A proposed ban on texting and using cell phones while bicycling took another step to becoming law yesterday. more ›

Evanston has now joined the list of Illinois cities completely banning talking on a cell phone while driving with a new law that goes into effect today. But if you get pulled over for chatting while driving this week, don't sweat it. Evanston police are only handing out warnings for the violation through March 22 as long as any violations don't include negligent or reckless driving or involves an accident. But after that, it's $50 per offense and $200 if the behavior leads to an accident. more ›

Motorists chatting away on their cell phones could pay up to $500 under a new ordinance designed to strengthen Chicago’s cell phone ban. Ald. Vi Daley of the Lincoln Park area is pushing to increase fines from $75 to $100 for drivers caught yapping without a hands-free device. Fines for drivers who cause an accident while using a cell phone could increase from $250 to $500. more ›

City Hall's response to cell-phone-yapping motorists is simple: get a hands-free device or put a sock in it. While that's still the case, a new plan working its way through city council would scale back the punishment for offenders of the cell phone ban, which now includes text messaging and internet surfing. Under the current ordinance, talkative drivers have their license taken away by the police department and can only get it back after they pay a fine or go to court. But during Wednesday's full council meeting, Mayor Daley introduced a proposal that allows offenders to keep their license. The proposal also allows violators the opportunity to contest their ticket by mail or through an administrative hearing. more ›

G-Rod is calling lawmakers back to Springfield to work on that pesky, still unsigned state budget. [Trib, S-T] more ›