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.
Today Jun 4
82° 69°
Showers And Thunderstorms
Latest News Stories
Lincoln-Way 210 to Launch District Literacy Plan, Expands Community Partnerships
Article Summary: As part of its strategic plan, Lincoln-Way High School District 210 is developing a comprehensive literacy plan to embed critical thinking skills across the curriculum. The district is also...
Meeting Summary and Briefs: Manhattan School District 114 Board of Education for September 17, 2025
The Manhattan School District 114 Board of Education heard emotional testimony from parents regarding serious transportation safety and timeliness issues at its Wednesday meeting. The board also formally approved the...
Jackson Township Refers Manure-to-Gas Plant Proposal to Planning Commission
Article Summary: Representatives for a company named Elwood81, LLC, presented a proposal for an anaerobic digestion facility to the Jackson Township Board. Following the presentation, the board directed the company...
County Board Abates Over $25 Million in Property Taxes for Bond Payments
Article Summary: Will County property taxpayers will be spared over $25 million in taxes for the 2026 payment year after the County Board voted to abate taxes for six separate...
School Board Approves ‘Board Book Premier’ for Paperless Meetings
Article Summary: The Manhattan School District 114 will transition to a digital platform for its board meetings, selecting Board Book Premier to improve public access to documents and create a...
Lincoln-Way 210 Prepares for “Retirement Wave” with Focus on Recruitment
Article Summary: Lincoln-Way High School District 210 is bracing for a significant number of retirements, with 47 teachers expected to leave over the next four years, representing nearly a quarter of...
District 114 to Overhaul Policy Updates with New ‘Press Plus’ Service
Article Summary: Manhattan School District 114 is moving forward with Press Plus, a service from the Illinois Association of School Boards designed to streamline and modernize the updating of its...
Lincoln-Way Board Weighs Community Solar Program Promising $155,000 in Annual Savings
Article Summary: The Lincoln-Way District 210 board is considering a 20-year agreement to participate in a state-sponsored community solar program that could save the district an estimated $155,000 annually on electricity...
Will County Reverses Zoning on Peotone Farmland to Facilitate 10-Acre Sale
Article Summary: The Will County Board unanimously approved a request to rezone a 10.08-acre portion of a property in Will Township back to agricultural use, reversing a 2023 zoning change....
Meeting Summary and Briefs: Joliet Junior College Board of Trustees for September 10, 2025
Joliet Junior College Board of Trustees Meeting | September 2025 The Joliet Junior College (JJC) Board of Trustees approved a landmark agreement with the City of Joliet to explore a...
Manhattan Park Board Hires New Architect for Round Barn Buildout, Secures Annexation for Future Banquet Hall
Article Summary: The Manhattan Park Board advanced its plans for the historic Round Barn Farm on Thursday, August 14, 2025, by hiring a new design firm for a partial interior...
Lincoln-Way 210 Board Approves $172.7 Million Budget with Planned Deficit for Bus Purchases
Article Summary: The Lincoln-Way Community High School District 210 Board of Education approved the Fiscal Year 2026 budget, which includes a planned operating deficit of $814,000 to accommodate the purchase of...
Manhattan School District 114 Approves $41.5 Million Budget for FY26
Article Summary: The Manhattan School District 114 Board of Education unanimously approved a fiscal year 2026 budget with $41.5 million in expenditures, a figure significantly influenced by the final costs...
Manhattan Fire District Advances New Station with $8.75M Bond Hearing, Approves Contracts with $194,000 Savings
Article Summary: The Manhattan Fire Protection District is moving forward with plans for a new Station 81 after holding a public hearing for an $8.75 million bond sale and approving...
Will County to Pay Enbridge $82,000 to Relocate Pipeline Equipment for Exchange Street Improvements
Article Summary: Will County will reimburse Enbridge Energy for costs associated with relocating its pipeline facilities to make way for roadway improvements on Exchange Street in the Monee and Crete...