Monthly Archives: November 2020

Covid-Killing-Robots

Environment,

Astronics Corporation aerospace firm has started the building process of its coronavirus-killing robots.  Known as the Xenex LightStrike, the robots – at a cost of $125,000 per piece – are already being used in 700 US healthcare locations, including seven in Chicago. A statement from Astronics Corporation said:

“In a peer-reviewed study, published in the journal, Infection Control and Hospital Epidemiology, researchers report that within two-minutes LightStrike’s pulsed xenon, full-spectrum, ultraviolet rays achieved a 99.99% level of disinfection against the coronavirus.”

It works by using pulsed UV rays to penetrate the virus’ cell walls, eliminating its molecular structure, leading to the eradication of the virus.”  Morris Miller, Xenex’s CEO said:

““This technology is important today because these are the most powerful UV robots that have ever been made. They’re 4,000 times more intense than any other UV robot that has ever been on the market. As a result of that, they’re extremely fast.”

An initial manufacturing agreement of $20 million has been signed between Astronics and Xenex.

Local Drivers Wanted

Employment, , , ,

While many are still grappling with unemployment, there is some good local  news.  The Illinois Central School Bus LLC is hiring!

Now that kids are going back to school, they  need bussing.  According to the Contract Manager at the Illinois Central School Bus company, Cynthia Sosnowski, the firm is looking for between 40 and 50 drivers.  The good news is, you do not even need a bus license to apply, just a driver’s license.  The bus company will do the rest of the work by investing in you and paying for the necessary training and license.

Of this commitment to the people, Sosnowski said:

“I want to see people happy and making money. I mean, the holidays are coming. Let’s bring some joy to this crazy unprecedented time.”

Salary is between $14-21 per hour.

In related news, seven new enterprise zones (region which has gained special tax breaks/public assistance in order to strengthen economic development) have been designated by The Illinois Department of Commerce & Economic Opportunity (DCEO) effective Jan. 1, 2021.

Such zones are also meant to bolster job growth and investment, in particular in communities that are “economically underserved.” Following the 2019 investment of $657m+, approximately 38,000 jobs were retained and 4,570 new jobs, created.

As DCEO Director and Enterprise Zone Board Chairperson Erin B. Guthrie said:

“Illinois remains open for business, and we are committed to supporting our economically depressed communities with tools proven to attract investment to all corners of our state.  With the renewal of these seven enterprise zones, we look forward to continuing our work with local officials to support new investments and economic growth across our downstate communities.”