September 10, 2025/

Illinois quick hits: DOJ seizes illegal vaping products in Bensenville; NFIB optimism index rises

Spread the love

By Jim Talamonti | The Center Square
The Center Square

DOJ seizes illegal vaping products in Bensenville

A major raid in a Chicago suburb has led to the seizure of hundreds of thousands of illegal vaping products.

U.S. Attorney General Pam Bondi said many of the items found at Midwest Goods in Bensenville were smuggled in from China and contained undisclosed chemicals.

Health and Human Services Secretary Robert F. Kennedy, Jr. joined Bondi in Bensenville for the announcement.

Alderman announce county president race

Chicago Alderman Brendan Reilly has announced that he is running for Cook County Board president.

In a campaign video released Wednesday, Reilly said current board President Toni Preckwinkle and her political allies claim Chicago is safe and doesn’t need help.

Reilly also said corruption and insider deals are rotting Cook County government inside out. Preckwinkle has held the office since 2010.

NFIB optimism index rises

The NFIB Small Business Optimism Index rose 0.5 points in August to 100.8, nearly 3 points above the 52-year average of 98.

The Uncertainty Index fell by 4 points to 93 but remained well above the historical average.

NFIB Illinois State Director Noah Finley said Illinois policymakers should avoid further tax increases and work to make it easier for employers to find, recruit and train employees.

Leave a Comment





Latest News Stories

Trump administration finds SNAP fraud

Trump administration finds SNAP fraud

By Andrew RiceThe Center Square Amid the ongoing government shutdown, the U.S. Department of Agriculture is seeking to root out fraud in the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program, also known as...

WATCH: Trump says tariffs may cost Americans ‘something’ but keep U.S. safe

By Brett RowlandThe Center Square President Donald Trump said Thursday Americans should be thankful for his tariffs, which he said he has used to end wars that Americans would otherwise...
Chicago mayor: IL legislature has 'more work to do' on tax increases

Chicago mayor: IL legislature has ‘more work to do’ on tax increases

By Jim Talamonti | The Center SquareThe Center Square (The Center Square) – Chicago Mayor Brandon Johnson wants to see more tax increases from the Illinois General Assembly, but a...
Chicago pension, debt services costs among highest in country

Chicago pension, debt services costs among highest in country

By Glenn Minnis | The Center Square contributorThe Center Square (The Center Square) – Chicago’s budget has grown by nearly 40% since 2019 with the biggest increased expenditure going toward...
Screenshot 2025-11-06 at 7.52.36 AM

Casey City Council Takes Action on Blighted Properties, Rewards Redevelopment

Casey City Council Meeting | November 03, 2025 Article SummaryThe Casey City Council approved resolutions to declare two residential properties dangerous and unsafe, initiating a process that could lead to...
WATCH: DCFS still looking for missing children numbers; Pritzker on elections results

WATCH: DCFS still looking for missing children numbers; Pritzker on elections results

By Greg Bishop | The Center SquareThe Center Square (The Center Square) – In today's edition of Illinois in Focus Daily, The Center Square Editor Greg Bishop continues his coverage...
Illinois quick hits: DHS ordered to address ICE facility conditions; Garcia explains retirement decision

Illinois quick hits: DHS ordered to address ICE facility conditions; Garcia explains retirement decision

By Jim Talamonti | The Center SquareThe Center Square DHS ordered to address ICE facility conditions A U.S. District Court judge in Chicago has issued a temporary restraining order directing...
Congressional Perks: Luxury cars and mileage result in big costs for taxpayers

Congressional Perks: Luxury cars and mileage result in big costs for taxpayers

By Arthur Kane | The Center SquareThe Center Square (The Center Square) – U.S. Reps Darrell Issa, R-Calif., and David Scott, D-Ga., have each had taxpayers pay as much as...
Illinois quick hits: $20 million for Alton housing project; alleged migrant assaults reported

Illinois quick hits: $20 million for Alton housing project; alleged migrant assaults reported

By Jim Talamonti | The Center SquareThe Center Square $20 million for Alton housing project Gov. J.B. Pritzker and the Illinois Housing Development Authority announced the opening of a $20...

WATCH: Illinois DCFS can’t locate documents showing number of missing children

By Greg Bishop | The Center SquareThe Center Square (The Center Square) – Documents to show the number of missing youth in care from the Department of Children and Family...
The Casey-Westfield Warriors advance to the Sweet 16 round of the IHSA 1A Playoffs and will travel to face Nokomis on Saturday, November 4. Kickoff is set for 3 p.m.

Warriors Advance to Sweet 16; Community Bonfire Planned for Friday

CASEY—Fresh off a dominant 35-0 first-round playoff victory, the Casey-Westfield Warriors are preparing to hit the road for the IHSA 1A Sweet 16. The team will travel to face the...
In her final career race, Lady Warrior Kayla Clark leads the Casey-Westfield runners at the IHSA 1A Sectional meet. Clark capped her career with an impressive 29th-place finish and a time of 19:45.9. —photo by Terri Cox

Casey-Westfield Cross Country Concludes Season at Mattoon Sectional

Feature photo caption: In her final career race, Lady Warrior Kayla Clark leads the Casey-Westfield runners at the IHSA 1A Sectional meet. Clark capped her career with an impressive 29th-place...
Defensive standout Fred Thomas leads the Warriors onto Sinclair-Vidoni Field Saturday night. Thomas finished the game with six tackles and a sack in the 35-0 playoff victory.

Warriors Dominate Red Hill in 35-0 Playoff Shutout to Advance to Sweet 16

Featured photo caption: Defensive standout Fred Thomas leads the Warriors onto Sinclair-Vidoni Field Saturday night. Thomas finished the game with six tackles and a sack in the 35-0 playoff victory....

WATCH: Illinois tax amnesty program closes Nov. 17, brings in $82.5 million

By Greg Bishop | The Center SquareThe Center Square (The Center Square) – The Illinois Department of Revenue is confident it will meet, if not exceed, its goal of bringing...
Illinois biz leader: Diversity computer snafu so bad it 'has to be intentional'

Illinois biz leader: Diversity computer snafu so bad it ‘has to be intentional’

By Jared Strong | The Center SquareThe Center Square (The Center Square) – An Illinois computer problem that has led to the diversity decertifications of numerous businesses owned by minorities...