The Illinois House has approved a measure that would prohibit using cell phones while driving.
The 64-46 vote Friday moves the bill to the state Senate for consideration. The measure would force drivers to use hands-free devices or use speakerphone features for calls.
Police would be able to stop and ticket drivers holding a cell phone except during emergency situations. Chicago Democrat Rep. John D'Amico says 76 Illinois communities -- including Chicago -- already ban talking on phones and driving.
Opponents say the bill is unfair to individuals with hearing problems and those who cannot afford high-tech phones. D'Amico touted his measure as a public-safety matter.
Texting while driving is already illegal in Illinois.
Thursday, June 13 2013 1:45 PM EDT2013-06-13 17:45:09 GMT
Even a fire hydrant is feeling the Blackhawks spirit, especially after Chicago's midnight victory over the Boston Bruins at the United Center in triple overtime.
Even a fire hydrant is feeling the Blackhawks spirit, especially after Chicago's midnight victory over the Boston Bruins at the United Center in triple overtime.
Wednesday, June 12 2013 9:55 PM EDT2013-06-13 01:55:01 GMT
Forecasters say hot weather could give way to violent storms across parts of Illinois and are warning residents to be prepared for strong winds, hail and even tornadoes.
Forecasters say hot weather could give way to violent storms across parts of Illinois and are warning residents to be prepared for strong winds, hail and even tornadoes.
Monday, June 17 2013 3:09 PM EDT2013-06-17 19:09:21 GMT
On the first day of deliberation, the jury hearing former Chicago alderman Ambrosio Medrano's trial found him guilty of bribery. He could face up to five years in prison.
On the first day of deliberation, the jury hearing former Chicago alderman Ambrosio Medrano's trial found him guilty of bribery. He could face up to five years in prison.
Monday, June 17 2013 2:44 PM EDT2013-06-17 18:44:33 GMT
A spokeswoman for Gov. Pat Quinn says he has fully backed the tough pension proposal supported by the Illinois House and has "fought hard" to get it passed.
A spokeswoman for Gov. Pat Quinn says he has fully backed the tough pension proposal supported by the Illinois House and has "fought hard" to get it passed.
Monday, June 17 2013 12:03 PM EDT2013-06-17 16:03:54 GMT
Carla Oglesby is accused of using fake contracts to scam hundreds of thousands of dollars to herself and her friends, from local vendors. She was first arrested nearly three years ago.
Carla Oglesby is accused of using fake contracts to scam hundreds of thousands of dollars to herself and her friends, from local vendors. She was first arrested nearly three years ago.
Friday, June 14 2013 9:36 PM EDT2013-06-15 01:36:02 GMT
Lawyers for Jesse Jackson Jr. assert in a court filing that the former Illinois congressman's mental health may worsen if he is given a lengthy prison sentence.
Lawyers for Jesse Jackson Jr. assert in a court filing that the former Illinois congressman's mental health may worsen if he is given a lengthy prison sentence.
Friday, June 14 2013 8:46 PM EDT2013-06-15 00:46:35 GMT
Political observers will be closely watching as New Jersey Gov. Chris Christie participates in a discussion at the Clinton Global Initiative in Chicago.
Political observers will be closely watching as New Jersey Gov. Chris Christie participates in a discussion at the Clinton Global Initiative in Chicago.
Friday, June 14 2013 3:51 PM EDT2013-06-14 19:51:38 GMT
Bill Daley, former White House Chief of Staff and brother to former Chicago mayor Richard M. Daley, told FOX 32 Sunday that he is, in fact, running for Illinois governor.
Bill Daley, former White House Chief of Staff and brother to former Chicago mayor Richard M. Daley, told FOX 32 Sunday that he is, in fact, running for Illinois governor.
Friday, June 14 2013 1:57 PM EDT2013-06-14 17:57:37 GMT
Democratic leaders in the Illinois Legislature said Friday that they would try again to pass a pension-reform plan backed by House Speaker Michael Madigan, rejecting Quinn's request for committee.
Democratic leaders in the Illinois Legislature said Friday that they would try again to pass a pension-reform plan backed by House Speaker Michael Madigan, rejecting Quinn's request for committee.
