Illinois Quick Hits: Four charged in alleged pharmacy burglary conspiracy

By Jim Talamonti | The Center Square
The Center Square

(The Center Square) – Four people from California are charged in connection with a conspiracy to burglarize pharmacies and distribute controlled substances in southern Illinois and across the country.

The defendants are accused of burglarizing pharmacies in Bethalto, Maryville, Lebanon, Breese and Neoga in July 2024.

The U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Southern District of Illinois said three of the four defendants are in custody, but Idani Johnson, 34, of Compton, California remains at large.

IL DEPT. OF HEALTH TOUTS CHILD VACCINATION RATES

The Illinois Department of Health says 10 of 11 coverage rates for school-required childhood immunizations have risen compared to last year.

According to IDPH’s updated School Vaccination Coverage Dashboard, the exception is hepatitis B, which was 0.03% lower than a year earlier. IDPH said almost all of the statewide childhood immunization rates are above 95%.

The dashboard uses data provided to the Illinois State Board of Education by preK-12 schools and school districts across Illinois.

STATE HOUSING AGENCY SEEKS PUBLIC INPUT

The Illinois Housing Development Authority is inviting public input for the 2027 Illinois Housing Blueprint to shape housing policy and investment.

Residents can take an online survey and attend one of eleven listening sessions. The first two listening sessions are scheduled Wednesday in Belleville and Thursday in Marion.

STATE FAIR HOSTS 100 DAYS OUT

The Illinois State Fair 100 Days Out event is scheduled on Tuesday from 10:30 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. at the Reisch Pavilion on the state fairgrounds.

Parking and admission are free for the event, with food and drinks available for purchase from fair vendors.

The Illinois State Fair is scheduled from Aug 13-23 in Springfield.