A new tool highlights trauma risks in Illinois school districts, aiming for better policy, funding, and public health coordination.
by Judith Ruiz-Branch Illinois News Connection
CHICAGO - The Illinois Department of Education has a new tool to measure adversity in children by identifying areas where they may be exposed to potential sources of trauma.
The Illinois Children’s Adversity Index is an interactive map which compares the risk factors of school districts across the state using three categories to measure community and economic barriers. Initial findings show the highest concentration of adversity levels in Southern Illinois driven by factors such as food and housing insecurity and high rates of mental-health distress and imprisonment in adults.
Colleen Cicchetti, executive director of the Center for Childhood Resilience at Ann and Robert H. Lurie Children’s Hospital, helped in the development process. She said the goal is to hold schools accountable while acknowledging outside factors.
The index will be updated every two years and aims to guide resource allocation more efficiently across state agencies.
"It's really important to understand that it was never designed to say that this is a burden that only schools need to address," Cicchetti emphasized. "This really is talking about what is the context, the community context that schools are operating in that is impacting their ability to educate their students."
Chiquetti pointed out the index will be updated every two years and aims to guide resource allocation more efficiently across state agencies to address the root causes of potential issues for children.
Chiquetti noted it includes informing school-level decision-making to help principals better prioritize interventions based on community context and school data, like focusing on increased mental health services, addressing disparities, or implementing social-emotional learning programs.
"There's a lot of things that people are being exposed to that look different," Chiquetti observed. "So it really does mean that by using database decisions, we might invest in different things in parts of the state than in others, as opposed to globally saying, ‘oh, everybody needs more access.'"
The index builds upon state-level initiatives such as the Children’s Behavioral Health Transformation Initiative and the Whole Child Task Force, which Chiquetti said all calls for a reconfiguring of the silos of government in order to achieve a more holistic approach to addressing the well-being of children across the state.
"It really is shared across all of these different entities," Chiquetti noted. "It's a public health issue, it's an education issue, it's also a child welfare issue, it's a juvenile justice issue, it's Medicaid insurance access, it's health care … you need all of the systems to have what they need to support those children, families and communities."
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Tags: Illinois Children's Adversity Index explained, School trauma risk mapping tool Illinois, Community context in education policy, Measuring childhood adversity in Illinois, Statewide trauma-informed school initiatives
Many Americans unconsciously link being "American" with whiteness and English fluency, a bias that starts in early childhood, research shows.
by Judith Ruiz-Branch Illinois News Connection
CHICAGO - With Donald Trump in the White House, Illinois and the nation face new challenges about who "belongs" in the United States.
Nationality has become a flashpoint, and studies show folks tend to have an implicit bias about who fits the bill for being "American." Experts say many associate the term "American" with white people who speak English - even if they initially say otherwise.
University of Chicago psychology professor Katherine Kinzler said people don't always consciously exclude individuals from being American, and can be vocal about how ridiculous the notion of being white to be American sounds.
"And yet," she said, "those same people, when given a more subtle task - of 'what they think of when they think of what it means to be American' - they might just be a little bit faster to identify somebody who's white and who speaks English as being American, versus somebody else."
Formed biases are more often a result of social and cultural attitudes rather than political messages.
She said humans categorize others using cognitive shortcuts, which can cause prejudice and stereotypes, and lead to real-world consequences such as determining hiring decisions and ultimately making individuals feel like they don't belong.
Studying the development of social attitudes in kids, Kinzler said she found young children initially perceive English speakers as "more American." As they grow older, they then associate both English speakers and white faces with American identity. Kinzler said children often pick up on the statistical realities of their world, which can also color their beliefs.
"So they might be noticing, 'Who are the people I come in contact with? Who are the people that my parent talks to, who come over for dinner? Who are the people in my school? What access to resources do they have?' And so forth," she said. "And so, kids are paying attention to the social realities of their world and kind of adding it up."
While it's impossible to control everything children are exposed to, Kinzler suggested parents try to broaden their early experiences by exposing them to diverse ideas, languages, people and places, especially from a young age. She said formed biases are more often a result of social and cultural attitudes rather than political messages.
