ILLINOIS STATE NEWS BRIEF (11/14/2024)

(SPRINGFIELD) As President-elect Donald Trump prepares to return to the White House, Governor J.B. Pritzker is leading a push against some of Mr. Trump’s expected moves with a new coalition. The organization, called the Governors Safeguarding Democracy, follows a setup similar to what’s been done for abortion rights nationwide and aims to strengthen democratic institutions at the state level during a second Trump presidency. Some in Illinois say the Governor should be spending more time on various other statewide issues.

(NORMAL) Shares of Rivian jumped yesterday, after the electric vehicle manufacturer announced an expansion of the Normal-based company’s partnership with Volkswagen. The joint venture will begin operations immediately, initially in North America, and then eventually expanding to Europe. The agreement will also support the development of EV’s in the subcompact segment. Shares of the German automaker fell after the announcement.

(SPRINGFIELD) Illinois hunters harvested 292 wild turkeys across the state during the nine-day fall firearm season last month, a 10% increase from a year ago. Open in 56 of the state’s 102 counties, the top three counties for the turkey harvest were in our downstate area, including Jefferson (17), Jasper (16), and Marion (16), followed by Wayne (10), Richland (5), Crawford (5), Clay (2), Edwards (2), and Lawrence (2). The Illinois Department of Natural Resources says the all-time record for harvested turkeys was 1,218 way back in 2005.

(SPRINGFIELD) The Illinois EPA is inviting fifth and sixth grade writers and artists from around the state to participate in this year’s Poster, Poetry, and Prose Contest. The 2025 theme is “How Can You Slash Your Trash?” invites students to think creatively about how to reduce the amount of waste they produce. The students whose works are chosen for the exhibit will receive a certificate and ribbon. The top twelve (12) entries will be given special recognition and their works will be displayed on the state’s www.epa.illinois.gov website.