A 1980s ban on nuclear power plant construction in Illinois is coming to an end next year. Governor Pritzker on Friday signed a bill that will allow for the construction of small modular nuclear reactors. Illinois is joining several other states that recently have rescinded similar bans. The measure takes effect June 1st.
Cases of COVID-19 and other respiratory viruses are increasing in Illinois. Health officials say 44 counties across the state are at an elevated level for COVID hospitalizations as of the week ending November 25. Data also shows that broad acute respiratory hospitalizations are increasing across Illinois, including COVID-19, flu, and RSV.
Illinois could drop the enforcement of a law targeting so-called “crisis pregnancy centers.” A federal judge in August granted a motion for a preliminary injunction seeking to immediately halt the measure, which allows Illinois Attorney General Kwame Raoul’s office to investigate complaints against centers accused of using misinformation, deceptive practices, or misrepresentation in order to interfere with access to abortion services or emergency contraception. The injunction was requested in a lawsuit filed by the National Institute of Family Life Advocates. Under a proposed agreement, Raoul’s office would be banned from enforcing the law.
Bradley University is eliminating 20 academic programs. Students majoring in the programs being cut make up less than three percent of the student population. Each will be able to finish their degree in their current major or program. The cuts follow the news this summer that the university was dealing with a 13-million-dollar budget shortfall this year and looking to reduce costs by ten percent.
Illinois is releasing preliminary totals for the Illinois firearm deer hunting season. Hunters in Illinois harvested more than 76-thousand deer during the seven-day season that concluded December 3rd. That is slightly less than last year.
The Illinois Department of Natural Resources is touting a record-breaking removal of an invasive carp from the Illinois River. The IDNR wrapped up a 10-day intensive harvest operation in the Starved Rock pool of the Illinois River. The operation resulted in the removal of 750-thousand pounds of silver carp between November 27th and December 6th. This is believed to be a record for freshwater harvest within the United States.
Qualifying Illinois Seniors can once again save on their license plate sticker renewal. Last year, Illinois senior citizens who met income qualifications were able to get their license plate stickers for only $15.00. This year, qualifying senior citizens will only have to pay $10.00 for the new stickers. To get your senior license plate discount visit the Illinois Secretary of State’s website at ilsos.gov or visit your local DMV for more information.