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.
Fri Jun 12
84° 61°
Sunny
Latest News Stories
Meeting Summary and Briefs: Frankfort Public Library District for September 2025
The Frankfort Public Library District Board of Trustees approved its 2025 tax levies and took steps toward future cost savings by authorizing a consultant to explore community solar energy options....
Meeting Summary and Briefs: Frankfort Square Park District for September 2025
Frankfort Square Park District Meeting | September 2025 The Frankfort Square Park District Board of Commissioners took several key financial actions at its September meeting, issuing $136,000 in bonds to...
Frankfort 157-C Hires Firm for Enrollment Study Amid Growth
Frankfort School District 157-C Meeting | September 2025 Article Summary: To prepare for future growth, Frankfort School District 157-C has hired RSP & Associates to conduct a comprehensive enrollment and...
Meeting Summary and Briefs: Joliet Junior College Board of Trustees for October 2025
Joliet Junior College Board of Trustees Meeting | October 15, 2025 The Joliet Junior College Board of Trustees took major steps on two significant, long-term projects during its October 15...
Meeting Summary and Briefs: Frankfort Village Board for November 3, 2025
Frankfort Village Board Meeting | November 3, 2025 The Frankfort Village Board on Monday, November 3, 2025, voted to deny special use permits that would have allowed two McDonald's locations...
Will County Saves Nearly $5.74 Million in Bond Refinancing, Explores Future Borrowing Options
Will County Capital Improvements & IT Committee Meeting | November 4, 2025 Article Summary: The Will County Board’s Capital Improvements & IT Committee learned that the county has successfully saved nearly...
Will County Board Advances New Speed Limits in Green Garden and Frankfort Townships
Will County Public Works & Transportation Committee Meeting | November 2025 Article Summary: The Will County Board approved new speed limits for a section of Stuenkel Road in Green Garden...
New Lenox Garage Variance Denied After Neighbor Cites ‘Massive’ Scale and Neighborhood Impact
Will County Planning and Zoning Commission Meeting | November 4, 2025 Article Summary: The Will County Planning and Zoning Commission unanimously denied a New Lenox Township homeowner's request for a variance...
Frankfort Fire Board Discusses Process for Selecting New Chief
Article Summary: The Frankfort Fire Protection District Board of Trustees convened a special meeting to discuss the interview and assessment protocols for selecting a permanent Fire Chief. No formal action...
JJC Celebrates “Future Wolves” Partnerships with Joliet and Troy School Districts
Joliet Junior College Board of Trustees Meeting | October 15, 2025 Article SummaryJoliet Junior College celebrated its "Future Wolves" initiative by issuing proclamations honoring its inaugural partnerships with Joliet Public...
Frankfort Fire District Sees Strong Interest for New Hire and Lieutenant Positions
Frankfort Fire Protection District Meeting | September 2025 Article Summary: The Frankfort Fire Protection District is experiencing a surge in interest for both entry-level and promotional positions, receiving 13 applications...
Frankfort Library Updates Meeting Room Policy, Restricting Use to In-District Groups
Frankfort Public Library District Meeting | September 2025 Article Summary: The Frankfort Public Library will restrict meeting room reservations to entities located within the library district starting in 2026. The...
New School Board Member Attends Park Meeting to Strengthen Partnership
Frankfort Square Park District Meeting | September 2025 Article Summary: In a demonstration of intergovernmental cooperation, a new member of the Summit Hill School District 161 Board of Education attended...
State Veto Session Passes Energy Bill Limiting County Zoning, Approves Toll Hike for Mass Transit
Meeting Summary and Briefs: Will County Legislative Committee for November 4, 2025 Article Summary: A state lobbyist reported to Will County that the Illinois General Assembly passed a major energy bill...
