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

Screenshot 2025-10-25 at 10.49.15 AM

Frankfort Township Board Objects, but County Commission Recommends Bar with Video Gaming

Will County Planning and Zoning Commission Meeting | October 21, 2025 Article Summary: Despite a formal objection from the Frankfort Township Board, the Will County Planning and Zoning Commission recommended...
Screenshot 2025-10-25 at 10.14.46 AM

Frankfort Board Approves New Dump Truck Purchase, Sale of Surplus Vehicles

Village of Frankfort Board Meeting | October 20, 2025 Article Summary: The Frankfort Village Board authorized the purchase of a new 2026 Ford F-450 dump truck for an amount not...
Screenshot 2025-10-25 at 10.14.28 AM

Frankfort Approves Over $203,000 for Holiday Lighting Contract

Village of Frankfort Board Meeting | October 20, 2025 Article Summary: The Frankfort Village Board awarded a three-year contract for holiday lighting and decorations totaling $203,269 to Wingren Landscape, Inc....
Meeting Briefs

Meeting Summary and Briefs: Summit Hill School District 161 for October 15, 2025

Summit Hill School District 161 | October 15, 2025 The Summit Hill School District 161 Board of Education on Wednesday, October 15, 2025, reviewed highly positive preliminary data from the...
Screenshot 2025-10-25 at 12.42.59 PM

Will County Committee Grapples with $8.9 Million Budget Gap After Contentious 0% Tax Levy Vote

Will County Board Finance Committee Meeting | October 21, 2025 Article Summary: The Will County Board Finance Committee held a contentious debate over how to close an $8.9 million budget shortfall...
Screenshot 2025-10-25 at 12.42.59 PM

Will County Committee Grapples with $8.9 Million Budget Gap After Contentious 0% Tax Levy Vote

Will County Board Finance Committee Meeting | October 21, 2025 Article Summary: The Will County Board Finance Committee held a contentious debate over how to close an $8.9 million budget shortfall...
Screenshot 2025-10-25 at 10.48.48 AM

New Lenox Solar Farm Proposal Advances with Conditions, Following Village and Forest Preserve Input

Will County Planning and Zoning Commission Meeting | October 21, 2025 Article Summary: The Will County Planning and Zoning Commission recommended approval for a 62.7-acre commercial solar energy facility in...
Screenshot 2025-10-25 at 10.14.13 AM

Frankfort Earns Clean Audit, Receives National Finance Award for 35th Consecutive Year

Village of Frankfort Board Meeting | October 20, 2025 Article Summary: The Village of Frankfort has received an unmodified "clean" opinion on its annual audit for the fiscal year ending...
Poll: Young adults not confident in 2026 election fairness

Poll: Young adults not confident in 2026 election fairness

By Andrew RiceThe Center Square Almost half of young adult voters are not confident the 2026 elections will be conducted fairly, according to a new poll. The Center Square’s Voters’...
Narco interdiction at sea isn’t new, CBP, Coast Guard have been doing it for years

Narco interdiction at sea isn’t new, CBP, Coast Guard have been doing it for years

By Bethany BlankleyThe Center Square President Donald Trump is ordering an aircraft carrier strike group head to the Caribbean to assist with drug interdiction at sea. This is after he...
Government shutdown halts visa, permanent resident approvals

Government shutdown halts visa, permanent resident approvals

By Andrew RiceThe Center Square As the federal government shutdown continues with no clear end in sight, federal agencies that process legal immigrant petition documents have been completely halted, leaving...
Frankfort Village Board Meeting Graphic

Frankfort Approves Plan for 43-Home First Phase of Stalled Country Crossing Subdivision

Village of Frankfort Board Meeting | October 20, 2025 Article Summary: The Frankfort Village Board has approved amended annexation agreements and a final plat for the first phase of the...
Ads roll on, money pours in, and SCORE Act waits

Ads roll on, money pours in, and SCORE Act waits

By Alan WootenThe Center Square Seven big games in the Southeastern Conference alone, hundreds of players, all headed toward the billions college football generates in the 21st century. And with...
Primary election filing to begin Monday for Illinois Dem, GOP candidates

Primary election filing to begin Monday for Illinois Dem, GOP candidates

By Jim Talamonti | The Center SquareThe Center Square (The Center Square) – Candidates hoping for a spot on 2026 primary election ballots are expected to line up Monday outside...
Meeting Briefs

Meeting Summary and Briefs: Will County Board for October 16, 2025

Will County Board Regular Meeting | October 16, 2025 The Will County Board took major action on property taxes at its meeting on Thursday, October 16, 2025, narrowly voting to...