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

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.

Leave a Comment





Latest News Stories

Frankfort-Village-Board-Meeting-Graphic

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...
Frankfort-Village-Board-Meeting-Graphic

Frankfort Approves $134,531 Maintenance Contract for Wastewater Plant Filters

The Frankfort Village Board has approved a $134,531.17 agreement with Veolia Water Technologies, Inc. for critical preventative maintenance at the Regional Wastewater Treatment Plant. The contract is for the complete...
Frankfort-Village-Board-Meeting-Graphic

Meeting Briefs: Frankfort Village Board for July 14, 2025

'Whisk & Flame' Culinary Studio Approved: The board approved "Whisk & Flame," an experiential culinary studio, for 10-12 Elwood Street. The project includes four special use permits for entertainment, liquor sales,...
WCO-Exec-Cmte-July-10.1

County Approves School Resource Officer, Multi-Year Planning Requirements

Will County approved hiring an additional sheriff's deputy for a school resource officer position that will be fully funded by Summit Hill School District 161, while also passing new transparency...
WCO-Exec-Cmte-July-10.2

County Addresses Senior Tax Exemption Processing Error

A processing error that cost County Board member Julie Berkowicz $600 in senior tax exemptions has prompted discussions about improving verification systems for property tax breaks. Will County Chief Assessment...
Meeting Briefs

Executive Committee Meeting July 10 Meeting Briefs

Liquor License Expansion: The county approved increasing Class C1 liquor licenses from eight to nine to accommodate Lockport Gas and Food LLC at 14747 W. 159th Street in Homer Glen....
frankfort-park-district

Meeting Briefs: Frankfort Park District Board for June 10, 2025

The Frankfort Park District Board of Commissioners discussed a legal dispute with the Five Oaks homeowners association over park development rules at its Tuesday meeting. Executive Director Gina Hassett reported...
MH 114 SB July 9, 2025

Manhattan 114 Explores Fifth-Grade Athletics as New Superintendent Lays Out Vision

In his first official report to the Board of Education, new Manhattan School District 114 Superintendent Dr. Damien Aherne outlined his initial priorities and introduced a significant proposal to expand...
MH 114 SB July 9, 2025

Manhattan 114 Board Hires New Teachers, Accepts Staff Resignations

The Manhattan School District 114 Board of Education approved the hiring of four certified teachers and three non-certified staff members for the upcoming school year during its meeting on July...
MH 114 SB July 9, 2025

District 114 Approves Federal Plan as Construction Nears Finish Line

The Manhattan School District 114 Board of Education took a key step in securing federal funding for the next fiscal year and received positive updates on the final stages of...
Meeting Briefs

Meeting Briefs: Manhattan School District 114 for July 9, 2025

Junior High Announces Mascot Debut, Community Events: Manhattan Junior High School is preparing to introduce its new mascot, “Demo,” at the PTO’s Back to School Bash on August 15 from 5:00...
Will-County-Land-Use-July-3.1

Committee Rejects Troy Township Solar Projects Amid Strong Local Opposition

The Will County Land Use and Development Committee recommended denial for two controversial commercial solar energy projects in Troy Township on Thursday, following a wave of opposition from local municipalities,...
Will-County-Land-Use-July3.2

Controversial DuPage Township Rezoning for Outdoor Storage Advances

A contentious proposal to rezone a 20-acre parcel in DuPage Township from agricultural (A-1) to heavy industrial (I-3) for an outdoor vehicle storage facility narrowly passed the Will County Land...
Will-County-Land-Use-July3.2

Residents Allege Health Crises, Violations from Peotone Grain Facility

Two residents of unincorporated Peotone delivered emotional testimony to the Will County Land Use and Development Committee Thursday, alleging that a neighboring grain facility is causing severe health problems and...
Will-County-Public-Health-Safety-Committee-Meeting-July-3-2025

Health Department May Seek Property Tax Increase to Maintain Critical Services

The Will County Health Department is grappling with significant budget shortfalls as multiple federal grants have been terminated or reduced, potentially forcing the agency to seek additional property tax revenue...