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Tags: Implicit bias in American identity perception, How children learn cultural stereotypes in America, English language and American belonging study, Racial bias in defining who is American, Effects of early childhood exposure on prejudice
President Trump probably doesn’t want any pictures taken with his feet on his desk. Maybe he never puts his feet on his desk. His recent diagnosis of a venous blood supply problem warrants such a recline two or three times a day.
Millions of Americans, especially seniors, deal with ankle and lower leg swelling caused by the flow of blood from the lower leg not returning to the heart as adequately as it did earlier in life. It’s not a debilitating issue unless it’s ignored in which case a blood clot could develop in the lower leg or behind the knee.
Blood clots are not good as they are not good for the veins. Even worse, a blood clot in the lower leg can travel to the upper part of the body which could be fatal. Thousands of Americans die every year from blood clots that travel to the heart or cause strokes which can be debilitating and fatal.
The smart thing for our President to do is to put his feet up on his desk for ten minutes or so three or four times a day. He can do so when he is talking on his telephone or if he is having a casual meeting. Doctors typically recommend compression socks. There are different grades of compression socks. Some are very light and go on very easy while others are like fighting a war to put on because the compression is so tight. Most people don’t particularly enjoy compression socks. However, many testify that once you are used to them you feel better because your legs aren’t swelling as much during the day.
Besides compression socks and elevating your legs it’s good not to stand in one spot for too long. Walking is great, but just standing in one position can negatively impact the lower leg and the flow of blood as it returns to the heart. Sitting too long creates the same problematic scenario.
The President is doing the right thing by taking an aspirin a day to avoid clotting issues. Most people who develop a blood clot often end up on blood thinner for a while or a lifetime.
Alcohol makes your blood slicker. It doesn’t make it thinner as reported by a family physician.
A few years back, I had a pulmonary embolism after receiving my third covid shot so I have some experience to draw from on this.
President Trump can potentially live another robust 20 years or more. However, it’s reality, he is getting older and has to take care of himself.
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.
Celebrate Savannah Day’s legacy with a 2.96-mile walk/run Friday in Sidney. All proceeds go to a girls’ athletics scholarship.
SIDNEY - The memory of Savannah Day will be honored this Friday evening as runners and walkers gather for the annual Savannah Day 2.96 Memorial Run/Walk. The race, which steps off at 7 p.m. on July 25, 2025, serves as both a tribute and a fundraiser, celebrating the life and passion of a young woman whose dedication to athletics and community continues to inspire.
Photo: Sentinel/Clark Brooks
Savannah Day heads to the finish line at the 2016 IHSA Girls Cross Country State Finals, helping the Rockets to a second-place finish. Friday's race in Sidney will celebrate her legacy and help raise funds for the Savannah Day Girls Athletic Scholarship.
Savannah Day, an 18-year-old college freshman studying kinesiology, tragically lost her life in a car-train collision on October 3, 2018. The accident occurred just south of St. Joseph as she returned home from cross-country practice at Danville Area Community College. Her death sent shockwaves through the community and the broader running world, particularly among those who knew her from her standout high school career.
Day was a key contributor to Unity High School’s cross-country and track programs, helping lead the Rockets to IHSA Class 1A cross-country state titles in both 2015 and 2017. Known for her bright spirit, kind heart, and boundless energy, Savannah’s impact extended well beyond the course. "It's a sad day for our school, our community and everyone who was fortunate to know Savannah and her smile," said former Unity Athletic Director Scott Hamilton told The News-Gazette following her passing.
The memorial event was created to honor her legacy and raise funds for the Savannah Day Girls Athletic Scholarship. All proceeds from the race directly support the scholarship, which benefits local female athletes pursuing their academic and athletic goals — just as Savannah did.
Same-day registration will be available at the event site beginning at 5:30 p.m. There is no additional fee for registering late. While pre-registration officially closed on July 16, participants may still sign up by emailing their form to savannahday2.96@gmail.com and submitting the $25 fee via Venmo. Forms can also be downloaded and mailed to the race address with payment.
Support for the memorial run continues to grow, with this year’s event made possible by generous sponsorships from the Town of Sidney, InsureChampaign, Sidney Fire Department, Spring Green of St. Joseph, The Sidney Saloon, Center For Your Health in Philo, Don’s Auto Center in Homer, Castle Home Comfort Heating & Air of Champaign, The Artega Insurance Group - Country Financial, IGA in St. Joseph, Winstons Old Bank in Sidney, and Sidney Dairy Barn.
