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.
⚠️ Flood Watch issued June 17 at 2:20AM CDT until June 17 at 9:00PM CDT by NWS Chicago IL
Today Jun 16
72° 59°
Showers And Thunderstorms
Latest News Stories
Manhattan Firefighters Extinguish Chimney Fire on South Egyptian Trail
Article Summary: A chimney fire that extended into the roof of a single-story home in a rural area of Manhattan was quickly brought under control Sunday morning, with no injuries reported...
One Dead, Two Hospitalized Following Overnight Shooting at Crete Family Party
Article Summary: One person was killed and two others were injured early Sunday morning after an isolated, domestic-related shooting erupted during a large family gathering in Crete. Crete Shooting Key Points:...
Frankfort Man Arrested by State Police for Threatening Governor Pritzker
Article Summary: A 71-year-old Frankfort resident is facing felony and misdemeanor charges after Illinois State Police investigators linked him to a series of threatening voicemails left for Governor JB Pritzker....
Meeting Summary and Briefs: Capital Improvements & IT Committee for March 3, 2026
Capital Improvements & IT Committee Meeting | March 2026 The Will County Capital Improvements and IT Committee met on Tuesday to address the county's physical and digital infrastructure. The meeting...
Meeting Summary and Briefs: Frankfort Village Board for March 16, 2026
Frankfort Village Board Meeting | March 16, 2026 The Frankfort Village Board met on Monday, March 16, 2026, with Trustee Adam Borrelli presiding as Mayor Pro-Tempore in the absence of...
Updated: St. John Woman Charged with Nine Counts of Murder in Crete Township Triple Homicide
Article Summary: Jenna Strouble, 30, of St. John, Indiana, has been charged with nine counts of first-degree murder following the shooting deaths of her former partner, Jacob Lambert, and his...
Will County Previews ‘GuideWill’ Comprehensive Resource Management Plan
Will County Land Use & Development Committee Meeting | March 2026 Article Summary: Will County's Land Use Department unveiled the branding, interactive tools, and initial timeline for its updated Resource Management...
Will County Targets May Draft for Comprehensive Artificial Intelligence Policy
Capital Improvements & IT Committee Meeting | March 2026 Article Summary:Will County is moving closer to adopting a formal Artificial Intelligence policy, with IT staff planning to deliver a comprehensive...
Frankfort Approves $150,777 Contract for Detached Storage Garage at 2 Smith Street
Frankfort Village Board Meeting | March 16, 2026 Article Summary: The Village Board awarded a bid to Algat Enterprises Group Co. Inc. to construct a new detached garage in downtown...
P&Z Commission Approves Side Yard Setback Variance for Joliet Detached Garage
Will County Planning and Zoning Commission Meeting | March 3, 2026 Article Summary: The Will County Planning and Zoning Commission approved a variance to reduce a side yard setback on...
Executive Committee Advances Sweeping Overhaul of Will County Business Regulations
Will County Executive Committee Meeting | March 12, 2026 Article Summary: Will County is poised to modernize its business regulations following the Executive Committee's unanimous approval of a massive ordinance overhaul....
Will County Closes Out $16.2 Million Federal Rental Assistance Program, Transitions to Local Funding
Will County Finance Committee Meeting | March 3, 2026 Article Summary: Will County has officially closed out its massive federal Emergency Rental Assistance program after distributing millions to keep nearly 2,000...
Meeting Summary and Briefs: Will County Planning and Zoning Commission for March 3, 2026
Will County Planning and Zoning Commission Meeting | March 3, 2026 Overall Meeting SummaryThe Will County Planning and Zoning Commission convened on Tuesday, March 3, 2026, to review a series...
Will County Leaders Debate New Construction to Escape $1.2 Million in Leases
Capital Improvements & IT Committee Meeting | March 2026 Article Summary: The Will County Capital Improvements and IT Committee is aggressively exploring options to consolidate county offices and exit leased...
Opioid Settlement Grants Funnel Nearly $600,000 to Local Police and Community Programs
Will County Finance Committee Meeting | March 3, 2026 Article Summary: Will County is distributing a significant portion of its opioid settlement funds to hyper-local agencies, including the Peotone and Manhattan...