217 Today: Lifted moratorium will allow Illinois to build new nuclear reactors

This prototype design shows a small modular reactor that the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign’s nuclear engineering department plans to build. The department is collaborating with the U.S. Nuclear Regulatory Commision on the project.

December 13, 2023

Today’s headlines:

  • The Illinois state attorney general’s office entered into an agreement to stop enforcement of the law that cracked down on so-called crisis pregnancy centers.
  • Illinois lawmakers are still hashing out permanent rules that will govern the state’s assault weapons ban, which goes into effect on Jan. 1.
  • The pressure of finding that perfect gift can make consumers susceptible to online fraud.
  • A new group for artists who identify as people of color is holding its first meeting tonight.

In today’s deep dive, we’ll learn about a new law that will allow for a type of nuclear technology that proponents say is safer. 

217 Today is produced by Stephanie Mosqueda. Reporting contributed by Mawa Iqbal, Alex Degman, Owen Henderson and Elissa Eaton.

Stephanie Mosqueda

Stephanie Mosqueda is a senior majoring in journalism at the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign with minors in Spanish and public relations. She is the 217 Today producer and a reporter for the Illinois Student Newsroom.