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Savannah Day Memorial Run 2025 registration details,Unity High School cross-country alumna tribute, Girls athletic scholarship race in Sidney Illinois, Charity 5K walk honoring Savannah Day, East Central Illinois community memorial events
The Masonic Lodge in Tolono will host its July community breakfast on July 27. All are welcome.
Photo: Vickie McCarty/Pixabay
A warm plate of delicious biscuits and gravy like these, and eggs cooked to order will be served at Sunday's breakfast.
TOLONO - The Tolono Masonic Lodge #391 will open its doors to the community on Sunday, July 27, for its popular breakfast event. Running from 8 a.m. to noon at 202 E. Main Street, the breakfast is part of the lodge’s ongoing effort to bring neighbors together over good food and fellowship.
The menu features a wide variety of classic breakfast favorites, including French toast, pancakes, and eggs cooked to order. Diners can also enjoy fresh omelets, biscuits and gravy, crispy hashbrowns, and both sausage patties and links. Beverages include milk, orange juice and water, making it a filling meal for all ages.
Admission is $12 for adults and $5 for children ages 6 to 12. The breakfast is open to the public and proceeds help support local Masonic lodge activities. Organizers encourage early attendance, as the event often draws a steady crowd throughout the morning.
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Tags: Tolono Illinois Masonic Lodge community breakfast event, All-you-can-eat Sunday breakfast in Tolono 2025,
Family-friendly breakfast fundraiser near Champaign IL, Where to eat breakfast in Tolono on July 27 2025, Masonic Lodge 391 pancake and omelet breakfast event
CUPHD and local agencies offer shelter and cooling resources as heat grips central Illinois this week as heatwave threatens East Central Illinois this week.
CHAMPAIGN - An intense summer heatwave has settled over East Central Illinois this week, with dangerously high temperatures and stifling humidity expected to persist through the weekend. The National Weather Service has issued a Heat Advisory in effect through 7 p.m. Thursday, warning that heat index values could soar between 105 and 112 degrees during the afternoon hours.
Daytime highs are forecast to climb into the 90s each day from Wednesday through Friday. Combined with oppressive humidity, outdoor conditions will feel considerably hotter, pushing the region into a level of extreme heat that poses significant health risks. Overnight, little relief is expected as temperatures will linger in the mid-70s, increasing the threat of cumulative heat exposure.
The Champaign-Urbana Public Health District (CUPHD) is urging residents to remain vigilant and take steps to protect themselves, their families, neighbors, and pets. Children, seniors over 65, people with disabilities, and animals are particularly vulnerable to heat-related illnesses due to their reduced ability to regulate body temperature and access hydration.
Precautions to Avoid Heat-Related Illness
Stay hydrated. Aim to drink at least 48 to 64 ounces of cool, non-caffeinated, non-alcoholic beverages daily. Caffeine and alcohol act as diuretics and can increase the risk of dehydration. Don’t wait until you’re thirsty–drink regularly throughout the day.
Limit activity during peak heat. Avoid physical exertion during the hottest parts of the day. If outdoor activity is necessary, take frequent breaks in the shade or a cool environment.
Wear light-colored, lightweight clothing. Breathable fabrics and light colors help your body stay cooler.
Cool down when overheated. Take a cool shower or sponge bath if you begin to feel too warm.
Seek air-conditioned spaces. If you feel overly warm, move to an air-conditioned environment. If your home is not air-conditioned, consider visiting a mall, library, grocery store, or other public space to cool off.
Common heat-related illnesses range from heat exhaustion to potentially fatal heat stroke. The body's internal temperature can spike rapidly—up to 106 degrees or more in under 15 minutes—without proper cooling measures, resulting in permanent damage or death. Warning signs include heavy sweating, dizziness, nausea, confusion, and rapid pulse. If symptoms of heat stroke occur, immediate medical attention is critical.
Several community partners have mobilized resources in response to the prolonged heat emergency. A temporary 24-hour emergency shelter is available through Saturday, July 26, for adults experiencing homelessness.
