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

August 21, 2025/

Spread the love

By Jim Talamonti | The Center Square
The Center Square

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.

Latest News Stories

New Lenox’s Crossroads Sports Complex Opens to Rave Reviews, On Time and Under Budget

NEW LENOX – The newly opened Crossroads Sports Complex is already proving to be a resounding success, according to a report delivered at the New Lenox Village Board meeting on...

New Lenox Waives Over $13,000 in Permit Fees for Park District, Church Projects

NEW LENOX – The New Lenox Village Board unanimously approved waiving more than $13,000 in permit and plan review fees for two significant community projects during its meeting on Monday....

New Lenox Approves Site Plan for MBPRO Truck Repair on Moni Drive

NEW LENOX – The Village Board on Monday approved site modifications for a new truck repair business, MBPRO Services, set to open at 21660 South Moni Drive. The board unanimously...

Meeting Summary: New Lenox Board of Trustees for July 14, 2025

The New Lenox Village Board of Trustees met Monday to approve site plans for a new business, waive fees for community projects, and hear a glowing report on the new...

Meeting Summary and Briefs: Frankfort Fire Protection District Board of Trustees for June 10, 2025

The Frankfort Fire Protection District Board of Trustees held a special meeting on June 10 to address two major financial items: the fiscal year budget and a new contract with...

Frankfort Fire District Projects $350,000 Surplus, But Faces Capital Crunch for New Engine

Article Summary: The Frankfort Fire Protection District is on track to end the fiscal year with a $350,000 operating surplus, but officials warn that purchasing a much-needed new fire engine...

Frankfort Fire Trustees Approve New Collective Bargaining Agreement with Firefighters Union

Article Summary: Following a closed-door session, the Frankfort Fire Protection District Board of Trustees unanimously approved a new collective bargaining agreement with Local 4338, which represents the district's firefighters. The...

Crete Township Wins Approval for New Digital Sign at Community Center

Crete Township received approval from the Will County Planning and Zoning Commission on Tuesday for a new digital sign at its community center, a project that required a special use...

Will County Planners OK Oversized Garage Near Naperville, Overriding Staff Recommendation

The Will County Planning and Zoning Commission on Tuesday approved variances for a new oversized accessory garage in Wheatland Township, siding with a homeowner and builder over a staff recommendation...

Green Garden Landscaping Business Gains Permit Amid Strong Neighbor Support

A small landscaping and lawn maintenance business operating on a residential property in Green Garden Township received official approval Tuesday after neighbors voiced overwhelming support for the operation. The Will...

Meeting Briefs: Will County Planning and Zoning Commission for July 15, 2025

Frankfort Shed Relocation Approved: A homeowner on West Harvest Drive in Frankfort Township received a variance to reduce an east side-yard setback from 10 to 4 feet. The variance, sought by...

Frankfort Approves ‘Whisk & Flame’ Culinary Studio, Slashes Parking Requirement for Downtown Property

An experiential culinary studio named Whisk & Flame is set to open in downtown Frankfort after the Village Board approved a series of special use permits and a significant parking...

Frankfort Village Board Adopts $59.4 Million Appropriation for Fiscal Year 2026

The Frankfort Village Board has formally set its maximum legal spending limit for the upcoming fiscal year, adopting a $59,366,900 appropriation ordinance for fiscal year 2026. The measure was passed...

Frankfort Establishes New Zoning Rules to Attract Data Centers

The Village of Frankfort has amended its zoning ordinance to create a specific use category for data centers, a move designed to regulate and attract high-tech development. The Village Board...

Currie Motors Expansion Gets Approval with Site Modifications

Currie Motors on Lincoln Highway received approval from the Frankfort Village Board on Monday for a major change to its site plan, allowing for the construction of seven new parking...

« Previous
1
…
43
44
45
46
47
…
55
Next »

FRANKFORT LOCAL