Illinois quick hits: Anti-SLAPP bill signed; Chicago schools settles meditation case

Illinois quick hits: Anti-SLAPP bill signed; Chicago schools settles meditation case

Spread the love

Anti-SLAPP bill signed

Gov. J.B. Pritzker has signed legislation to protect news media from strategic lawsuits against public participation (SLAPP).

The governor said Senate Bill 1181 will ensure that the press won’t have to fear retaliation for telling the truth.

The measure takes effect immediately.

Chicago schools settles meditation case

A court-approved settlement of over $2.6 million is now being paid to 207 former Chicago Public School high school students who were required to participate in a transcendental meditation program during class.

Plaintiffs’ attorneys say the students’ rights were disregarded by the Chicago Board of Education, and students were coerced to practice a worldview that was in conflict with their faith.

Du Quoin State Fair begins

Friday is Day One and Family Night at the Du Quoin State Fair.

Now in its 102nd year, the fair features music, livestock shows, auto and harness racing, rodeos and agricultural exhibits.

The Du Quoin State Fair runs from Aug. 22 through Sept. 1.

Leave a Comment





Latest News Stories

frankfort township graphic.2

New Equipment Streamlines Frankfort Township Leaf Collection

Frankfort Township Board Meeting | Nov. 17, 2025 Article Summary: Highway Commissioner Bill Carlson reported that a new leaf-vacuum truck has significantly improved efficiency, allowing a single driver to do...
Screenshot 2025-12-20 at 12.27.21 PM

Lincoln-Way Officials Warn of $400,000 State Funding Shortfall

Lincoln-Way Community High School District 210 Meeting | December 18, 2025 Article Summary: Assistant Superintendent Michael Duback informed the Board of Education of a significant reduction in state funding due...
Frankfort Lobrary Graphic

Trustees Update Donation Policy; Motion to Retire Race Policy Fails

Frankfort Public Library District Board Meeting | Nov. 20, 2025 Article Summary:The Board of Trustees approved revisions to the library's Donation Policy to address sponsorships and in-kind gifts. A separate...
Will County Board Graphic.02

County Board Approves Women’s Residential Treatment Center in Joliet

Will County Board Meeting | December 18, 2025 Article Summary: The Will County Board unanimously approved zoning changes to allow the Existential Counselor Society to open a women’s residential treatment...
White business owners are biggest share of Illinois' diversity-preferred contract group

White business owners are biggest share of Illinois’ diversity-preferred contract group

By Jared Strong | The Center SquareThe Center Square (The Center Square) – Illinois' initiative to boost the amount of state contract money it awards to businesses owned by racial...
Meeting Briefs

Meeting Summary and Briefs: Frankfort Village Board for December 15, 2025

Frankfort Village Board Meeting | December 15, 2025 The Frankfort Village Board on Monday, Dec. 15, 2025, concluded its 2025 legislative calendar with a series of significant approvals focused on...
summit-hill-junior-high-school-frankfort-161

Summit Hill District 161 Introduces Junior Board Members, Honors Special Educators

Summit Hill School District 161 Meeting | December 17, 2025 Article Summary: The Summit Hill District 161 Board officially seated two new 7th-grade junior board members and presented the monthly...
Meeting Briefs

Meeting Summary and Briefs: Will County Board for December 18, 2025

Will County Board Meeting | December 18, 2025 The Will County Board held its regular meeting on Thursday, December 18, 2025, focusing heavily on land use, transportation infrastructure, and public...
frankfort township graphic

Frankfort Township Board Approves Tax Levies for Township and Highway Department

Frankfort Township Board Meeting | Nov. 17, 2025 Article Summary: The Frankfort Township Board unanimously approved two tax ordinances during their November meeting, establishing the levies for both the general...
frankfort illinois library logo graphic.1

Library Pursues Permit Fee Reduction for Renovation Projects

Frankfort Public Library District Board Meeting | Nov. 20, 2025 Article Summary: The Library Board discussed ongoing and future capital projects, including a request to the Village of Frankfort to...
Screenshot 2025-12-20 at 12.27.17 PM

Lincoln-Way High Schools Maintain Top State Rankings; EL Progress Jumps

Lincoln-Way Community High School District 210 Meeting | December 18, 2025 Article Summary: The 2025 Illinois Report Card data reveals that Lincoln-Way Central and East have maintained "Exemplary" status, while...
Will County Board Graphic.04

Undersheriff Brian Conser Retires After 29 Years of Service

Will County Board Meeting | December 18, 2025 Article Summary: The Will County Board and Sheriff’s Office honored Undersheriff Brian Conser, who is retiring after nearly three decades of service....
Screenshot 2025-12-20 at 12.18.55 PM

Frankfort Swears In New Officer, Congratulates Retiring 26-Year Veteran

Frankfort Village Board Meeting | December 15, 2025 Article Summary: The Frankfort Village Board on Monday, Dec. 15, 2025, celebrated a transition within its police force, swearing in Timothy Hoak...
summit-hill-junior-high-school-frankfort-161

District 161 to Overhaul Food Service with New Management Contract

Summit Hill School District 161 Meeting | December 17, 2025 Article Summary: The Summit Hill School District 161 Board has approved the development of a Request for Proposals (RFP) for...
Will County Board Graphic.04

County Approves Engineering for Peotone Road and Safety Upgrades

Will County Board Meeting | December 18, 2025 Article Summary: The County Board approved a Phase I engineering contract for improvements to Wilmington-Peotone Road and authorized an agreement for license...