's Store, Minister's Guidebook insights from a fellow minister. His column is published weekly in over 600 publications in all 50 states.
The views expressed are those of the author and are not necessarily representative of any other group or organization. We welcome comments and views from our readers. Submit your letters to the editor or commentary on a current event 24/7 to editor@oursentinel.com.
GOP lawmakers call for IDOC Director Latoya Hughes to resign amid rising prison violence and drug smuggling scandals in Illinois correctional facilities.
SPRINGFIELD — Pressure is mounting on Acting Director of the Illinois Department of Corrections, Latoya Hughes, as Republican lawmakers demand her resignation, citing escalating violence, drug smuggling, and what they describe as a breakdown of leadership inside state prisons.
Photo: Karsten Winegeart/Unsplash
State Rep. Adam Niemerg (R-Dieterich) is leading the charge. After visiting the Robinson and Lawrenceville Correctional Centers in October 2024, Niemerg sounded the alarm on what he called “dangerous working conditions” for correctional staff. He blames Hughes for ongoing assaults on prison personnel and unchecked flows of illegal drugs into the facilities.
“She’s been terrible,” Niemerg said. “We keep having Department of Corrections employees put in the hospital because of incompetent management and bad policies that favor the inmates over the safety and security of the corrections officers and employees.”
In October, correctional employees staged protests outside multiple Illinois prisons, demanding safer work environments. Reports from inside the facilities point to synthetic drugs entering through visitor deliveries and even the mail system. Niemerg claims he’s received calls from current and former staff for nearly a year, begging for help.
“I offered some solutions to the mail process to stop the drugs from getting inside our prisons,” he said. “The bottom line is Governor Pritzker’s hand-picked director is responsible for the proper administration of the Department of Corrections, and the assaults and drug smuggling are still unsolved problems. Ms. Hughes must go!”
In May, State Sen. Jason Plummer pressed Hughes during a legislative hearing on whether the department is using mail scanning technology to intercept contraband. Hughes declined to give a specific number of inmate deaths but confirmed seven drug-related fatalities so far in 2024. Plummer later told reporters Hughes is “not fit for the job” and criticized Governor J.B. Pritzker for what he described as failed oversight. He was joined by fellow Republican Senators Terri Bryant and others in calling for Hughes’ removal.
Despite the political firestorm, Hughes brings more than two decades of legal and public service experience to the role. A graduate of the University of Illinois College of Law, she spent 15 years in the Cook County State’s Attorney’s Office, where she supervised Community Justice Centers and partnered with law enforcement on public safety initiatives. Within the Department of Corrections, she previously served as Chief of Staff and Chief Inspector before being appointed Acting Director in April 2023.
Governor Pritzker has not yet responded publicly to the calls for Hughes’ resignation. Meanwhile, concerns over safety inside Illinois prisons continue to dominate the conversation at the Capitol.
Register by July 11 for Illinois and Indiana LICA’s off-road day at the Badlands featuring trails, lunch, and a BBQ dinner.
GALVA - Contractors, thrill-seekers, and off-road enthusiasts are gearing up for a high-octane summer experience at the LICA Off-Road Adventure, set for Saturday, July 26, at the Badlands Off Road Park in Attica, Indiana.
Hosted jointly by the Illinois and Indiana Chapters of the Land Improvement Contractors of America (LICA), the all-ages event invites members, families, and friends to explore one of the Midwest’s premier off-road destinations. The Badlands, spanning more than 1,400 acres of diverse terrain, offers trails for every skill level—from casual riders to experienced drivers—featuring sand dunes, gravel pits, wooded paths, rocky climbs, and plenty of mud.
Participants will gather at 9 a.m. EDT in a designated parking area before heading out in groups or as solo riders to tackle the park's multi-directional terrain. All types of off-road vehicles are welcome, including dirt bikes, ATVs, SUVs, 4x4s, and Side x Sides.
Food trucks and on-site concessions offer lunch options throughout the day for when adventurers need to refuel between rides. The event concludes with a catered BBQ dinner at 5 p.m., where attendees can wind down, swap stories, and connect with fellow members and families. The evening will wrap up with a short Illinois LICA members’ meeting.
LICA encourages all interested to register by July 11 at http://illica.net/events or by calling (309) 932-1230.
If Pritzker decide to run for president, an announcement would likely come at some point in 2027 during what would be the first year of his third term if he’s reelected.
by Ben Szalinski
Capitol News Illinois
SPRINGFIELD - Gov. JB Pritzker began his third campaign for governor on last week, but much of the buzz around his 2026 campaign announcement focused on 2028.
Pritzker made four stops around the state to launch his campaign, fielding questions about any future interest in the presidency and what is driving him to run for what would be a historic third term. In his final stop in Springfield on Thursday evening, he was toasting personally branded “JBeers” – his own craft beer product he unveiled at last year’s Democratic National Convention – with a group of about 100 people at a small event venue just outside the Capitol and talking about his motivations.
“Every day I’m going to wake up going forward thinking about what I am going to do that’s going to help the people of Illinois,” Pritzker told reporters in Springfield when asked how many years of a third term he would serve. “So that’s the reason I’m running for reelection, it’s why I announced today, it’s what I’m going to do every day going forward no matter what decision I make.”
The 60-year-old Democrat’s national profile has grown significantly over the last year. He was a finalist to be former Vice President Kamala Harris’ running mate last July, and weeks later, introduced himself to the country on the stage of the Democratic National Convention in Chicago. In the months since President Donald Trump took office, Pritzker has emerged as one of his most vocal critics.
Photo: Capitol News Illinois/Jade Aubrey
Gov. JB Pritzker takes a picture with Mike Lopez, mayor of nearby Jerome, after announcing his reelection campaign in Springfield on Thursday, June 26.
