JULY 8-9, 2026 • VOL. 65 ISSUE 36
Illinois schools grapple LOCAL NEWS with AI cyberbullying, Plainfield East HS Science deepfakes as new law Olympiad students achieve takes effect state record-breaking performance See Page 3: ...see page 3.
Illinois schools grapple with AI cyberbullying, deepfakes as new law takes effect Educators are working to understand how best to respond to rapidly evolving technology
See ’CYBER’ on page 3
Illinois schools will look to new guidelines in the battle against AI cyberbullying and rapidly evolving technology. (Credit: Pix4free.org)
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JULY 8-9, 2026 | BUGLENEWSPAPERS.COM | PAGE 3
LOCAL NEWS
FROM THE COVER ’CYBER’
Illinois schools grapple with AI cyberbullying, deepfakes as new law takes effect Educators are working to understand how best to respond to rapidly evolving technology
By NAOMI TAXAY Medill Illinois News Bureau news@capitolnewsillinois.com CHICAGO — Earlier this year, administrators at Lake Zurich High School confronted a growing challenge facing schools nationwide: students using artificial intelligence to create sexually explicit images of their classmates. After reporting the matter to police, the district launched a series of student and family education efforts focused on online safety and responsible technology use. The incident illustrates the kinds of situations Illinois lawmakers may have had in mind when they passed a bill last year requiring schools to address AI-generated content in their bullying prevention policies. Beginning July 1, the state’s definition of cyberbullying was expanded to include AI-generated digital replicas, forcing districts across Illinois to update policies and procedures. Also by July 1, the Illinois State Board of Education was required to develop statewide guidance on artificial intelligence in schools. The guidance is expected to address AI-generated false representations of individuals to help districts update their policies ahead of the 2026-27 school year. ISBE press secretary Lindsay Record said that while the agency is still developing guidance, “it remains the case that local policies, procedures and responses to specific incidents are determined at the district and school level.” In Lake Zurich for the coming school year, officials expect to build on the guidance provided following the earlier incident. “The district anticipates continued integration of explicit teaching opportunities for all students regarding safe, responsible technology usage — in alignment with core district values,” Jean Malek, executive director of communications for Lake Zurich Community Unity School District 95, told the Medill Illinois News Bureau in an email. “Additionally, the district anticipates continued information and resource-sharing with families on how to best support safe technology usage.”
Even though schools already have policies to address bullying, the new law provides important clarification by naming unauthorized AI-generated digital replicas as a newer form of harm, said Scott Rowe, superintendent of Township High School District 214. “The message is clear,” Rowe said. “AI does not remove responsibility.” The law, he said, will give districts clearer language for policies, student expectations and family conversations. The school-focused legislation doesn’t change Illinois’ criminal statutes governing AI-generated sexual imagery. Under state law, AI-generated sexual images that appear to depict minors may be prosecuted under child pornography and related obscenity statutes. Depending on the circumstances, creating, possessing or distributing such images can result in felony charges. The issue is not isolated: A 2024 survey by the Center for Democracy & Technology found that 40% of K-12 public school students were aware of a deepfake involving someone at their school, including 15% who knew of a sexually explicit deepfake depicting a member of their school community. The survey also found that many schools had not proactively addressed the issue, with more than 60% of teachers reporting their school had not shared policies or procedures related to AI-generated sexual imagery. Laura Tierney, founder of The Social Institute, a company that provides schools with digital literacy resources, said Illinois is taking a step in the right direction by acknowledging that educators have a role to play alongside law enforcement in addressing harmful AI-generated content. “Legislation alone won’t solve the spread of this. With legislation has to come education on the topic, and Illinois schools now have a legal obligation to address AI-generated cyberbullying,” Tierney said. “And so now I think the question is whether they have the curriculum and the tools to back this policy up.” Tierney said most students are well aware that deepfakes are hurtful but
might not fully understand how to support their friends if they see images circulating online.
“AI-generated content may be artificial, but the harm it causes can be very real,” Rowe said.
challenge. I don’t think that’s anything necessarily new, but I think the trend has just been accelerating.”
“I think this is an opportunity to coach towards the positives rather than solely scare students with the negatives,” Tierney said. “It’s old school to focus on how harmful it is, like, ‘here’s all the legal implications.’ The reality is that it’s still going to happen. So how can we help students make positive choices?”
