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Governor JB Pritzker Enacts Law to Shield Children from Social Media Algorithms

Governor JB Pritzker Enacts Law to Shield Children from Social Media Algorithms

Illinois Governor JB Pritzker has signed a new law aimed at protecting children from the potentially harmful effects of social media algorithms. The legislation, which was passed without opposition in the General Assembly, requires parents to input their child's age when setting up a device. Social media companies must then restrict content to what the child follows or searches for, rather than using endless-scrolling algorithms. The law also limits strangers' access to children's profiles and restricts social media notifications after 10 p.m. The bill applies to platforms like Instagram and TikTok and is set to be implemented in 2028. This move is part of Pritzker's broader agenda to curb tech companies' influence on children, as he considers a potential 2028 presidential run.
Detroit Free Press Detroit Free Press
What Michigan kids need as they head to school. See age-specific lists

What Michigan kids need as they head to school. See age-specific lists

Ready to head back to school? Check out these school supply lists.
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Chicago School Board's Budget Rejection Puts Pressure on Governor Pritzker

Chicago School Board's Budget Rejection Puts Pressure on Governor Pritzker

The Chicago school board, influenced by the Chicago Teachers Union (CTU), has rejected a $10 billion budget proposed by Chicago Public Schools CEO Macquline King. This budget included over 1,000 layoffs to address a $730 million deficit. The board's decision hinges on the expectation that state lawmakers and Governor JB Pritzker will provide a $150 million bailout during the November veto session. The rejection has raised concerns about potential credit downgrades and the ability to secure short-term loans necessary for payroll. The decision has been criticized as reckless, with significant blame directed at House Speaker Emanuel 'Chris' Welch, who has promised to push for supplemental funding.
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Exploring Illinois: Nine Small Towns with Big Stories and Historical Significance

Exploring Illinois: Nine Small Towns with Big Stories and Historical Significance

Exploring Illinois: Nine Small Towns with Big Stories and Historical Significance
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Utility Crews Progress in Restoring Power After Tornado in Homewood

Utility Crews Progress in Restoring Power After Tornado in Homewood

Utility crews are making significant progress in restoring power to areas in Homewood, Illinois, that were severely affected by a tornado on July 27. As of late Friday night, July 31, there were still small pockets of homes without power, particularly in the Governors Park neighborhood west of Dixie Highway and the Cedar Road area of Old Homewood. The outages are primarily located along the tornado's path, which caused extensive damage to the local infrastructure. Crews from Peaches Power, an Ohio-based company, have been working diligently to address these outages and restore electricity to the affected residents.
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Illinois Emerges as 2026 Tornado Hotspot, Surpassing Traditional Tornado Alley

Illinois Emerges as 2026 Tornado Hotspot, Surpassing Traditional Tornado Alley

In 2026, Illinois has become the leading state for tornado activity in the U.S., recording 221 preliminary tornado reports by July 31, according to the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA). This marks a significant increase from the state's typical average of 52 tornadoes by this time of year. The shift in tornado activity has seen traditional 'Tornado Alley' states like Texas and Oklahoma experiencing below-average tornado occurrences. Meteorologists attribute this change to atmospheric patterns that have redirected storm systems northward, coupled with warm air aloft due to drought conditions in the western U.S.
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KNIB Mud Volleyball Tournament Draws Large Crowd in South Beloit Debut

KNIB Mud Volleyball Tournament Draws Large Crowd in South Beloit Debut

The Keep Northern Illinois Beautiful (KNIB) Mud Volleyball Tournament made its debut in South Beloit, Illinois, attracting hundreds of participants and spectators. Held at the South Beloit City Park, the event featured nearly 150 teams competing throughout the day. The tournament, which began at 8 a.m. on August 1, 2026, was free for spectators and included food trucks, music, and merchandise for sale. Teams paid a $300 entry fee, with proceeds benefiting the non-profit organization Keep Northern Illinois Beautiful. This event marks the return of the tournament after a two-year hiatus, following its cancellation in Roscoe due to a dispute between the village and the organization.
AP News AP News
Ex-deputy who shot Sonya Massey is denied a request for medical release from prison

Ex-deputy who shot Sonya Massey is denied a request for medical release from prison

Illinois prison officials say the former sheriff’s deputy who killed Sonya Massey won't get an early medical release from his two-decade prison sentence
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Governor Pritzker Signs Bill to Support Employee Mental Health in Schools

Governor Pritzker Signs Bill to Support Employee Mental Health in Schools

Governor JB Pritzker has signed a series of bills aimed at improving various aspects of public welfare in Illinois. Among these, House Bill 4862 mandates that school districts develop procedures to support employee mental health in the workplace. This legislation is part of a broader initiative to address mental health issues among employees, aligning with other legislative efforts by Governor Pritzker. The bill is set to take effect on January 1, 2027, and reflects a growing recognition of the importance of mental health support in educational settings. Other bills signed include measures to improve jury duty compensation, expand vehicle code regulations, and enhance township property maintenance notices.
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Illinois Launches FRESH Program to Mitigate SNAP Cuts Impact on Residents

Illinois Launches FRESH Program to Mitigate SNAP Cuts Impact on Residents

Illinois is set to provide one-time payments of $400 to residents who lost federal food assistance due to recent changes in the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP). The initiative, known as the Families Receiving Emergency Support for Hunger (FRESH) program, will distribute up to $70 million to qualifying residents without requiring an application. This measure comes in response to federal changes that have caused thousands in Illinois to lose grocery assistance. The first payments will be made to those who lost SNAP benefits between May 1 and August 1, with subsequent payments following the 16th day of the month in which benefits end. The program aims to alleviate the financial strain on affected households.
1Weather 1Weather
Chicago Tornado Hits Hazel Crest Neighborhood Twice in 10 Minutes

Chicago Tornado Hits Hazel Crest Neighborhood Twice in 10 Minutes

On July 27, 2026, a tornado in the Chicago area followed an unusual looping path, striking the Hazel Crest neighborhood twice within a span of 10 minutes. The tornado, which reached peak winds of 110 mph, caused significant damage to roofs and walls in the area. The National Weather Service (NWS) reported that the tornado's path was influenced by a surge of high winds that temporarily redirected it before pulling it back south. This rare event highlights the unpredictable nature of tornado tracks and the importance of taking shelter during warnings. The tornado lasted 16 minutes and traveled an 11-mile path, ending in Glenwood, Illinois.