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

U.S. gas prices at 4-year high as oil exports hit new record

U.S. gas prices at 4-year high as oil exports hit new record

By Alton Wallace | The Center SquareThe Center Square (The Center Square) – United States gasoline prices pushed higher for the sixth consecutive day Wednesday, reaching $4.23 a gallon, as...
Government leaders statewide call for cashless bail reform after CPD officer killed

Government leaders statewide call for cashless bail reform after CPD officer killed

By Sean Reed | The Center SquareThe Center Square (The Center Square) – Critics on both sides of the aisle in Illinois government are calling for changes to the SAFE-T...
Casey Westfield Baseball Graphic

Early Run Support Lifts Casey-Westfield Past Dieterich Baseball, 9-2

The Casey-Westfield varsity baseball team utilized a relentless 14-hit offensive attack to defeat host Dieterich 9-2 in a non-conference matchup on Tuesday afternoon. Casey-Westfield set the tone immediately, jumping out...
Casey Westfield Softball Graphic

Freshman Ava Leo Powers Mattoon Softball Past Casey-Westfield, 11-8

The Mattoon varsity softball team utilized a potent offensive attack and a resilient complete-game pitching performance by freshman Ava Leo to secure an 11-8 non-conference home victory over Casey-Westfield on...
Illinois Quick Hits: Pritzker announces new IBM investment at Quantum Park

Illinois Quick Hits: Pritzker announces new IBM investment at Quantum Park

By Jim Talamonti | The Center SquareThe Center Square (The Center Square) – Gov. J.B. Pritzker says IBM’s new delivery center at the Illinois Quantum and Microelectronics Park, fueled by...
ISU's union says it cheaper to negotiate than paying

ISU’s union says it cheaper to negotiate than paying

By Sean Reed | The Center SquareThe Center Square (The Center Square) – Illinois State University support employees have entered their fourth week on strike this week as more state...
Iran conflict, refinery disruption play roles as Illinois gas price passes $4.50

Iran conflict, refinery disruption play roles as Illinois gas price passes $4.50

By Jim Talamonti | The Center SquareThe Center Square (The Center Square) – Gas prices have surged in Illinois, and an American Automobile Association spokesperson says several factors are to...
Illinois Quick Hits: Ex-East St. Louis librarian sentenced for fraud, theft

Illinois Quick Hits: Ex-East St. Louis librarian sentenced for fraud, theft

By Jim Talamonti | The Center SquareThe Center Square (The Center Square) – The former director of the East St. Louis public library has been sentenced to 15 months in...
Casey Westfield School Board.2

Building Reports Highlight Testing Triumphs, Historic Track Records, and Career Exploration

Casey-Westfield Board of Education Meeting | April 20, 2026 Article Summary: Building administrators delivered comprehensive academic reports to the Casey-Westfield Board of Education on Monday, highlighting state testing completions, athletic milestones,...
Casey Council Meeting Graphic.2

Meeting Summary and Briefs: Casey City Council for April 20, 2026

Casey City Council Meeting | April 20, 2026 The Casey City Council convened on Monday, April 20, 2026, for a meeting heavily focused on municipal infrastructure, intergovernmental cooperation, and personnel...
school board monroe elementary

Casey-Westfield Board Approves Nearly $100,000 for Monroe Elementary Technology Upgrades

Casey-Westfield Board of Education Meeting | April 20, 2026 Article Summary: The Casey-Westfield Board of Education on Monday approved extensive equipment and maintenance expenditures, headlined by a $98,167 technology purchase to...
Casey Council Meeting Graphic.1

City Awaits $2.5 Million in Federal Funding for Park Improvements and Sewer Relining

Casey City Council Meeting | April 20, 2026 Article Summary: Casey is currently navigating the final stages of securing two massive federal infrastructure appropriations, including a newly advancing $1,550,000 request...
Casey Westfield School Board.1

Casey-Westfield Board Faces Impending Statewide Cell Phone Ban, Accelerates High School HVAC Overhaul

Casey-Westfield Board of Education Meeting | April 20, 2026 Article Summary: The Casey-Westfield Board of Education on Monday reviewed the impact of a looming statewide cell phone ban while approving emergency...
Fifth Circuit hands Texas another win on border security law

Fifth Circuit hands Texas another win on border security law

By Bethany BlankleyThe Center Square The Fifth Circuit Court of Appeals handed Texas its third win Friday on border security. As the border crisis escalated during the Biden administration, Gov....
Illinois Rep faces investigation over sexual harassment

Illinois Rep faces investigation over sexual harassment

By Sean Reed | The Center SquareThe Center Square (The Center Square) – A state representative embattled with allegations of sexual harassment returned to Springfield this week after being stripped...