Rowe added that students do not have to create the original content to contribute to the harm. Sharing or forwarding it can extend the damage and may result in school consequences and, in some cases, legal consequences, he said.
Naomi Taxay is an undergraduate student in journalism with Northwestern University’s Medill School of Journalism, Media, Integrated Marketing Communications, and a fellow in its Medill Illinois News Bureau working in partnership with Capitol News Illinois.
“Anything related to AI — it’s a bit of a game of Whac-A-Mole, just because the technology is evolving very quickly,” said Debra Jacobson, general counsel of the Illinois Association of School Boards. “Kids are often way ahead on technology and what they’re doing with it so that can contribute to the
Capitol News Illinois is a nonprofit, nonpartisan news service that distributes state government coverage to hundreds of news outlets statewide. It is funded primarily by the Illinois Press Foundation and the Robert R. McCormick Foundation.
Rowe said the biggest challenges for schools when responding to incidents involving AI-generated content are speed, realism and reach: Images can spread quickly and students may not know whether or not they are fake.
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JULY 8-9, 2026 | BUGLENEWSPAPERS.COM | PAGE 5
BUSINESS & REAL ESTATE
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Even when the sun goes down, the opportunity to entertain outdoors is still possible. Transforming a backyard into an evening oasis does not necessarily require major renovations, but it should involve adjusting the atmosphere to facilitate comfort and visibility. The following tips can help hosts optimize outdoor spaces for nighttime events.
Layered lighting
Lighting is the main priority when hosting at night. Lighting establishes ambiance and creates safety in the space. Hosts should avoid floodlights which can be too harsh and create a clinical feeling. Instead, melding different lighting options together can set the scene. String lights provide a warm, even glow that can outline the perimeter and “ceiling” of an outdoor room. Low-voltage LEDs or solar lights can make walkways more visible and call attention to changes in elevation. Accent lighting, such as small spotlights uplighting trees or architectural features, will create depth and keep the yard from feeling like an abyss beyond the patio or deck.
Create focal points
Individuals will gather around various focal points in the yard. These established zones will encourage conversation and other activities. A fire pit is a natural magnet for outdoor events. Arrange seating around
the fire pit to keep conversation flowing. An outdoor bar also is a great place for people to gather, whether it’s stocked with alcoholic or non-alcoholic drinks. Mark off an area where people can mingle and dance. Set up an outdoor speaker in this area.
Outdoor comfort
Contending with bugs and weather is a natural side effect of spending time outdoors, particularly in the evening. Citronella candles can keep mosquitoes and gnats at bay. A simple electric floor fan also can be effective against mosquitoes, which are weak fliers that can’t fly against the breeze. A fire pit, propane patio heater and a basket of blankets can help tame the chills if the temperature drops. Keeping pop-up canopies at the ready will help if rain starts to fall.
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JULY 8-9, 2026 | BUGLENEWSPAPERS.COM | PAGE 6
LEGAL NOTICES
LEGAL NOTICE
State of Alabama
United States District Court for the Northern District of Alabama, Southern Division Published Summons Case No: 2:26-cv-00637-AMM
Tanya Walker, Plaintiff v. SABR Express, Inc., and Omarov Islamiddin, Defendants. To:
LEGAL NOTICES
Omarov Islamiddin, whose whereabouts are unknown, but whose last known address is 13203 Skyline Drive, Plainfield, IL 60585.
You are hereby notified that the plaintiff referenced above has filed a lawsuit or
other legal action against you. This lawsuit concerns a motor vehicle accident in Birmingham, Alabama on October 27, 2024. The plaintiff seeks recovery
of monetary damages. This notice shall be published once a week for four consecutive weeks. If you wish to dispute this matter, you must file a written answer within 21 days of service. The answer should be mailed or delivered to the District Court Clerk, Hugo L. Black United States Courthouse, 1729 5th Avenue North, Birmingham, Alabama 35203, with a copy to the undersigned.