Operated through a collaboration involving Cunningham Township, CUPHD, The Salvation Army of Champaign, Friend in Me, and the City of Champaign Township, the shelter accepts individuals referred through Strides Shelter. Intakes are conducted daily from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m., with transportation to the shelter provided after evening check-in between 7 p.m. and 10 p.m.
The following is a list of additional cooling centers available throughout the local area, courtesy of Champaign County Emergency Management Agency. Please note that some are only available during business hours.
Champaign-Urbana Public Health District, 201 W. Kenyon Rd., Champaign
Lincoln Square Mall, 201 Lincoln Square, Urbana
Market Place Mall, 2000 N. Neil St., Champaign
Forum Fitness Center, 200 W. Flessner Ave., Rantoul
Rantoul Police Department, 109 E. Grove Ave., Rantoul
Champaign Park District, Leonhard Center, 2307 Sangamon Dr., Champaign
Champaign Park District, Martens Center, 1515 N. Market St., Champaign
Urbana Park District, Health and Wellness Facility, 2002 E. Washington St., Urbana
Public buildings, including libraries and municipal, state, and federal buildings, during normal business hours.
CUPHD also maintains a Google map of cooling center locations: https://bit.ly/keepsafeChampaign
CUPHD also operates a kid-friendly cooling center from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. on weekdays, offering free Wi-Fi, books, and entertainment for children. Beginning July 25 and running through August 11, CUPHD will serve free breakfast and lunch to children under 18 as part of its summer meals program.
With hot and dry conditions expected to continue beyond midweek and limited relief at night, area residents are encouraged to remain indoors during the hottest parts of the day, limit sun exposure, and stay informed through local weather and public health updates.
Research has found that some soups have antibacterial properties that can help with any illness.
by Tim Ditman OSF Healthcare
ALTON - Sore throats: they’re pesky. They’re not just a winter thing (hello, spring allergies). And they can turn serious, such as strep throat.
Isha McConkey, DO
Do a web search for at-home remedies, and you’ll get a lot of results. Which ones work? Which ones might feel good in the moment but don’t get the job done? Isha McConkey, DO, a family medicine physician at OSF HealthCare, has your checklist:
Ice cream: Dr. McConkey doesn’t recommend it.
“I know it feels good. But it will increase mucus production in most people. That’s going to exacerbate the [throat] irritation,” she explains. “We also don’t want a lot of sugar,” which could lead to cavities.
In fact, Dr. McConkey says this logic applies to dairy foods overall. Skip them come sore throat time.
Popsicles: These are OK, Dr. McConkey says. Just go for a sugar free or fruit juice-infused option.
Cough drops: Choose cough drops with xylitol, a sugar alternative, Dr. McConkey says.
Honey: “It’s excellent,” Dr. McConkey says. You’re still getting sugar, though, so don’t guzzle it. Try making a drink with hot water, honey and lemon. Or incorporate honey into your tea.
“You can even add a little cayenne pepper. In some types of sore throats, it may make it worse. But most people find it can be very soothing. It has some numbing properties,” Dr. McConkey adds. But don’t take that as a license to eat spicy food. The acidity in tacos, for example, might cause throat irritation.
Soups: Pop that chicken noodle soup in the microwave, Dr. McConkey says. She says research has found that some soups have antibacterial properties that can help with any illness. Opt for a low sodium can.
Salt water: You’ve probably seen online videos or heard the tactic passed down by family members. Yes, it can help, Dr. McConkey says. Gargling salt water can decrease swelling, she says. Try it before you drink your tea or before you go to bed to help get a restful night.
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A fourth-place finisher at Tokyo 2020, Garrett Scantling joins the Illinois track staff under longtime coach Petros Kyprianou.
CHAMPAIGN - The University of Illinois has added an Olympian to its coaching roster as director of track, field and cross country Petros Kyprianou announced the hiring of Garrett Scantling as an assistant coach Tuesday. Scantling will work closely with Kyprianou, focusing on the jumps and combined events squads.
A fourth-place finisher in the decathlon at the Tokyo 2020 Olympic Games, Scantling brings a wealth of high-level competitive and coaching experience to the Illini program. His Olympic run was highlighted by a score of 8,611 points, which included personal bests in the 400-meter dash (48.25) and 1500-meter run (4:35.54). He qualified for Tokyo by winning the U.S. Olympic Trials in Eugene, Oregon, with 8,647 points.
