It’s no secret that cities are better when they’re efficient and less divided. One infrastructure project in Springfield that attempts to increase efficiency and bring neighborhoods together was recognized by the American Public Work Association.

On Monday, the Illinois Department of Transportation announced that the APWA had selected the Ash Street underpass in Springfield as one of its “Project of the Year.” This award recognizes achievement in management and administration of public works projects across the United States.

Illinois has long lead the way in research aimed at improving the quality of life for state residents, as the selection of the Illinois State Cancer Registry to participate in a prestigious national program demonstrates.

The ISCR is a program of the Illinois Department of Public Health that collects and provides data relating to the occurrence of cancer in Illinois. This data allows medical professionals and communities to learn how to better treat cancer in patients and to identify potential causes of cancer cases by mapping where they occur.

Illinois is making history as the first U.S. state to welcome Lion Electric Company, a Canada-based company manufacturing zero-emission vehicles. The company will construct its first-ever U.S. manufacturing facility in Joliet, which is set to produce all-electric medium and heavy-duty urban vehicles.

The 900,000-square-foot facility is expected to add a minimum of 745 clean energy jobs to the region over the next three years, with an annual production capacity of up to 20,000 all-electric buses and trucks. As schools and government operations look to decarbonize their fleets, the Lion facility will play a crucial role in meeting those demands.

Will County and the Joliet area have a rich history of manufacturing, which has brought jobs and a strong local supply chain to the region.

The new Lion manufacturing facility will be the largest dedicated production site for zero-emission buses and trucks and will play a large role in meeting the increasing demand for eco-friendly “Made-in-America” vehicles.

Illinois continues to play an important role in moving the region and the country forward in the growth of both jobs and clean energy vehicle options.

Today is National Pet Day, and in a country where more than half of all households have a furry (or scaly, or feathered) friend, too many pets find themselves without owners and in need of help. Fortunately, there are many groups dedicated to rescuing dogs and other pets.

This year’s winner of the second annual “Coolest Thing Made in Illinois” competition has been announced! Following eight weeks of competition, the Self-Regulating Traffic Signal Heater manufactured by Termico Technologies in Elk Grove Village has been declared the winner of the “Makers Madness” contest.

The Self-Regulating Traffic Signal Heater uses conductive particles to heat traffic signals so they remain visible and free of ice and snow so motorists can safely navigate roadways in winter weather. Because many communities have upgraded to more efficient LED traffic signals, which do not give off as much heat as incandescent bulbs, new technology was needed to ensure that traffic signal lights remained visible during icy and snowy conditions.