STATE NEWS BRIEF (07/09/2024)

(SPRINGFIELD) The Illinois Secretary of State’s Office announced yesterday that those wanting to apply for a commercial driver’s license (CDL), to drive big trucks and buses, can now take the written test in Spanish. The option is being offered in hopes of addressing a statewide shortage of truck and school bus drivers. Study guides for the test have also been translated into Spanish as well. More information and details are on the ilsos.gov website.

(CHICAGO) The Illinois State Police are reporting that Chicago area expressway shootings are down compared to three years ago. When compared to 2021, the Cook County area has seen a 65% reduction in shootings, which hit an all time high of 109 shooting incidents in 2021. In the first six months of this year, there have been only 38 shootings so far to date.

(SPRINGFIELD) After being shut down for nearly three months, due to a large sinkhole, a section of highway in Montgomery County, has finally been reopened to traffic. The Illinois Department of Transportation reports that at least one lane of Illinois Route 185 near Hillsboro is now back open after closing earlier this year in April due to the sinkhole.

(SPRINGFIELD) Waterfowl hunters should mark their calendars for the upcoming blind drawings to be held at several public hunting areas in Illinois. The State Department of Natural Resources will host traditional blind drawings at various sites as waterfowl hunters must register in-person and must be present at the drawing immediately afterwards to claim their blind sites. The drawings will take place July 27th and 28th around the state.