(SPRINGFIELD) With warmer weather approaching, May’s observance of National Lyme Disease Awareness Month reminds everyone it’s tick season. The Illinois Department of Public Health is urging the public to learn how to protect themselves from ticks and Lyme disease. While insecticides that contain DEET should be used before going outdoors, folks should wear appropriate clothing and then check themselves & their children & pets after spending time in tick habitat, such as in and near wooded areas with tall grass and brush.
(BELVIDERE) Automaker Stellantis has scrapped its plans for an electrical vehicle battery plant and parts distribution center in Belvidere. United Auto Workers officials say the new battery plant and parts hub were no longer part of the company’s plan for the Belvidere Assembly Plant. It was back in 2023 that Stellantis announced it would be investing nearly $5 billion into the facility. The project was backed by over $334 million in federal funding.
(TAYLORVILLE) Christian County authorities say a suspect described as a dangerous felon, who poses an “extreme threat to any community” is now in custody. On its Facebook page, the Taylorville Police Department says 38 year old Shady Abdallah of Decatur has been arrested 27 times with convictions for drug-induced homicide, burglary, and other serious crimes and was under investigation for a recent high-speed chase. Officials say it’s beyond comprehension why this man was not already in custody, given his violent criminal history.
(BLOOMINGTON) The Illinois Soybean Association has announced the launch of the SpringBoard Seed Funding Challenge, an initiative designed to find new uses for soy by identifying and supporting soy-based non-food applications. Teams are invited to submit entries worldwide by May 30th. Learn more about the contest on the ilsoy.org website.