Cyber bullying law sent to G-Rod
A suburban St. Louis girl’s suicide inspired the House to send a ban on cyber bullying to Gov. Blagojevich on Thursday. The legislation would outlaw using the Internet to harass someone and specifically prohibit posting threatening comments on Web sites or online message boards. Those who find a threatening message about themselves could contact the police, who then would investigate the threat.
U. of I. online program lagging
University of Illinois officials said Thursday that their Global Campus project remains behind schedule, with fewer students and less tuition revenue than expected by now. Still, the university’s board of trustees approved an additional $3.4 million for the online classes, bringing the total board funding for the program’s first two years to $9.8 million. Ten students began classes in January.
Dad ordered held in baby’s death
A father accused of shaking and beating his 5-month-old son inside their South Side home, causing fatal head injuries, was ordered held on $800,000 bail Thursday. During the bond hearing, prosecutors said Malik Ousley, 28, claimed the baby fell but later admitted to shaking and biting him. Murder charges against the father were announced earlier Thursday. Three other children from the home were with relatives.
Legislators’ pay raises likely
In a move that makes it more likely lawmakers will get a nearly 12 percent pay increase, the head of a Senate committee said Thursday he’ll use his power to prevent resolutions dealing with the issue from coming up for a vote this spring. Sen. Rickey Hendon (D-Chicago), chairman of the Senate Rules Committee, told Republican senators who asked for a chance to vote on the pay raises that he won’t allow those measures.
