Since two new laws went into effect banning talking on cell phones while driving through construction and school zones, and texting while driving, the Illinois State Police has pulled over nearly 7,800 motorists for violating the two laws. more ›

Heads up, careless drivers of Illinois: starting January 1, 2010, if you want to whip around town while texting from behind the wheel, you'll be facing a $75 fine for the first offense. The Ciry of Chicago already passed a similar bill last year. Now that it's going state-wide, CBS 2 reports that students around the state have to view this controversial PSA (from Britain) on the issue. more ›

• Sonia Sotomayer has been confirmed to the Supreme Court.
• Gov. Quinn signed the Texting-While-Driving ban into law today.
• DuPage County State's Attorney Joe Birkett has decided to not run against Lisa Madigan for Attorney General next year.

“I know the arguments against this — that we shouldn’t be a nanny state, that we shouldn’t be a nanny city, that people should be permitted to have some freedom of choice,” said Burke, who also wanted to ban trans fats and impose mandatory calorie counts. more ›