This summer Illinois became the first state to require one unit of media literacy for all high school students.

Why it matters: Media literacy can help young people critically examine the information they consume. Researchers in suburban Chicago found that teaching news literacy as part of other classes prompted students to do lateral reading — or consulting another source — which helped them identify misinformation.

The basics: According to the law, the media literacy unit should help students analyze things like:

• The purpose of media messages and how they are made.
• How media influences behavior and which points of view are included.
• The importance of digesting multiple media sources.

What they're saying: ​Fearing the classes will be taught with a bias against conservative media, Rep. Adam Niemerg called the law "anti-Trump, anti-conservative" and an attempt by the left "to get into our school systems at a young age," per Illinois Radio Network.

The other side: Supporters of the law tell Axios it's not about politics, but giving students tools to develop their own BS detectors.

• "I would use the analogy of financial literacy classes," says attorney Maaria Mozaffar, who helped write the legislation.

Details: The lessons will be framed as discussions, according to Columbia College professor Yonty Friesem, who is co-writing the teaching framework.

• "We don't want to dictate how it's going to be taught," he tells Axios. "Instead, we want to show the value of asking questions and reflecting on how the media impacts us."
• "This is not about making the teacher the sage on the stage, but about facilitating discussions where people can have different opinions ... civil debate and deliberation."

What's next: Educators and state officials will hammer out the teaching framework in coming months and are inviting any Illinois educator to offer input by emailing Friesem at [email protected].

• Tonight at 6 p.m. the Illinois Media Literacy Coalition is showcasing award-winning videos by Illinois high school students about the importance of understanding media. The online event is part of a TikTok Challenge launched by the current Miss Illinois.

We ran a story last week about how Chicagoans need to call 311 to schedule special leaf pickups for their yard waste, which shouldn't go in garbage cans.

• But we also noted frequent complaints about the system because sanitation workers often throw those leaves in the garbage truck anyway.

This prompted a letter from Jim in the ultra leafy Beverly neighborhood.

• For years, Jim says he watched his dutifully bagged leaves get tossed in the garbage truck.
• "I quickly learned that using that 311 option is useless. All of my other neighbors will just put yard waste directly into their trash bins. I still separate it and put it into a brown bag, but have stopped calling 311 for pickup."

What's next: Jim says he's learned that the best way to handle leaves in Beverly is to wait for a special "off the books" leaf pickup where a scoop truck arrives instead of the street sweeper.

🍂 If you or friends live in Beverly, have you witnessed this leaf collection? Please reply to this email and let us know. It might be a model for the rest of the city.

Justin Fields capped off the most impressive drive of his short career with a go-ahead fourth quarter touchdown throw to Darnell Mooney, but Chicago's defense ultimately couldn't hold off the Pittsburgh Steelers on Monday Night Football.

• The 29-27 loss was marred by 12 Chicago penalties, including a questionable taunting call late.

Why it matters: The Bears have now lost four in a row after starting the season 3-2.

Play of the game: DeAndre Houston-Carson scooping up a fumble on a punt and returning it 25 yards for a momentum-shifting touchdown in the fourth.

Justin Fields: The quarterback showed flashes, like a beautiful 50-yard bomb to Marquise Goodwin, against a tough Steelers defense. He also threw a terrible interception directly into the hands of a Pittsburgh lineman.

• So it goes with a rookie. Fields finished with 291 passing yards and another 45 yards on the ground.

MVP(s): Despite missing Khalil Mack, the defensive line kept the Bears in this game. The Steelers dominated time of possession but averaged just 3.2 yards per carry.

LVP: Recently acquired wide receiver Jakeem Grant fumbled a kickoff and made several questionable special teams decisions.

What's next: The Bears limp into their bye week needing a hard regroup. They take on the Ravens in Week 11.

🚰 Tens of thousands are struggling to keep up with Chicago water bills. (WBEZ)

🌞 Yesterday's warmth may be the last we see for the year. (Chicago Tonight)

Two Chicago-area friends were among those killed at the Astroworld Festival. (ABC)

🎓 Future Chicago School Board members won't be paid. How will that affect representation? (ChalkBeat Chicago)

A missing Wrigleyville man was found dead in the Chicago River. (Block Club)

Last week, we offered suggestions on locations for the new Chicago casino and asked for yours.

• Sue E.: The casino should be located in the State of IL building. Make it more of a vertical casino/hotel/entertainment configuration. Public transport is already there. Workers and patrons could easily have access.
• Christine S.: What I’m thinking of is a pedestrian-focused casino in the Loop to encourage housing, offices, restaurants and small retail. Think of European cities like Bilbao and Pontevedra in Spain. Even if remote working fizzles out, think of what a place Chicago's Loop could be. It wouldn't take much on the part of the city to do this.

👏 Thanks for the great suggestions! If the city ever turns over the casino decisions to Axios Chicago, we will definitely be prepared with great ideas.