IL House Oks crackdown on social media 'flash mobs
SPRINGFIELD, Ill. (AP) - The Illinois House has approved legislation that would impose tougher punishment on anyone convicted of using social media to plan or incite a mob attack.
The bill passed the Senate last month. The 102-6 House vote now sends the measure to Gov. Pat Quinn.
Lawmakers said the legislation is in response to recent incidents in Chicago in which groups of young people descended on Michigan Avenue and other locations to rob or attack people.
Police say the suspects used text messaging and social media such as Twitter to organize and publicize the attacks.
The bill would allow a judge to impose an extended sentence if someone used electronic communication in a mob action.
Rep. Christian Mitchell is a Chicago Democrat. He says the legislation will make communities throughout Illinois safer.
Latest News
- 1
- 2
- 3
- 4
- 5
- 6
- 7
- 8

Horses, trainers prepare for 2013 Preakness
BALTIMORE (AP) - The second leg of horse racing's Triple Crown leaves the starting gate this afternoon in Maryland and the trainer for Kentucky Derby winner Orb says he thinks his ...

Gov. Nixon gives mixed review to legislators' efforts
JEFFERSON CITY, Mo. (AP) - Gov. Jay Nixon is giving a mixed review to Missouri's 2013 legislative session. The Democratic governor praised lawmakers for boosting funding for ed...
Police investigate death of Cahokia infant
An investigation is underway in the Metro East after a 4-month-old baby was found dead in his home. Cahokia police say it appears the child died from suffocation. Officers say the...

Toddler left behind by daycare workers at St. Charles r…
Employees at a St. Charles Chuck E. Cheese are being praised for how they dealt with a child being left behind yesterday. The St. Charles police say a two-year-old boy was left be...

Group protests proposal lifting Boy Scouts' gay ban
Members of a national organization are protesting a proposed change to the Boy Scouts. OnMyHonor.net organized a rally today in the Central West End. The protestors were arguing a...

New regulations on scrap metal dealers could be on the …
JEFFERSON CITY, Mo. (AP) - Missouri lawmakers have given final approval to legislation that would require scrap metal dealers to collect more information from the people who sell t...

Illinois Senate passes medical marijuana bill
SPRINGFIELD, Ill. (AP) - Medical marijuana use in Illinois is now in Gov. Pat Quinn's hands after the state Senate approved legislation. Lawmakers voted 35-21 Friday to send the m...

Police ID man who died during road rage incident
Police have identified the man who died during a bizarre road rage incident. The incident started on westbound I-70 at the Union exit when an SUV, driven by Darvin Wallace, starte...