Friday, June 14 2013 1:47 PM EDT2013-06-14 17:47:11 GMT
Mayor Emanuel's office has some good weekend news, but there's a catch. Free Sunday parking begins this weekend in some neighborhoods, while paying hours are extended in others.
Mayor Emanuel's office has some good weekend news, but there's a catch. Free Sunday parking begins this weekend in some neighborhoods, while paying hours are extended in others.
Monday, June 17 2013 2:23 PM EDT2013-06-17 18:23:45 GMT
Train service on the South Shore Line is suspended after a problem occurred with the equipment that transfers the energy from the overhead line to the trains.
Train service on the South Shore Line is suspended after a problem occurred with the equipment that transfers the energy from the overhead line to the trains.
Monday, June 17 2013 9:28 AM EDT2013-06-17 13:28:37 GMT
A fatal early morning crash involving three vehicles and a motorcycle shut down the eastbound lanes of Interstate 80/94 during the Monday morning rush hour, according to Indiana State Police.
A fatal early morning crash involving three vehicles and a motorcycle shut down the eastbound lanes of Interstate 80/94 during the Monday morning rush hour, according to Indiana State Police.
Saturday, June 15 2013 9:11 PM EDT2013-06-16 01:11:05 GMT
By all accounts 21-year-old Carissa Hinz was a young woman full of life. Many friends and co-workers were present when she was struck by a car and the driver kept going.
By all accounts 21-year-old Carissa Hinz was a young woman full of life. Many friends and co-workers were present when she was struck by a car and the driver kept going.
Saturday, June 15 2013 12:30 PM EDT2013-06-15 16:30:36 GMT
Bond has been set at $300,000 for a man charged with striking a 65-year-old woman and her grandson in a hit-and-run accident in the West Englewood neighborhood Monday evening.
Bond has been set at $300,000 for a man charged with striking a 65-year-old woman and her grandson in a hit-and-run accident in the West Englewood neighborhood Monday evening.
Saturday, June 15 2013 10:45 AM EDT2013-06-15 14:45:00 GMT
Multiple ambulances were called, in addition to other fire department equipment, to O'Hare International Airport Saturday morning after an incoming plane reported mechanical problems.
Multiple ambulances were called, in addition to other fire department equipment, to O'Hare International Airport Saturday morning after an incoming plane reported mechanical problems.
Friday, June 14 2013 1:47 PM EDT2013-06-14 17:47:11 GMT
Mayor Emanuel's office has some good weekend news, but there's a catch. Free Sunday parking begins this weekend in some neighborhoods, while paying hours are extended in others.
Mayor Emanuel's office has some good weekend news, but there's a catch. Free Sunday parking begins this weekend in some neighborhoods, while paying hours are extended in others.
Friday, June 14 2013 1:07 PM EDT2013-06-14 17:07:39 GMT
Chicago Bike Week ends with a bang on Friday, with the Bike to Work Rally in Daley Plaza. New barrier-protected bike lanes also opened along Milwaukee Avenue, the city's most heavily biked corridor.
Chicago Bike Week ends with a bang on Friday, with the Bike to Work Rally in Daley Plaza. New barrier-protected bike lanes also opened along Milwaukee Avenue, the city's most heavily biked corridor.
Thursday, June 13 2013 5:18 PM EDT2013-06-13 21:18:11 GMT
Service on Metra's Southwest Service between downtown and southwest suburban Manhattan has been disrupted Thursday afternoon by the derailment of a freight train locomotive on the South Side.
Service on Metra's Southwest Service between downtown and southwest suburban Manhattan has been disrupted Thursday afternoon by the derailment of a freight train locomotive on the South Side.
Thursday, June 13 2013 12:59 PM EDT2013-06-13 16:59:17 GMT
CTA Brown, Green, Orange and Pink Line trains are back in service but riders should expect major delays in the Loop because of earlier switching problems.
CTA Brown, Green, Orange and Pink Line trains are back in service but riders should expect major delays in the Loop because of earlier switching problems.