“Garrett is an ultra-positive person who brings world-class Olympic experience,” said Kyprianou, who has coached Scantling since 2011. “He has a special ability to relate to student-athletes because he’s walked in their shoes. I believe his impact will be felt immediately.”
Scantling’s collegiate career at Georgia, where he was coached by Kyprianou, was marked by steady excellence. He medaled three times at the NCAA Indoor Championships in the heptathlon, earning bronze as a freshman in 2013, silver in 2015, and another bronze in 2016. His top collegiate mark came in 2015 with 6,068 points in the heptathlon.
After his NCAA career, Scantling continued to compete at the highest level. In 2022, he claimed two national titles, winning the U.S. Indoor Championships in the heptathlon with 6,382 points and later dominating the USA Combined Events Championships with a personal-best 8,867 points in the decathlon.
His coaching background includes a stint as an assistant coach at Georgia under Kyprianou from 2019 to 2021. Most recently, he returned to his alma mater, the Episcopal School of Jacksonville, where he served as the strength and conditioning coach while also leading football, girls weightlifting, and track and field.
Now, Scantling brings that experience to Champaign.
“I’m super excited to be a part of what Petros has built here for the Illini,” said Scantling. “I can’t wait to share my experience and expertise with all the different student-athletes I’ll get to work with.”
The addition of Scantling comes as Illinois continues building depth across its program. His arrival strengthens an already ambitious push to elevate the Illini’s performance in multi-events and jumps on the Big Ten and national stages.
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Tags: Garrett Scantling Illinois track and field coach, University of Illinois hires Olympic decathlete coach, Illinois track and field jumps and combined events coaching staff, Petros Kyprianou reunites with Garrett Scantling at Illinois, Garrett Scantling coaching career after Tokyo Olympics
Democrats wanting transparency now is “asinine”, says White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt.
By Greg Bishop.::. Illinois Editor The Center Square
CHICAGO - U.S. Sen. Dick Durbin, D-Illinois, is joining the chorus of congress members calling for the release of files involving Jeffrey Epstein.
Earlier this month, the U.S. Department of Justice released a memo about Epstein, who died in jail awaiting trial on child sex trafficking charges in 2019. The unsigned two page memo concluded that the 300 gigabytes of materials related to Epstein included graphic video of child pornography.
“This systematic review revealed no incriminating ‘client list,’” the memo said. “There was also no credible evidence found that Epstein blackmailed prominent individuals as part of his actions. We did not uncover evidence that could predicate an investigation against uncharged third parties.”
The announcement caused waves of criticism among President Donald Trump supporters, saying he promised to reveal the client list.
[Trump] wants to move on from the story.
In a letter to Attorney General Pam Bondi, Durbin called for the files release.
“We call upon you to follow the bipartisan directive of the Appropriations Committee and release the Epstein files without delay,” the letter said. “From the lenient plea deal he received in Florida in 2008 to the end of his case with his death in prison in 2019, survivors of his abuse have been denied the full accounting of his crimes and the justice they deserve.”
Thursday, White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt said Democrats wanting transparency now is “asinine.”
“The Democrats had control of this building, the White House, for four years, and they didn't do a dang thing when it came to transparency in regards to Jeffrey Epstein and his heinous crimes,” Leavitt said. “[Trump] wants to move on from the story.”
Many believe Epstein did not kill himself
Prominent figures like the U.S. House speaker and the U.S. Senate minority leader have voiced support for releasing the Epstein files.
Leavitt said the president stands by the DOJ’s decision that they wouldn't release any of the child sex abuse materials. She was asked about any other releases of court records surrounding the case, even redacted files.
“Those are also questions for the judges who have that information under a seal,” Leavitt said. “And that would have to be requested. And a judge would have to approve it. That's out of the president's control.”
Epstein died in jail awaiting trial in 2019. While the official conclusion was suicide, many believe Epstein did not kill himself and had high profile clients.
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Democrats say such protections are needed as President Donald Trump rolls out higher tariffs on foreign nations as part of an effort to overhaul global trade.
