Illinois Quick Hits: Illinois House approves student cell phone ban
(The Center Square) – The Illinois House has approved a bill banning students from using cell phones during the school day.
Senate Bill 2427 passed after a floor amendment was added on Thursday, with 102 votes in favor and only three opposed.
The measure now goes back to the Senate for concurrence.
SMALL BIZ OPTIMISM DECLINES
The NFIB Small Business Optimism Index fell 3 points in March to 95.8, below the 52-year average of 98.0.
The last time the index fell below its historical average was April 2025.
The NFIB Uncertainty Index rose 4 points to 92, well above its historical average of 68.
NFIB Illinois State Director Noah Finley said Illinois legislators must tamp down on proposals that would impose new costs and legal liabilities on Main Street businesses.
TEXAS MAN GETS 23-YEAR PRISON SENTENCE FOR CRYPTO SCAM
A federal judge in Chicago has sentenced a Houston, Texas man to 23 years in prison for orchestrating a cryptocurrency scam that bilked nearly 1,000 investors out of more than $20 million.
Robert Dunlap, 55, was also ordered to pay restitution to his victim investors. Prosecutors say Dunlap claimed the Meta-1 Coin was backed by billions of dollars in art and gold, and many victims lost all their savings.
FREEDOM CAUCUS: ABOLISH EQUITY AND INCLUSION COMMISSION
Following reporting by The Center Square and testimony before a House committee this week, the Illinois Freedom Caucus is calling for the Illinois Commission on Equity and Inclusion to be abolished.
State Rep. Brad Halbrook, R-Shelbyville, said in a statement that the commission is doing the opposite of what it was created to do, and the taxpayers have paid millions of dollars for failure.
Chance Showers And Thunderstorms then Showers And Thunderstorms
Latest News Stories
Will County Approves Diamond Enterprise Zone Expansion to Support $355 Million Energy Investment
Federal Update: DHS Shutdown, War Powers, and Housing Legislation Dominate Washington
Will County Corporate Revenues Surpass Expectations, Igniting Debate Over Delinquent Tax Sales
Meeting Summary and Briefs: Will County Public Works and Transportation Committee for March 3, 2026
Will County Grants Extensions for Seven Solar and Commercial Projects Amid Permitting Delays
Construction Progresses on New Manhattan Fire Station, August Completion Anticipated
Will County Committee Postpones Liquor, Ad-Hoc Committee: Gaming, and Tobacco Ordinance Updates Amid Extensive Revisions
Land Use Committee Approves 4.98-Megawatt Solar Facility on Eagle Lake Road Near Peotone
Will County Advances Nearly $1.5 Million in Right-of-Way and Improvement Agreements for Weber, Gougar, and Laraway Roads
Public Works Committee: Approves $1.59 Million Contract for Scheer Road Bridge Replacement in Green Garden Township
Will County Board Backs $10 Million State Public Health Grant Increase Amid Funding Cuts
Barn Fire on Whispering Hills Lane Claims Livestock, Draws Extensive Mutual Aid Response
Will County Public Works Committee Shelves License Plate Reader Agreement Amid Bipartisan Privacy Concerns
