Illinois Quick Hits: Illinois House approves student cell phone ban
(The Center Square) – The Illinois House has approved a bill banning students from using cell phones during the school day.
Senate Bill 2427 passed after a floor amendment was added on Thursday, with 102 votes in favor and only three opposed.
The measure now goes back to the Senate for concurrence.
SMALL BIZ OPTIMISM DECLINES
The NFIB Small Business Optimism Index fell 3 points in March to 95.8, below the 52-year average of 98.0.
The last time the index fell below its historical average was April 2025.
The NFIB Uncertainty Index rose 4 points to 92, well above its historical average of 68.
NFIB Illinois State Director Noah Finley said Illinois legislators must tamp down on proposals that would impose new costs and legal liabilities on Main Street businesses.
TEXAS MAN GETS 23-YEAR PRISON SENTENCE FOR CRYPTO SCAM
A federal judge in Chicago has sentenced a Houston, Texas man to 23 years in prison for orchestrating a cryptocurrency scam that bilked nearly 1,000 investors out of more than $20 million.
Robert Dunlap, 55, was also ordered to pay restitution to his victim investors. Prosecutors say Dunlap claimed the Meta-1 Coin was backed by billions of dollars in art and gold, and many victims lost all their savings.
FREEDOM CAUCUS: ABOLISH EQUITY AND INCLUSION COMMISSION
Following reporting by The Center Square and testimony before a House committee this week, the Illinois Freedom Caucus is calling for the Illinois Commission on Equity and Inclusion to be abolished.
State Rep. Brad Halbrook, R-Shelbyville, said in a statement that the commission is doing the opposite of what it was created to do, and the taxpayers have paid millions of dollars for failure.
Latest News Stories
Illinois biz leader: Diversity computer snafu so bad it ‘has to be intentional’
WATCH: GOP U.S. Sen. candidate Tracy on shutdown, tariffs; state expands sanctuary
Former Vice President Dick Cheney dies
Illinois quick hits: Ceremonies planned for new lawyers; energy efficiency grants announced
26 states participate in federal SAVE program to ensure only US citizens are voting
Key races across U.S., redistricting at stake as voters head to polls Tuesday
Meeting Summary and Briefs: Casey Township Library Board of Trustees for October 2, 2025
Nigeria leaders deny Christian genocide, UN attributes violence to ‘climate change’
Congressional Perks: House members, staff get daycare, on-call doctor
California leaders hope for high voter turnout for Prop. 50
Voters to decide two statewide measures, nearly 100 local proposals
WATCH: Coalition sues to protect student loan forgiveness