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.
Latest News Stories
Frankfort Approves Over $19 Million in Surplus Fund Transfers for Future Projects
Article Summary: The Frankfort Village Board has approved the transfer of more than $19 million in surplus operating revenues to its capital funds to finance future infrastructure projects, equipment purchases,...
Legislative committees advance CA redistricting legislation
By Dave MasonThe Center Square Legislators, taxpayers and others debated passionately Tuesday for several hours as Democratic-led election committees in the California Assembly and Senate advanced congressional redistricting legislation. The...
California schools protect students from ICE agents
By Esther WickhamThe Center Square California schools are providing resources for students if immigration officials visit their campus. As students get ready to go back to school, Southern California schools...
White House touts D.C. crackdown; no timeline on National Guard deployment
By Sarah Roderick-FitchThe Center Square More than a week after President Donald Trump declared “Liberation Day” in Washington, D.C., his administration is touting the operation as a success as more...
Security clearances of 37 former, current intel professionals revoked
By Sarah Roderick-FitchThe Center Square The security clearances of 37 former and current intelligence professionals have been revoked, citing abuse of intelligence information, the Director of National Intelligence Tulsi Gabbard...
USDA reverses use of taxpayer dollars to fund solar panels on farmland
By Thérèse BoudreauxThe Center Square The U.S. Department of Agriculture will no longer subsidize large-scale solar projects placed on farmland or use solar panels manufactured by foreign adversaries in any...
Governor defends mental health mandate, rejects parental consent plan
By Catrina Barker | The Center Square contributorThe Center Square (The Center Square) – U.S. Rep. Mary Miller, who represents the 15th Congressional district in southeastern Illinois, is reintroducing legislation...
Major U.S. retailer reverses course on tariffs, says prices will go up
By Brett RowlandThe Center Square A major U.S. retailer that previously said tariffs wouldn't increase prices reversed course on Tuesday, with officials saying they expect "modest" price increases for some...
Illinois quick hits: Arlington Heights trustees pass grocery tax
By Jim Talamonti | The Center SquareThe Center Square Arlington Heights trustees pass grocery tax Arlington Heights village trustees have approved a one-percent tax on groceries. Since Gov. J.B. Pritzker...
Plan launched to place redistricting amendment before voters in 2026
By Jim Talamonti | The Center SquareThe Center Square (The Center Square) – Two former U.S. Cabinet members have launched a new effort to stop Illinois politicians from drawing their...
Illinois GOP U.S. Senate candidates point to economy, Trump gains
By Jim Talamonti | The Center SquareThe Center Square (The Center Square) – Economic issues are front and center for Republican U.S. Senate candidates in Illinois. Former Illinois GOP Chairman...
Executive Committee Details Spending of $134 Million in Pandemic Relief Funds
Article Summary: Will County has expended 61% of its $134 million in federal American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) funds, with significant investments made in infrastructure, health, and economic development. Officials...
Lawmaker criticizes $500 student board scholarships amid lowered K‑12 standards
By Catrina Barker | The Center Square contributorThe Center Square (The Center Square) – Illinois student leaders serving on state higher education boards will now receive $500-per-semester scholarships under a...
Illinois news in brief: Work begins on $1.5 billion O’Hare expansion; Police catch man accused of road rage, shooting
By Jim Talamonti | The Center SquareThe Center Square Work begins on $1.5 billion O'Hare expansion A new round of construction has begun at O’Hare International Airport in Chicago. Airline...
