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

New-Lenox-Village-Board.1

New Lenox’s Crossroads Sports Complex Opens to Rave Reviews, On Time and Under Budget

NEW LENOX – The newly opened Crossroads Sports Complex is already proving to be a resounding success, according to a report delivered at the New Lenox Village Board meeting on...
New-Lenox-Village-Board.4

New Lenox Waives Over $13,000 in Permit Fees for Park District, Church Projects

NEW LENOX – The New Lenox Village Board unanimously approved waiving more than $13,000 in permit and plan review fees for two significant community projects during its meeting on Monday....
New-Lenox-Police.3

New Lenox Approves Site Plan for MBPRO Truck Repair on Moni Drive

NEW LENOX – The Village Board on Monday approved site modifications for a new truck repair business, MBPRO Services, set to open at 21660 South Moni Drive. The board unanimously...
Meeting Briefs

Meeting Summary: New Lenox Board of Trustees for July 14, 2025

The New Lenox Village Board of Trustees met Monday to approve site plans for a new business, waive fees for community projects, and hear a glowing report on the new...
Manhattan Township

Manhattan Township, Road District Approve Budgets Totaling Over $3.1 Million

Manhattan Township Meeting | June 2025 Article Summary: The Manhattan Township Board unanimously approved separate budgets for the township and the road district for the 2025-2026 fiscal year, appropriating over $3.1...
Police Crime

Manhattan Police Report

Disclaimer: Charges against each defendant are merely an accusation, with all defendants presumed innocent unless proven guilty in a court of law. On July 16th, officers were in the...
Meeting Briefs

Meeting Summary and Briefs: Manhattan Fire Protection District Board of Trustees for June 16, 2025

The Manhattan Fire Protection District Board of Trustees learned that plans for a new fire station are on hold after construction bids came in over budget. Fire Chief Steve Malone...
manhattan fire district graphic logo.2

Fire District Eyes Partnership with Villages for Enhanced Safety Inspections

Article Summary: The Manhattan Fire Protection District is exploring a potential intergovernmental agreement with local villages to streamline and improve fire prevention and code enforcement efforts. The collaboration would see...
Peotone fire district graphic logo.1

Manhattan Fire District Plans Major Staff Expansion, Promotions in Early 2026

Article Summary: The Manhattan Fire Protection District is planning a significant expansion of its force, with plans to hire three new full-time firefighters and promote nine current members early next...
MH VB 7.15.25

Manhattan Secures Irish Fest for Four More Years with Financial Support

The Manhattan Irish Fest, a staple event that has drawn crowds to the village for over 30 years, is officially set to continue its run for another four years. The...
WCO-PZ-July-15

Crete Township Wins Approval for New Digital Sign at Community Center

Crete Township received approval from the Will County Planning and Zoning Commission on Tuesday for a new digital sign at its community center, a project that required a special use...
MH VB 7.15.25

Manhattan to Begin Paying Emergency Management Volunteers in ‘Long Overdue’ Move

Members of Manhattan’s Emergency Management Agency (EMA), who have served for years as unpaid volunteers, will now receive financial compensation for their service. The Village Board on Tuesday unanimously approved...
WCO-PZ-July-15

Will County Planners OK Oversized Garage Near Naperville, Overriding Staff Recommendation

The Will County Planning and Zoning Commission on Tuesday approved variances for a new oversized accessory garage in Wheatland Township, siding with a homeowner and builder over a staff recommendation...
MH VB 7.15.25

Manhattan Approves 14 New Homes, Bike Path Completion in Whitefeather Subdivision

The Whitefeather subdivision is set for further expansion after the Manhattan Village Board approved the final plat for a new 14-home unit on Tuesday. The approval allows developer McDonnell Development...
WCO-PZ-July-15

Green Garden Landscaping Business Gains Permit Amid Strong Neighbor Support

A small landscaping and lawn maintenance business operating on a residential property in Green Garden Township received official approval Tuesday after neighbors voiced overwhelming support for the operation. The Will...