Photo: Tung Lam/Pixabay
Democrats are pushing a bill at the federal level, clarifying that price gouging is an unfair and deceptive practice under the FTC Act. The bill would give the FTC and state attorneys general new tools to enforce a federal ban against merchants who overprice goods to American consumers. Critics say it could make issues worse.
By Brett Rowland.::. Investigative Reporter The Center Square
CHICAGO - Democrats are pushing a bill prohibiting price gouging at the federal level and giving the Federal Trade Commission another $1 billion and new tools to go after companies charging "grossly excessive" prices.
Democrats say such protections are needed as President Donald Trump rolls out higher tariffs on foreign nations as part of an effort to overhaul global trade. A tariff is a tax on imported goods that the importer pays to the federal government. That importer can then absorb the loss, or try to pass the added costs on to consumers through higher prices.
Critics say the measure could actually make shortages of key products worse.
During the COVID-19 pandemic, Democrats proposed similar measures to prevent price gouging.
A group of Democrats reintroduced the Price Gouging Prevention Act "to fight back against the corporate greed enabled by the Trump administration's chaotic tariff policies," they said. The bill would give the FTC and state attorneys general new tools to enforce a federal ban against "grossly excessive price increases."
"Donald Trump's reckless tariff policies are giving companies cover to squeeze families and raise prices more than necessary," said U.S. Sen. Elizabeth Warren, D-Mass. "My bill is an opportunity for Congress to stand up for families by cracking down on price gouging and fighting back against corporate abuse."
Ryan Bourne, of the Cato Institute, said the measure was just as bad as it was the first time it was introduced.
"This 'anti-price gouging' bill is a reheated version of Elizabeth Warren's earlier misguided proposal. Back then, Democrats found it politically convenient to blame greedy corporations for an inflation overwhelmingly caused by excessive government spending and loose monetary policy," he told The Center Square. "Now, the same politicians are using the price-inflating effects of Donald Trump's tariffs to revive their anti-corporate legislation."
This legislation would compound those problems by turning pricing decisions into legal liabilities.
Bourne said the measure could exacerbate shortages at critical times, such as after a natural disaster.
"The results of such a federal law would be disastrous. Capping prices below what people are willing to pay for goods would produce shortages and empty shelves during volatile periods," he said. "Firms today face ever-shifting trade barriers, unpredictable demand conditions, and evolving supply chains – all factors that increase price volatility. This legislation would compound those problems by turning pricing decisions into legal liabilities. Firms fearing prosecution would hesitate to raise prices even when those higher prices accurately reflect genuine scarcity or increased risks. The price controls would thus risk making goods' shortages far more severe and prolonged."
Democrats first introduced the measure in 2024, but it failed to advance. During the COVID-19 pandemic, Democrats proposed similar measures to prevent price gouging.
The bill would clarify that price gouging is an unfair and deceptive practice under the FTC Act. The measure would allow the FTC and state attorneys general to stop sellers from charging a grossly excessive price, regardless of where the price gouging occurs in a supply chain or distribution network, according to a news release.
"Greedy corporations are using the economic turmoil the Trump Administration has created to gouge the American people on everything from groceries to consumer goods," said Congresswoman Jan Schakowsky, D-Ill. "While these large corporations rake in record profits, families in my community and across the country are struggling to put food on the table."
The bill would give the FTC an additional $1 billion in funding to do the work. It would establish when price gouging occurs during a significant shift in trade policy. It lists a set of market shocks – including an "abrupt or significant shift in trade policy" – and outlines a standard for a presumptive violation of the price gouging prohibition during such a shock, such as when companies brag about increasing prices, according to Democrats.
Trump administration has worked to dismantle the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau
The measure would also create an affirmative defense for small businesses acting in good faith. Sponsors noted that "small and local businesses sometimes must raise prices in response to crisis-driven increases in their costs because they have little negotiating power with their price-gouging suppliers." That affirmative defense protects small businesses earning less than $100 million from frivolous litigation if they show "legitimate cost increases."
The bill would further require public companies to disclose costs and pricing strategies.
"During periods of exceptional market shock, the bill requires public companies to transparently disclose and explain changes in their cost of goods sold, gross margins, and pricing strategies in their quarterly SEC filings," according to the sponsors.
