(Springfield-jm) – Six months after state lawmakers approved a $694 million government subsidy to prop up Exelon’s aging nuclear power plants at Byron and Dresden, a new plan in the Illinois House could allow for expansion of nuclear energy production at other locations. Preserving Illinois’ massive nuclear reactors was a key linchpin of the Clean Energy Jobs Act, but another portion of Illinois energy law adopted more than three decades ago bans any new construction on nuclear plants. Representative Mark Walker of Arlington Heights sponsored a measure that would allow data centers, factories, or other large energy consumers to install smaller nuclear microreactors on site to help lighten the load on the rest of the energy grid that is becoming increasingly reliant on wind and solar energy. Last year, the University of Illinois wrote a letter seeking a license from the U.S. Nuclear Regulatory Commission to build and study a test reactor facility on campus. If Walker’s plan becomes law, the university research could help kickstart expansion of nuclear microreactors across the state.
(Springfield-jm) – The Illinois Department of Human Services is awarding four million dollars in grants to help students prepare for a career in behavioral health. The innovative program aims to train those who battle their own mental health or addiction issues to work as certified recovery support specialists, says DHS Spokesperson Marisa Kollias…
Illinois Department of Human Services Spokesperson Marisa Kollias. The idea is for program graduates to offer hope and related experience to others who are struggling. Schools participating include the College of DuPage, Heartland Community College, the Institute of Technology and Southern Illinois University in Edwardsville.
(Urbana-jm) – A 16-year-old was recently arrested in connection to the death of a Lyft driver who was shot and killed in Urbana in January. Tyjohn G. Williams is the third suspect arrested. Williams is charged with first-degree murder. On January 12, police were dispatched to the area of Vine and Burkwood at around 6:30 p.m. in response to an unknown problem. When they got there, officers found a man lying in the road. The victim was quickly taken to an area hospital where he was pronounced dead. It was determined that the victim was shot once in the back. The victim was identified as 29-year-old Kristian D. Philpotts of Chicago, according to the Champaign County coroner. Soon after the incident happened, police arrested two teenagers, a 16-year-old and a 17-year-old. Initial investigation indicates that this homicide was a robbery attempt when the victim was working.
(Ford County-tr) – A walkthrough Health Fair is being planned for April 8th at the Living word Parking lot located in Roberts. Ford County Walkthrough Health Fair Spokesperson Tim Nuss is asking any willing medical professionals to help out…
Ford County Walk Through Health Fair Spokesperson Tim Nuss. Anyone wishing to reach out and assist or for any questions please call Beth at 217-554-9122.
(Urbana-jm) – University of Illinois officials said their faculty, staff and students will need to test once a week if they are not fully vaccinated against COVID-19. In a news release, UI officials said those without a university-verified vaccinated record in the MyMcKinley Portal will have to test once per week. This is a change from testing required every other day. The university will continue maintaining the testing requirement until the governor lifts the executive order that requires all unvaccinated higher education personnel and students to test once per week.
(Springfield-jm) – A bill lowering the cost of college course materials passed the Illinois Senate’s Higher Education Committee on Tuesday and is on its way to the Senate floor. The bill, introduced and passed by the Illinois House of Representatives, would allow students to receive digital access to online course materials at a significantly reduced cost on the first day of class.
(Springfield-jm) – The Illinois Supreme Court is looking to further the use of remote proceedings. A new task force will evaluate current remote practices and how to improve virtual hearings across the state. Chief Justice Anne Burke says the pandemic really pushed courts into the practice…
Illinois Supreme Court Chief Justice Anne Burke. Burke says remote proceedings have been beneficial in many ways including case management and reducing the number of people who fail to appear in court.
(Champaign-jm) – City Manager Dorothy Ann David has selected three finalists to interview for the Chief of Police position for the City of Champaign. These individuals are Angela Coonce, Bryce Johnson and Timothy T. Tyler. Officials said details, including biographical information and a video statement from each finalist, are now available on the City’s website. All finalists will be in Champaign to participate in a comprehensive interview process from March 28 to March 30. The City invites the public to meet the finalists during a community open house on March 29 from 7:00-8:30 p.m.. This event will be held at the Illinois Terminal’s CityView Room.
(Penfield-tr) – The I&I Antique Tractor and Gas Engine Club will be hosting their I&I Toy Auction at 5pm, Friday Night March 25th at the I&I Club Hall. I&I Antique Tractor and Gas Engine Club President Chuck Stelter says over 350 items will be featured this year…
I&I Antique Tractor and Gas Engine Club President Chuck Stelter. On Saturday, starting at 10am the outdoor equipment auction will take place. The I&I Club is raising money for the Mayfield, KY Tornado Relief Fund. If you would like to donate an item to the auction on behalf of the relief fund, let Chuck Stelter know when you consign the item.
(Urbana-jm) – If you’ve ever driven down Florida Avenue in Urbana, you’ve probably endured a bumpy ride. Florida is ranked 35 out of 100 in a City of Urbana assessment for worst streets to drive on. City leaders want that fixed; they say Florida is one of the most commonly used roads for travel around town. The City of Urbana is applying for a federal grant for nearly $12 million to repair the road. If approved, construction would take place on Florida between Vine Street and Wright Street. If the grant application is accepted by the federal government, Urbana can expect to see the funds in mid-August. The project would be completed around 2025.
