ATLANTA () — Georgia’s legislative body has greenlit a proposal aimed at prohibiting the use of cell phones within public school classrooms across the state. The bill is now poised for final approval from Governor Brian Kemp.

This new measure builds upon previous legislation enacted last year, extending the restrictions to encompass high school students as well. It introduces a comprehensive “bell-to-bell” prohibition applicable to all public schools from kindergarten through 12th grade.

Should the governor sign it into law, the bill would restrict students from utilizing personal electronic gadgets throughout the school day. This includes devices such as cell phones, tablets, smartwatches, and headphones.

The restriction would be in effect from the moment the school day begins until it ends, allowing exceptions only for essential medical or educational purposes.

A related law, approved in 2025, currently applies to students from kindergarten to 8th grade, with implementation set for July 1, 2026.

The newly approved bill would expand that policy to high schools starting in the 2027–2028 school year, giving districts about a year to prepare and implement enforcement plans.

Supporters say the goal is to improve focus in the classroom and reduce disruptions tied to phone use.

Scott Hilton (R–North Atlanta), who backed the measure, said teachers overwhelmingly support the change.

“Over 90 percent of teachers say cell phones are a major distraction,” Hilton said. “Students may not like it at first, but many end up appreciating a phone-free environment.”

Lawmakers also argue the policy could help reduce cyberbullying and conflicts that originate on social media.

Sally Harrell (D–North Atlanta) said issues tied to smartphones have been building for years.

“We started seeing conflicts escalate quickly, and much of it traced back to what was happening on those devices,” Harrell said.

Not everyone supports the ban.

Some parents and advocates have raised concerns about how students would contact family members during emergencies.

Lawmakers say the bill includes exceptions for medical needs and certain educational uses, though specific policies would be set at the district level.

If Governor Kemp signs the bill into law, Georgia would join more than 30 states that have enacted or are considering similar restrictions on cell phone use in schools.

CHAMPAIGN, Ill. (WCIA) – The Illinois football team has secured the continued expertise of their offensive coordinator with a fresh contract deal.

Barry Lunney Jr., the strategic mind behind the Illini offense, has agreed to a contract extension, as reported by ESPN on Tuesday. This development has been corroborated by the university’s board of trustees report.

Heading into his sixth year at the helm of the Illini offense in 2026, Lunney’s new contract spans three years, positioning him as the highest-paid assistant coach in the history of the program. ESPN revealed that the contract is valued at $3.45 million over its duration.

Under his guidance, quarterback Luke Altmyer has thrived, and the Illinois offense achieved an impressive average of 373 yards per game in the 2025 season.

Before his tenure in Illinois, Lunney’s coaching journey included roles at UTSA, Arkansas, and Tulsa, among other positions.

The Illini are tasked with replacing Altmyer, wide receiver Hank Beatty and a bulk of its offensive line in 2026, among others.

LONDON – In a historic milestone for the Church of England, former cancer nurse Sarah Mullally, who transitioned to a spiritual path at the age of 40, will be officially installed as the Archbishop of Canterbury on Wednesday. This marks the first time a woman has assumed this significant leadership role within the church.

Although Mullally, 63, officially took on the role of Archbishop of Canterbury in January, the upcoming ceremony signifies the commencement of her public ministry as the leader of the Church of England and the spiritual guide for the global Anglican Communion. This fellowship includes independent churches like the Episcopal Church in the United States and boasts a membership exceeding 100 million worldwide.

“I aim to be a shepherd who fosters the growth of everyone’s ministry and vocation, regardless of tradition,” Mullally expressed upon her nomination last year. “Today, I am grateful for the women and men who paved the way for this moment. To all the women who preceded me, I extend my heartfelt gratitude for your support and inspiration.”

The installation ceremony will see attendance from notable figures such as Prince William, Princess Catherine, and U.K. Prime Minister Keir Starmer, alongside representatives from the Anglican Communion’s 42 member churches. Delegates from the Vatican and the Orthodox Church will also be present to witness this momentous occasion.

The event takes place on the Feast of the Annunciation, a symbolic day commemorating the moment Mary was informed of her role as the mother of Jesus. The church observes this day to honor one of the Bible’s revered women and to reflect on responding to God’s call, making it a fitting occasion for Mullally’s historic appointment.

The celebration marks a major milestone for the Church of England, which traces its roots to the year 597, when the pope sent St. Augustine to Britain to convert the population to Christianity. He is now recognized as the first archbishop of Canterbury. The English church broke away from the Roman Catholic Church in the 1530s, during the reign of King Henry VIII.

The church ordained its first female priests in 1994 and its first female bishop in 2015.

Mullally begins her tenure as archbishop at a difficult time for the Church of England and the Anglican Communion.

Her appointment may deepen rifts within the Anglican Communion, whose members are deeply divided over issues such as the role of women and the treatment of LGBTQ+ people.

She will also have to confront concerns that the church has failed to stamp out the sexual abuse scandals that have dogged it and caused strife for more than a decade.

