Stellantis layoffs announced
The United Auto Workers report 130 employees at the Stellantis facility in Belvidere will be laid off this week. The announcement comes as the automaker, which has an agreement to reopen the plant, announced the layoffs in March. A Stellantis spokesperson called the layoffs temporary, but gave no return to work date.
Inhaler cost regulations approved
A measure heading to the governor will cap the monthly cost of prescription inhalers at $25 for people with health insurance plans regulated by the state of Illinois. Typical costs for people with asthma and other lung diseases run between $150 to $300 per month for inhalers. The plan would also prohibit health insurance companies from limiting coverage or denying inhalers. If signed, the law would take effect in 2026.
Boating advisory ahead of Memorial Day
Memorial Day weekend is the unofficial kickoff to the summer boating season, and the Illinois Department of Natural Resources and Illinois Conservation Police are urging people to wear life jackets anytime they’re on the water and to only operate boats while sober. According to statistics compiled by the Illinois Conservation Police, last year there were 70 reportable boating accidents on Illinois waters, resulting in 12 fatalities and 37 injuries. Of the 12 fatalities, eight were not wearing life jackets or vests.