Illinois quick hits: Pritzker signs 'language equity' law

Pritzker signs 'language equity' law

Gov. J.B. Pritzker signed the Language Equity and Access Act into law. The bill requires the Governor’s Office of New Americans, in partnership with the Illinois Department of Human Services, to craft, implement and oversee statewide language access requirements. Officials said nearly 24% of Illinois households speak a language other than English in the home, with Spanish being by far the most common. Polish, Chinese and Tagalog round out the top five most spoken languages in the state.

Be mindful of children around pools

During the summer when pools are open and lakes, ponds and other bodies of water are more accessible, there is an increase in water-related deaths especially with children. The Illinois Department of Children and Family Services reminds parents and caregivers to constantly supervise children whenever they are near water, no matter their age or how well they can swim. In 2023, 20 Illinois children lost their lives to accidental drowning: eight in pools, four in bathtubs, four in lakes, two in ponds, one in a washing machine and one at a water park.

Murder for hire plot foiled

Federal prosecutors say they have foiled a plot to kill two witnesses in an upcoming murder trial. Christopher Yates is accused of providing a gun and a $250 down payment to another man last month in an effort to silence witnesses set to testify against the alleged shooter in a September 2020 attack that killed a woman and injured a man.