If you do not file a written answer within 21 days, a judgment may be given to the plaintiff. A copy of the summons and complaint has been previously mailed to you at the address above. Friday, June 12, 2026 Date Christopher J. Zulanas Jess S. Boone
Attorneys for Plaintiff Friedman, Dazzio & Zulanas, P.C. 3800 Corporate Woods Drive Birmingham, AL 35242
Published June 18, 2026, June 25, 2026, July 2, 2026 & July 9, 2026
LEGAL NOTICE STATE OF ILLINOIS IN THE CIRCUIT COURT OF THE TWELFTH JUDICIAL CIRCUIT WILL COUNTY, ILLINOIS IN THE MATTER OF THE ESTATE OF MARY ANN DECMAN, DECEASED.
) ) ) ) )
CASE NO. 2026 PR 000328
CLAIM NOTICE NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN to creditors of the death of Mary Ann Decman. Letters of Office were issued on June 26, 2026 to Robert Decman, 1123 Frederick Street, Joliet, Illinois 60435, as Independent Executor, whose Attorney of record is Robert J. Welz, Rouskey Law Office, 210 N. Hammes Avenue, Suite 105, Joliet, Illinois 60435.
RESIDENTIAL • COMMERCIAL • SHOP AT HOME SERVICES
Claims against the estate may be filed in the Office of the Clerk of the Circuit Court of Will County, 100 W. Jefferson St., Joliet, IL 60432, or with the Independent Executor, or both, WITHIN SIX MONTHS OF THE DATE OF THE FIRST PUBLICATION. ANY CLAIM NOT FILED WITHIN THAT PERIOD IS BARRED. Copies of a claim filed with the Clerk must be mailed or delivered to the Independent Administrator and to the Attorney of record within ten days after it has been filed. E-filing is now mandatory for documents in civil cases with limited exemptions. To e-file, you must first create an account with an e-filing service provider. Visit http://efile.illinoiscourts.gov/service-providers.htm to learn more and to select a service provider. If you need additional help or have trouble e-filing, vit http:/illinoiscourts.gov/faq/gethelp.asp. or talk with your local Circuit Clerk’s Office. MARY ANN DECMAN, DECEASED
ROBERT J. WELZ ROUSKEY LAW OFFICE 210 N. HAMMES AVENUE, SUITE 105 JOLIET, ILLINOIS 60435 815-741-2118 IL REGISTRATION NO. 03127808 Published 7/9/26, 7/16/26 & 7/23/26
JULY 8-9, 2026 | BUGLENEWSPAPERS.COM | PAGE 7
SENIORS
Types of arthritis and what’s behind each Arthritis affects millions worldwide and can develop for a variety of reasons, making an accurate diagnosis key to effective treatment
Arthritis affects people all over the world. Approximately 53.2 million adults in the United States have doctor-diagnosed arthritis, says the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. But many more suffer in undiagnosed silence. Globally, nearly 300 million people may live with arthritis. Arthritis can range from mild to debilitating and stem from a variety of causes. Understanding what’s behind arthritis can help people get the treatment they need. Here are the major types of arthritis and their causes. • Osteoarthritis: Osteoarthritis is the most common form of arthritis, says the Cleveland Clinic. It forms as the result of wear-and-tear on cartilage, which breaks down over time. Aging, repetitive movements or previous joint injuries can cause osteoarthritis. • Gout: Gout is a metabolic condition caused by the buildup of uric acid crystals in the joints. The Mayo Clinic says the buildup occurs when the kidneys cannot filter the uric acid effectively or when the body produces too much. Pain, swelling and tenderness can occur in the joints, often in the big toe.
• Autoimmune: Some forms of arthritis are autoimmune in nature, meaning that the immune system mistakenly attacks the joints. This occurs with rheumatoid arthritis and psoriatic arthritis, according to Penn Medicine. • Infection/injury: Sometimes viral or bacterial infections or acute joint injuries can trigger arthritis, says the Cleveland Clinic. Certain risk factors elevate the chances of developing arthritis. Risk elevates as joints age and wear down, so older adults are more likely to experience arthritis. Carrying extra weight puts pressure on joints like the knees, so those who are overweight are more likely to get arthritis. Genetics can make a person more vulnerable to diseases like rheumatoid arthritis, and women are more likely to develop it. There are various treatments for arthritis, and anyone in pain can work with a doctor to make lifestyle changes that can alleviate symptoms and help them live fuller lives.
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