Illinois quick hits: Anti-SLAPP bill signed; Chicago schools settles meditation case
August 21, 2025/
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.
Today Jun 6
85° 70°
Chance Showers And Thunderstorms
Latest News Stories
Meeting Summary and Briefs: Frankfort Park District Board of Commissioners for April 14, 2026
Frankfort Park District Board of Commissioners Meeting | April 14, 2026 Overall Meeting Summary: The Frankfort Park District Board of Commissioners met Tuesday, April 14, 2026, at the Founders Community...
Meta to ask appeals court to end biometrics suit over Messenger filters
By Scott Holland | Legal NewslineThe Center Square A Southern Illinois federal judge will allow Meta to ask a federal appeals panel if its Facebook Messenger program can be subject...
Paxton pushes Cornyn out of longtime U.S. Senate seat
By Bethany BlankleyThe Center Square Texas Attorney General Ken Paxton on Tuesday ousted four-term incumbent U.S. Sen. John Cornyn during a night of major upsets and a race that got...
Costco says no refunds owed to customers for tariff price hikes
By Jonathan Bilyk | Legal NewslineThe Center Square CHICAGO — Warehouse club retail giant Costco says it doesn't owe its customers any refunds for higher prices they paid when Costco...
Dems decide against joining fraud roundtable at White House
By Chris WoodwardThe Center Square Democratic attorneys general decided against attending a Tuesday roundtable at the White House to discuss fraud in welfare, including Medicaid. Speaking to reporters during a...
VA launches MDMA trial years in the making for veterans
By Brett RowlandThe Center Square The U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs on Tuesday launched a clinical trial testing MDMA-assisted therapy for veterans with post-traumatic stress disorder and alcohol use disorder,...
AI safety regulations advance in Springfield, despite industry concern
By Sean Reed | The Center SquareThe Center Square (The Center Square) – A push to regulate artificial intelligence products in Illinois has taken a major step toward becoming law....
EXCLUSIVE: U.S. Border Patrol chief retires after historic drop in illegal border crossings
By Bethany BlankleyThe Center Square Mike Banks, who was the first U.S. Border Patrol chief during President Donald Trump’s second term, has reentered retirement after helping bring illegal border crossings...
White House urges state AGs to target, punish Medicaid fraudsters
By Thérèse BoudreauxThe Center Square White House officials urged a group of state attorneys general to partner with the Trump administration to combat fraud in welfare programs and hold fraudsters...
NASA unveils $1B moon base push amid cost questions
By Brett RowlandThe Center Square NASA unveiled nearly $1 billion in new moon base contracts Tuesday as its top official called for less reliance on taxpayer funding and a faster...
Drug-discount program likely to expand in Illinois, despite lax oversight
By Sean Reed | The Center SquareThe Center Square (The Center Square) – An initiative to expand a federal program that provides drug discounts to hospitals and clinics in Illinois...
Analyst warns Bears megaproject bill could raise taxes
By Jim Talamonti | The Center SquareThe Center Square (The Center Square) – A tax policy analyst says he is glad the Cook County Treasurer’s Office issued a report on...
Chicago proposes funding tax rebates with salaries from vacant city jobs
By Jim Talamonti | The Center SquareThe Center Square (The Center Square) – Five Chicago aldermen have proposed new property tax rebates to be funded by salaries for vacant city...
Ceasefire remains in effect as U.S., Iran exchange fire
By Sarah Roderick-FitchThe Center Square The ceasefire between the U.S. and Iran remains in effect despite strikes against the Islamic Republic and the country’s supreme leader renewing threats against the...
Illinois news in brief: Prosecutors charge man with using care in attempt to kill cops; Military higher education bill goes to governor; Burrito chain closes locations in Chicago area
By Jim Talamonti | The Center SquareThe Center Square Prosecutors charge man with using care in attempt to kill cops Prosecutors charged a Plainfield teen with attempted murder, aggravated battery...