The Illinois Department of Commerce & Economic Opportunity announced Thursday that Southwestern Illinois has been chosen for a groundbreaking $820 million sustainable aviation fuel project. This taxpayer-funded initiative aims to establish a facility capable of producing up to 120 million gallons of fuel annually. The project is projected to generate at least 150 permanent jobs and approximately 1,000 construction jobs.
The constitutionality of Illinois’ Firearm Owner’s ID cards is now in the hands of a State Appellate Court, as a legal challenge argues that the law infringes upon the Second Amendment. While a Sangamon County Court previously ruled in favor of the state, a three-judge panel from the Illinois Fourth District Appellate Court heard the case Thursday and will issue a ruling soon. Many believe that regardless of the outcome, the case may ultimately reach the Illinois Supreme Court and possibly the U.S. Supreme Court. Illinois is one of the few states requiring a specific permit or ID for firearm purchases, and it is one of only two states mandating a FOID card for firearm and ammunition possession.
The Illinois State Board of Education has granted nearly $20 million from the Clean Heavy-Duty Vehicles Grant Program. This funding will be allocated to nine school districts across the state to replace 70 traditional internal combustion engine school buses with electric ones. Additionally, at least 70 electric charging stations will be installed, along with workforce training to support new electric vehicle technologies. However, there are concerns regarding the recent incidents of fires involving electric buses.
Starting next year, Illinois will introduce several new specialty license plates, adding to 16 existing designs. New legislation taking effect on January 1st includes the creation of a Sons of the American Legion plate, among others. Another law will permit specialty plates for motorcycles. For more information, visit the Secretary of State’s website at ILSOS.org.
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