Mullally replaces former Archbishop Justin Welby, who announced his resignation in November 2024, after he was criticized for failing to act decisively and tell police about allegations of physical and sexual abuse by a volunteer at a church-affiliated summer camp.

Born in Woking, southwest of London in 1962, Mullally attended local schools and worked as a nurse in Britain’s National Health Service until she was named chief nursing officer for England at the age of 37, the youngest person ever to hold the post.

While still working in that job, she began training for the ministry.

She was named a bishop in 2015, becoming the fourth woman in the Church of England to reach that rank. Three years later, she was named bishop of London, one of the most prominent positions in the church.

But on Wednesday she will also remember her life before the church, securing her ceremonial cloak with a clasp decorated by the buckle from the belt she wore as a nurse.

The service will also acknowledge the Anglican Communion’s worldwide reach, with Archbishop Albert Chama of Zambia offering a prayer in the Bemba language and Bishop Alba Sally Sue Hernández García of Mexico providing a Bible reading in Spanish. The Kyrie prayer will be sung in Urdu.

George Gross, an expert on theology and the monarchy at King’s College London, said Mullally’s appointment instantly makes her one of the most recognized Christian figures in the world, alongside the pope.

“I think it’s huge, absolutely massive,” he told The Associated Press. “But it matters because, as we’ve talked before, the stained glass ceiling is smashed. And that, in the world we’re in, when we talk of equality, (it’s) hard to have that if you have unattainable positions.”

LONDON – In a historic moment for the Church of England, Sarah Mullally, a former cancer nurse who embraced the priesthood at 40, will be officially installed as the archbishop of Canterbury on Wednesday. This event is not merely a formal ceremony; it signifies Mullally’s public debut as the first woman to lead the Church of England, a milestone that resonates across the religious community.

Although Mullally, now 63, assumed the title of archbishop in January, Wednesday marks the formal start of her public ministry. As the spiritual guide for both the Church of England and the worldwide Anglican Communion, she stands at the helm of an association that includes over 100 million members across independent churches, such as the Episcopal Church in the United States.

Reflecting on her appointment, Mullally expressed her commitment to fostering inclusivity within the church. “I intend to be a shepherd who enables everyone’s ministry and vocation to flourish, whatever our tradition,” she shared upon her selection. With gratitude, she acknowledged the trailblazers who paved the way for her historic role, particularly the women who served as her inspiration and support.

The ceremony, rich with significance, will be graced by the presence of notable figures such as Prince William, Princess Catherine, and U.K. Prime Minister Keir Starmer. Furthermore, representatives from the Anglican Communion’s 42 member churches, along with dignitaries from the Vatican and the Orthodox Church, will join in the celebration.

In a fitting tribute to Mullally’s groundbreaking leadership, the installation coincides with the Feast of the Annunciation. This day commemorates Mary’s acceptance of her role as the mother of Jesus, encouraging the church to reflect on responding to divine calls. It serves as a poignant reminder of Mullally’s own journey and the broader impact of her historic appointment.

The celebration marks a major milestone for the Church of England, which traces its roots to the year 597, when the pope sent St. Augustine to Britain to convert the population to Christianity. He is now recognized as the first archbishop of Canterbury. The English church broke away from the Roman Catholic Church in the 1530s, during the reign of King Henry VIII.

The church ordained its first female priests in 1994 and its first female bishop in 2015.

Mullally begins her tenure as archbishop at a difficult time for the Church of England and the Anglican Communion.

Her appointment may deepen rifts within the Anglican Communion, whose members are deeply divided over issues such as the role of women and the treatment of LGBTQ+ people.

She will also have to confront concerns that the church has failed to stamp out the sexual abuse scandals that have dogged it and caused strife for more than a decade.

Mullally replaces former Archbishop Justin Welby, who announced his resignation in November 2024, after he was criticized for failing to act decisively and tell police about allegations of physical and sexual abuse by a volunteer at a church-affiliated summer camp.

Born in Woking, southwest of London in 1962, Mullally attended local schools and worked as a nurse in Britain’s National Health Service until she was named chief nursing officer for England at the age of 37, the youngest person ever to hold the post.

While still working in that job, she began training for the ministry.

She was named a bishop in 2015, becoming the fourth woman in the Church of England to reach that rank. Three years later, she was named bishop of London, one of the most prominent positions in the church.

But on Wednesday she will also remember her life before the church, securing her ceremonial cloak with a clasp decorated by the buckle from the belt she wore as a nurse.

The service will also acknowledge the Anglican Communion’s worldwide reach, with Archbishop Albert Chama of Zambia offering a prayer in the Bemba language and Bishop Alba Sally Sue Hernández García of Mexico providing a Bible reading in Spanish. The Kyrie prayer will be sung in Urdu.

George Gross, an expert on theology and the monarchy at King’s College London, said Mullally’s appointment instantly makes her one of the most recognized Christian figures in the world, alongside the pope.

“I think it’s huge, absolutely massive,” he told The Associated Press. “But it matters because, as we’ve talked before, the stained glass ceiling is smashed. And that, in the world we’re in, when we talk of equality, (it’s) hard to have that if you have unattainable positions.”