(NAPSI)—There’s good news, bad news and better news about the federal government and scientific research.
The good news: Public servants working in science, health and the environment make America safer, stronger, and more prosperous. Tens of thousands of federal employees, from scientific researchers to park rangers, work every day to deliver safe food, effective medicines, economic prosperity and beautiful outdoor spaces. Federal science has been behind eradicating deadly diseases, putting humans in space, the incredible national parks system and the digital technology people rely on every day.
The bad news: Right now, experts suggest, decades of progress are being unraveled by indiscriminate cuts to federal science agencies, programs and workforces, which puts everyone at risk.
Here’s where some of the cuts have been deepest:National Parks and Public Lands agencies (27.4% decrease)
- Scientific Discovery and Technological Innovation agencies (23.4%), including NASA, the National Science Foundation, the National Institute of Standards and Technology and others
- Food and Agriculture agencies (22.7%)
- Environmental Research and Innovation project grants (78.9%)
- Public Health and Disease Prevention R&D contracts (49.4%)
(NAPSI)—If any of the nearly 20 million children under 5 in America these days is one you care about, here’s news you may be interested to learn: According to a recent report from the Australian Department of Education, the importance of early childhood education is well established. Conclusive international evidence demonstrates that early childhood is a vital period in children’s learning and development, and that what happens in early childhood affects later development. This can be especially true when it comes to learning to read and do math.
What Parents Can Do
The National Association for the Education of Young Children suggests five steps:
- Read Aloud Daily: This is crucial for building vocabulary and understanding narratives. Reread favorite books to build familiarity.
- Phonics Fun: Play with sounds, rhyming words or the starting sounds of familiar objects.
- Print Awareness: Point out letters and words in the environment, such as on cereal boxes, signs, or books.
- Daily Counting: Count objects during daily life—shoes, toys, or snacks.
- Shape Hunting: Look for triangles, squares, and rectangles wherever you go.
Greetings! July is steeped in history that has forged our beloved Republic into the standard bearer of freedom for the world. Pivotal July military battles shaped our nation’s independence, altered the course of the Civil War, and helped break the deadlock of World War II. Since the “shot heard around the world” at Concord in 1775, 41 million Americans have served in the military, defending the freedoms and liberties we continue to enjoy present day.
Throughout our 250-year history, two enduring threads connect all who have selflessly and honorably served: service and sacrifice.
The Oath of Enlistment is a solemn pledge sworn by all enlisted personnel, committing them to support and defend the U.S. Constitution, remain faithful to the nation, and obey lawful orders. It is a binding promise with no expiration date that remains with a Veteran forever.
This means serving a cause greater than ourselves, with our actions focused on the greater good rather than personal interest. Accordingly, as we celebrate 250 years of independence this month, let us pause and reflect upon the cost of said independence as well as what it will continually take to preserve it.
See you next month!
Welcome, Silver Castle Studio! If you are looking for a photographer that also takes pet photos. Please give them a call at 815-768-9903.
Welcome to the community and welcome to the North Lake area Chamber of Commerce.
Spinlife Mobility Solutions has all of your mobility needs, lift chairs, wheelchairs, walkers, and more located at 570 N. US Highway 27/441 in Lady Lake, Florida
By Brigette Smith
Executive Director of the Republican Party
Remembering the true essence of our Independence. As we approach the 250th anniversary of our nation this July 4th, it’s time to remember what this holiday is truly about. In 1776, fifty-six brave men stood together and signed the Declaration of Independence. With those signatures, they pledged their lives, their fortunes, and their sacred honor to a dangerous idea — that a free people could govern themselves. These weren’t reckless dreamers. They were defying the greatest military power on earth — Great Britain, with the world’s most powerful navy. They had no standing army, no navy of their own, and everything to lose.
Yet they chose liberty over safety. Some paid a heavy price. Homes were burned. Property was seized. Families suffered. Richard Stockton of New Jersey was captured and imprisoned. Others lost land and wealth. But they stood firm. Their courage gave us the chance to build something extraordinary. Continue reading
Please see attached arrest report and body/dash cam video: https://youtu.be/gLT6ocO6x9Q?si=Ddnpf1wrwVvOCYFI
Under Florida’s new “Super Speeder” law, drivers can face criminal penalties for extreme speeding. If you’re caught driving 50 mph or more over the posted speed limit, or 100 mph or more in a manner that endangers others, you could face more than a fine. Penalties may include a mandatory court appearance, up to 30 days in jail for a first offense, and even license suspension for repeat violations.
Suspect David Estevan Quiroga-Salazar learned the hard way on May 31, when Lady Lake Police arrested him for driving 95 mph in a 40-mph zone on County Road 466 at Cay Avenue. He was charged with reckless driving and issued a criminal citation for dangerous speed.
LADY LAKE – Mayor Ed Freeman has been recognized with the 2026 Home Rule Hero Award from the Florida League of Cities (FLC) for his advocacy on behalf of Florida’s municipalities during the 2026 Legislative Session.
Mayor Freeman received the award in May during a meeting of the Heartland League of Cities, where he currently serves as president.
The Home Rule Hero Award recognizes local government leaders who actively engage with state legislators and help ensure that the perspectives of Florida’s cities are considered during the legislative process. Recipients are selected by the FLC’s legislative team based on their responsiveness to legislative issues and their efforts to communicate local concerns to policymakers.
According to the Florida League of Cities, Home Rule Heroes play an important role in promoting local decision-making and protecting the ability of municipalities to address the unique needs of their communities.
The award honors elected and appointed officials from across Florida who demonstrate a commitment to effective advocacy and strong local government.
LADY LAKE – Lady Lake police officers pulled over a suspect riding a tricycle motorcycle on U.S. Highway 441 and Main Street on June 13 at 9:16 p.m. The driver, who was wearing a distinctive pink suit, was found to be driving 60 mph in a 45-mph zone.
The driver, 58-year-old John Benz, had his license suspended indefinitely for faure to pay traffic fines and eight guilty pleas for driving without a license.
The trike was also not registered.
Benz was arrested without incident and cited for driving while license suspended and operating an unregistered vehicle.
A pedestrian was killed early Tuesday morning after being struck by two vehicles on U.S. Highway 27/441, and Lady Lake Police are asking for the public’s help identifying the driver of the second vehicle.
The crash occurred around 3:26 a.m. June 16 near Hartsock Sawmill Road.
When officers arrived, they found the male victim injured in the southbound lanes of U.S. 27/441 with a gray 2023 Toyota Tacoma stopped nearby.
According to the preliminary investigation, the Tacoma driver said the pedestrian was standing in the middle lane of the highway and appeared motionless before he was hit. He was wearing dark clothing, and the area was not illuminated by streetlights. The told officers she was traveling 50 to 55 mph when she noticed the man on the road. She attempted to avoid him but was unable to and struck him. The driver immediately stopped, and her passenger went to check on the man while 911 was called. Continue reading
