Chinese company guilty of trade secret theft
A Chinese telecommunications company pleaded guilty in federal court in Chicago to conspiring to steal technology from Illinois-based Motorola Solutions.
According to a news release from the U.S. Attorney’s Office Northern District of Illinois, Hytera Communications Corp. pleaded guilty to a federal charge of conspiracy to steal trade secrets and may be fined up to $60 million under the terms of a plea agreement.
According to the plea agreement, Hytera knowingly conspired to steal at least one trade secret from Motorola.
Fire at Champaign mall
A Champaign mall has reopened after being evacuated following a fire.
The Champaign Fire Department responded to a fire in the Market Place Shopping Center Tuesday following a report of smoke coming from the ceiling tiles in an individual store. Firefighters located the small fire contained to the ventilation equipment.
The cause has been attributed to a heating element in the ventilation system.
Business optimism increases
The National Federation of Independent Business Small Business Optimism Index rose by 3.4 points in December to 105.1, the highest reading since October 2018.
The Uncertainty Index declined 12 points in December as small business owners feel more confident following the November election. The Illinois state director of NFIB said the General Assembly must prioritize legislation that makes it easier for small businesses to grow, hire and thrive.