At news conferences throughout the state, Pritzker did not directly commit to serving a full four-year term if he is reelected and sidestepped questions about his rumored White House ambitions.
But while staying tight-lipped about what he thinks about his prospects in the 2028 presidential election, he said any decision he makes about his future would be Illinois-centric.
Speculation shows Pritzker ‘capable and competent’
In the meantime, Pritzker said he believed his inclusion in the national conversation is good for Illinois.
“When I ran for governor in the first place in 2017 and 2018, never, never could I have imagined that anybody would talk about me as the potential vice-presidential nominee or as a candidate for president of the United States,” Pritzker said.
While Republicans have frequently criticized the governor for his tendencies to criticize Trump rather than work with him to Illinois’ benefit, the governor spun his rising national profile as a positive.
“Having the state of Illinois’ leaders viewed as capable and competent and potentially able to run the entire country and being talked about in that way, allows us, I think, to get more for the people of Illinois because there’s an understanding that, you know, maybe in Illinois we’re doing the right things,” he said. “Maybe in Illinois we have leaders that can competently execute on what states really need.”
Pritzker said his experience last summer being vetted for the vice presidency has not played any role in the decisions he has made about his political career.
Should Pritzker decide to run for president, an announcement would likely come at some point in 2027 during what would be the first year of his third term if he’s reelected.
Pritzker’s goal: ‘Protect’ Illinois and his legacy
Pritzker said at his announcement Thursday that his goal in 2026 is to preserve his legacy and “protect” the story of Illinois that’s been written under his leadership. Pritzker didn’t outline a bold vision for his third term but rather pledged to build off what he has already accomplished.
He said his third term would focus on grappling with artificial intelligence, addressing the rising cost of living, continued spending on infrastructure and growing the state’s economy.
Pritzker reflected on his decision to seek reelection despite growing challenges facing the state.
“I don’t shy away from a fight, and we’re going to have to protect the people of Illinois,” Pritzker told reporters in Springfield. “And I feel like we’re in a moment when backing away from public service when things are hard doesn’t feel right. So that’s one of the reasons I chose to run for reelection.”
Pritzker was asked whether he would have run had Trump not been elected last year.
“I think I would, but I have to say that in this moment, it feels like walking away is the wrong thing to do given who is in the White House and given how this administration is attacking people all across this country,” Pritzker said.
The governor must also choose a new running mate as Lt. Gov. Juliana Stratton has decided to run for U.S. Senate. Pritzker said he will choose one by the end of July so his campaign can start circulating nominating petitions in early August. Pritzker said in Chicago that he is looking for someone with enough experience to take over as governor if required.
Rep. Jehan Gordon-Booth, D-Peoria, may be an early front-runner for the job. Pritzker specifically referred to Gordon-Booth as qualified at a stop in East Peoria on Thursday when asked about potential running mates, WGLT reported. The assistant House majority leader has been in the General Assembly since 2009.
Capitol News Illinois is a nonprofit, nonpartisan news service that distributes state government coverage to hundreds of news outlets statewide. It is funded primarily by the Illinois Press Foundation and the Robert R. McCormick Foundation.
Dear Editor,
I write with deep concern over the unfolding controversy involving Assam’s Cabinet Minister Jayanta Malla Baruah, his family’s dairy venture, and a significant ₹50 lakh subsidy meant for dairy farmers. An RTI revelation highlights that 90 state-owned Gir cows reportedly went missing from Rangiya Railway Station, only to seemingly reappear at a private dairy firm run by the minister’s wife in the same region.
This dairy enterprise, JMB Aqua Agro Pvt. Ltd., registered in Shillong and spanning more than 104 bighas with Gir cattle, poultry, horticulture, and fishery operations, experienced spectacular growth: revenue rose by 13.9%, profit by nearly 500%, and assets by over 1,900% in 2022–23. Notably, the minister’s wife was appointed managing director in March 2020, and their daughter was added as a director in 2023.
While family-run enterprises are not inherently wrong, the opacity here is troubling. Were public subsidies—intended as lifelines for small farmers—diverted to a privately controlled operation aligned with political influence? And how did 90 Gir cows vanish from public inventory, only to surface under the minister’s firm? These gaps demand investigation.
Furthermore, the timing is striking. Minister Baruah has publicly positioned himself as a protector of cattle and rural livelihoods. Yet, the alleged misdirection of funds and livestock undermines that commitment. As RTI activist Dilip Nath has demanded, it is vital to trace the procurement of cows under the Garukhuti project, track the subsidy’s approval to the minister’s wife, and examine declarations of business interest.
In a healthy democracy, public trust hinges on transparency—especially when government schemes are involved. Hence, I urge:
1. A judicial or independent probe into the missing state Gir cows, their procurement, and eventual placement.
2. Full disclosure of the subsidy approval process, including eligibility assessments and any conflict-of-interest disclosures.
3. A review of public asset declarations by the minister and his family to ensure no discrepancies.
The people of Assam deserve accountability, not "cash for curd" schemes serving political families. Let this inquiry affirm that governance is neither opaque nor partisan, but truly public-centered.
by Ben Szalinski
“Every day I’m going to wake up going forward thinking about what I am going to do that’s going to help the people of Illinois,” Pritzker told reporters in Springfield when asked how many years of a third term he would serve. “So that’s the reason I’m running for reelection, it’s why I announced today, it’s what I’m going to do every day going forward no matter what decision I make.”
The 60-year-old Democrat’s national profile has grown significantly over the last year. He was a finalist to be former Vice President Kamala Harris’ running mate last July, and weeks later, 