Warren and Schakowsky face an uphill battle in the Republican-controlled House and Senate. Republicans have been moving in the opposite direction. The Trump administration has worked to dismantle the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau, a federal agency created after the 2007-08 financial crisis to establish a single agency responsible for enforcing consumer protection laws.
Former Vice President Kamala Harris promised to introduce a federal anti-price-gouging law during the 2024 presidential campaign.
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Tags: federal price gouging prevention legislation 2025, Elizabeth Warren anti-gouging bill against corporate pricing, Democratic response to Trump tariff price hikes, FTC funding increase to fight excessive pricing, impact of trade policy shifts on consumer goods prices
When it comes to worry, there’s no shortage of things that keep us up at night – some of it probably has us tossing and turning at times.
Photo: BĀBI/Unsplash
Reframing how you handle disappointments can help you worry less. The goal is to focus on what you have the power to control.
by Paul Arco OSF Healthcare
The clock ticks past midnight. Your eyes are open, your body still – but your mind is anything but quiet. From bills to health scares to family stress, worry shows up, unpacks, and overstays its welcome.
When it comes to worry, there’s no shortage of things that keep us up at night – some of it probably has us tossing and turning at times.
According to experts like Ashley Pratt, a psychotherapist with OSF HealthCare, most of what we fret about never comes to fruition. But that doesn’t stop us from experiencing a few anxious moments.
But why do we worry?
“It’s actually part of our human nature,” says Pratt. “Our brain is designed to help us protect ourselves from danger or unpleasant experiences. So, worry is kind of our brain’s way of helping us navigate or prepare for those things.”
But some worrying can serve a purpose, Pratt says. For example, if you’re worried about skin cancer, you might be more diligent when it comes to protecting your skin. If you’re worried about money, you might become thriftier when it comes to spending.
Pratt says the best way to get a hold of worry is to concentrate on what you can control.
“Focus on what we have power over,” Pratt says. “That's one of my favorite ways to manage worry. That way we can start to incorporate other coping skills through our life, whether it's breathing exercises or talking to friends, listening to podcasts, doing enjoyable hobbies throughout our week.”
Still, life happens and that means some things we worry about do come true. Pratt recommends meeting those fears head on.
Trying to worry less takes time and lots of work.
“I think we can learn that we can get through it, first and foremost,” she emphasizes. “Even if our worries do come true occasionally, we can cope with it. Worry gives us opportunities to learn about how we handle those situations.”
Instead of worrying, Pratt says to trust yourself IF something negative does happen. It’s better to remain calm than distressed when trying to solve a potential problem.
But if you are having a tough time navigating those worries, there are ways you can calm your nerves. For example, stay off your phone, where you can find news that may be upsetting. Check in with people in your inner circle that you trust and can talk to. Finally, Pratt suggests starting the practice of gratitude.
“It helps rewire those negative thoughts and give us more focus on the things that are going well in our lives,” Pratt says.
Trying to worry less takes time and lots of work. If you can’t seem to find any relief on your own, Pratt recommends seeking professional help.
“If it feels unmanageable, reaching out to someone, whether your doctor for medication management, going to therapy, learning different techniques and just finding something that works.”
Ways to worry less
Robert Leahy is a psychologist and author of the book “The Worry Cure.” He offers the following tips to cope with worry.
1. Identify productive and unproductive worry
Determine whether worry will help you find solutions to a problem. If yes, write a to-do list with steps to help solve the problem.
2. Track your worries
Write down your unproductive worries throughout the day and dedicate time to thinking about them.
3. Accept uncertainty
Leahy says repeating a worry for 20 minutes (“I may never fall asleep” or “I could lose my job”) lessens its power.
4. Be mindful
Leahy says there are ways to be mindful throughout the day. Work on living in the now by practicing deep breathing. Let your body relax to release the tension.
5. Reframe your worry
Leahy says reframing how you handle disappointments can help worry. Ask yourself what you have learned from your bad experiences. Make a list of things that make you grateful.
6. Put worries in perspective
Learn from previous worries. If you can’t remember what they were, it might mean they never came true, or you were able to deal with them and move on.
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by Judith Ruiz-Branch
