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

ISU's union says it cheaper to negotiate than paying

ISU’s union says it cheaper to negotiate than paying

By Sean Reed | The Center SquareThe Center Square (The Center Square) – Illinois State University support employees have entered their fourth week on strike this week as more state...
Iran conflict, refinery disruption play roles as Illinois gas price passes $4.50.

Iran conflict, refinery disruption play roles as Illinois gas price passes $4.50.

By Jim Talamonti | The Center SquareThe Center Square (The Center Square) – Gas prices have surged in Illinois, and an American Automobile Association spokesperson says several factors are to...
Rates hold steady ahead of Fed chair transition

Rates hold steady ahead of Fed chair transition

By Morgan SweeneyThe Center Square The Federal Reserve wrapped up what could be its last meeting under current Chair Jerome Powell on Wednesday with a decision to hold rates steady,...
Supreme Court skeptical of Syria, Haiti temporary protected status

Supreme Court skeptical of Syria, Haiti temporary protected status

By Andrew RiceThe Center Square The U.S. Supreme Court appeared skeptical of immigrant’s challenges to the Trump administration’s termination of temporary protected status in Haiti and Syria. Justices on the...
Whitmer announces 40 jobs in Adrian; Trump administration claims credit

Whitmer announces 40 jobs in Adrian; Trump administration claims credit

By Elyse ApelThe Center Square An announcement from Michigan Gov. Gretchen Whitmer on Tuesday about a manufacturing expansion in Lenawee County quickly drew a response from the Trump administration over...
EXCLUSIVE: Minnesota sued over social media warning requirement

EXCLUSIVE: Minnesota sued over social media warning requirement

By Elyse ApelThe Center Square An internet trade group filed a lawsuit against Minnesota on Wednesday morning, challenging a new law requiring websites to display warnings about social media use....
Murrill: Seismic decision vindicates congressional redistricting

Murrill: Seismic decision vindicates congressional redistricting

By Nolan Mckendry and Misty CastileThe Center Square Federal courts overstepped when they required the state to draw a second majority-Black congressional district, the U.S. Supreme Court ruled Wednesday in...
Supreme Court limits Voting Rights Act in Louisiana redistricting battle

Supreme Court limits Voting Rights Act in Louisiana redistricting battle

By Nolan MckendryThe Center Square The U.S. Supreme Court struck down Louisiana’s congressional map Wednesday, ruling that the state relied too heavily on race when it created a second majority-Black...
Supreme Court unanimously sides with pregnancy center

Supreme Court unanimously sides with pregnancy center

By Andrew RiceThe Center Square The U.S. Supreme Court, in a unanimous decision, sided with a nonprofit pregnancy center in a federal lawsuit. The case, First Choice Women's Resource Centers...
Supreme Court hears challenges to Haiti, Syria TPS

Supreme Court hears challenges to Haiti, Syria TPS

By Andrew RiceThe Center Square The U.S. Supreme Court is hearing arguments in two cases to determine whether orders ending temporary protected status for Haiti and Syria are constitutional. Justices...
Illinois Quick Hits: Ex-East St. Louis librarian sentenced for fraud, theft

Illinois Quick Hits: Ex-East St. Louis librarian sentenced for fraud, theft

By Jim Talamonti | The Center SquareThe Center Square (The Center Square) – The former director of the East St. Louis public library has been sentenced to 15 months in...
Candidates vie for Georgia's attorney general post

Candidates vie for Georgia’s attorney general post

By Andrew RiceThe Center Square Democrat and Republican candidates running for attorney general in Georgia sparred over various priorities for running the state’s largest law firm in a debate hosted...
Screenshot 2026-04-25 at 8.34.35 AM

Lincoln-Way Central Auxiliary Field to Get $463,875 Artificial Turf Upgrade

Lincoln-Way Community High School District 210 Meeting | April 16, 2026 Article Summary: The Board of Education approved the purchase of artificial turf from FieldTurf USA for $463,875.62, which will...
Beecher Fire Protection District graphic.2

Meeting Summary and Briefs: Manhattan Fire Protection District for March 16, 2026

Manhattan Fire Protection District Meeting | March 16, 2026 The Manhattan Fire Protection District Board of Trustees held its regular meeting on Monday, March 16, 2026, at Fire Station #81....
Gunfire erupts by Seattle Mayor's speech

Gunfire erupts by Seattle Mayor’s speech

By Randy DiamondThe Center Square Gunshots were fired at a Seattle Community Center on Tuesday evening, right next to a park where Mayor Katie Wilson had just announced a new,...