Illinois quick hits: Pritzker signs law on media company sales; Prosecutors charge Dolton police officer in ongoing probe

Pritzker signs law on media company sales

Local media outlets looking to sell to out-of-state buyers must notify the state and the company’s employees 120 days in advance of any sale beginning Jan. 1, 2025. That’s after Gov. J.B. Pritzker enacted Senate Bill 3592 on Friday. Advocates said the measure will make it harder for hedge funds to buy small outlets. Opponents said the move will backfire by devaluing outlets even more.

Prosecutors charge Dolton police officer in ongoing probe

A Dolton police officer is charged with bankruptcy fraud for allegedly engaging in a scheme to conceal assets and income from creditors. That’s according to federal prosecutors Monday. The U.S. Attorney for Illinois’ Northern District announced the nine-count indictment against Lewis Lacey of Matteson, noting the investigation continues. Each count is punishable for a sentence of five years in prison.

Batavia resident wins Best of Show for cicada art

Of nearly 350 entries from around Illinois, the Department of Natural Resources has picked a winner for the cicada art show. Chris Hodge of Batavia earned Best of Show for a piece depicting a single recently molted cicada rising to meet the dawn. Winners and finalists are on display in the law enforcement tent in Conservation World at the Illinois State Fair in Springfield this week. Youth finalists are on display at the First Lady’s Tent on the fairgrounds.