Illinois quick hits: HIV awareness initiative; IDOT announces photo enforcement vans

HIV awareness initiative

Gov. J.B. Pritzker appeared in Chicago Wednesday to speak about a statewide initiative that is aimed at ending the HIV epidemic in Illinois within the next decade.

Getting to Zero Illinois was launched in 2019, with a goal of having no new HIV cases by 2030. The initiative is also part of a larger movement seeking to make those living with HIV have access to care and to dismantle stigmas associated with HIV and AIDS.

Kinzinger endorses Biden

Former Republican congressman Adam Kinzinger endorsed President Joe Biden on Wednesday.

Kinzinger, a military pilot who became a fierce critic of former President Donald Trump after the 2021 riot at the U.S. Capitol, described Trump in a video as a “direct threat to every fundamental American value.” Shortly after Kinzinger announced his decision, Biden shared the video on social media and said he was grateful for the Republican’s support.

IDOT announces photo enforcement vans

The Illinois Department of Transportation has introduced new photo enforcement vans in an effort to crack down on speeding in construction work zones.

IDOT says there are five vans in the state that could be used as soon as this construction season. Officials said the vans will have clear markings that designate them as speed photo enforcement vehicles.