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

WATCH: Amid GOP governor candidates, Dabrowski says he knows how to fix Illinois

By Greg Bishop | The Center SquareThe Center Square (The Center Square) – A Republican candidate for Illinois governor says he has the knowledge of what ails the state and...

WATCH: Supreme Court ruling next year could reshape transgender rights beyond sports

By Carleen JohnsonThe Center Square In seven weeks, the U.S. Supreme Court will hear oral arguments in two cases involving challenges to the constitutionality of laws in Idaho and West...
Federal judge tosses government lawsuits against Comey and James

Federal judge tosses government lawsuits against Comey and James

By Morgan SweeneyThe Center Square A federal judge ruled against the administration twice Monday, throwing out its cases against former FBI Director James Comey and New York Attorney General Letitia...
Duffy, FAA say Thanksgiving holiday air travel should operate smoothly

Duffy, FAA say Thanksgiving holiday air travel should operate smoothly

By Thérèse BoudreauxThe Center Square As the Thanksgiving holiday travel rush begins, Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy is assuring air travelers that they likely will not face the mass delays and...
Bills would end income tax on military's pay and retirement

Bills would end income tax on military’s pay and retirement

By Chris WoodwardThe Center Square U.S. Rep. Abe Hamadeh, R-Arizona, has introduced bills to end the federal income tax on military pay and veterans’ retirement benefits. Hamadeh said he promised...
Mosley: Report arrives at a turning point in gender ‘medical scandal’

Mosley: Report arrives at a turning point in gender ‘medical scandal’

By Alan WootenThe Center Square In a room with a licensed doctor seeing a teenager or preteen and their parents, it is the child with mental health assessment minimized or...
Republican majority in U.S. House wobbles with MTG resignation

Republican majority in U.S. House wobbles with MTG resignation

By Thérèse BoudreauxThe Center Square The early resignation of Rep. Marjorie Taylor Greene, R-Ga., raises the stakes for U.S. House Republicans in the upcoming 2026 midterm elections – a fact...
Report: Michigan wasted millions on deceased Medicaid enrollees

Report: Michigan wasted millions on deceased Medicaid enrollees

By Elyse ApelThe Center Square Michigan made $39.9 million in Medicaid payments to deceased enrollees over a two-year period a decade ago, with a total of $249 million spent across...
Another cause of Thanksgiving/Black Friday stress? Lawsuits

Another cause of Thanksgiving/Black Friday stress? Lawsuits

By John O’Brien | Legal NewslineThe Center Square Though generally seen as a two-day holiday for eating and spending, Thanksgiving and Black Friday also present increased risks for lawsuits alleging...
State law helps Cook County expand immigrant legal defense fund

State law helps Cook County expand immigrant legal defense fund

By Jim Talamonti | The Center SquareThe Center Square (The Center Square) – Legislation from the Illinois General Assembly has opened the door for Cook County to fund immigrants’ legal...
Illinois quick hits: Trump reacts to Chicago violence; Pritzker increases weight limit for certain vehicles

Illinois quick hits: Trump reacts to Chicago violence; Pritzker increases weight limit for certain vehicles

By Jim Talamonti | The Center SquareThe Center Square Trump reacts to Chicago violence Weekend violence in Chicago’s Loop has drawn the attention of President Donald Trump. A teenager was...
WATCH: Chicago violence and no cash bail; Governor candidate Dabrowski profile

WATCH: Chicago violence and no cash bail; Governor candidate Dabrowski profile

By Greg Bishop | The Center SquareThe Center Square (The Center Square) – In today's edition of Illinois in Focus Daily, The Center Square Editor Greg Bishop shares the reaction...
Screenshot 2025-11-21 at 1.05.56 PM

Manhattan Greenlights 41-Lot Butternut Ridge South, Advances Wastewater Plant Expansion

Manhattan Village Board Meeting | November 18, 2025 Article Summary:The Manhattan Village Board approved two major infrastructure projects, giving final plat approval for the 41-lot Butternut Ridge South subdivision and...
solar panels photovoltaics in solar farm

New Lenox to Host Large Pollinator-Friendly Solar Farm

Will County Board Meeting | November 2025 Article Summary: The Will County Board unanimously approved a special use permit for a commercial solar energy facility spanning approximately 63 acres in...
joliet junior college logo

JJC Receives Clean Audit, Reports $21.6 Million Increase in Net Position

Joliet Junior College Meeting | November 12, 2025 Article Summary:Joliet Junior College received a "clean unmodified audit opinion" for the fiscal year ending June 30, 2025, the highest level of...