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.
Sat Jun 6
83° 68°
Slight Chance Showers And Thunderstorms then Chance Showers And Thunderstorms
Latest News Stories
Construction Progresses on New Manhattan Fire Station, August Completion Anticipated
Manhattan Fire Protection District Meeting | February 17, 2026 Article Summary: The Manhattan Fire Protection District's new fire station is advancing rapidly through its construction phases, with concrete work finished...
Will County Committee Postpones Liquor, Ad-Hoc Committee: Gaming, and Tobacco Ordinance Updates Amid Extensive Revisions
Will County Board Ad-Hoc Ordinance Review Committee Meeting | March 10, 2026 Article Summary: A Will County Board committee paused the advancement of major updates to the county's liquor, video...
Land Use Committee Approves 4.98-Megawatt Solar Facility on Eagle Lake Road Near Peotone
Will County Land Use & Development Committee Meeting | March 5, 2026 Article Summary: Reversing a deadlocked Planning and Zoning Commission, the Will County Land Use and Development Committee unanimously approved...
Will County Advances Nearly $1.5 Million in Right-of-Way and Improvement Agreements for Weber, Gougar, and Laraway Roads
Will County Public Works and Transportation Committee Meeting | March 3, 2026 Article Summary: The Public Works and Transportation Committee authorized a slate of professional services and construction agreements Tuesday to...
Public Works Committee: Approves $1.59 Million Contract for Scheer Road Bridge Replacement in Green Garden Township
Will County Public Works and Transportation Committee Meeting | March 3, 2026 Article Summary: The Will County Public Works and Transportation Committee on Tuesday advanced a nearly $1.6 million contract to...
Will County Board Backs $10 Million State Public Health Grant Increase Amid Funding Cuts
Legislative Committee Meeting | March 2026 Article Summary: The Will County Legislative Committee unanimously approved a resolution supporting a state legislative push to increase the Local Health Protection Grant by $10...
Barn Fire on Whispering Hills Lane Claims Livestock, Draws Extensive Mutual Aid Response
Article Summary: A massive late-night structure fire completely destroyed a 60-by-60-foot wood frame barn on Whispering Hills Lane, resulting in the loss of 15 animals but no human injuries. Firefighters from...
Will County Public Works Committee Shelves License Plate Reader Agreement Amid Bipartisan Privacy Concerns
Will County Public Works and Transportation Committee Meeting | March 3, 2026 Article Summary: The Will County Public Works and Transportation Committee abruptly removed an agreement with the Illinois State Police...
Will County Planning and Zoning Commission Overrides Staff to Approve New Lenox Accessory Building Variance
Will County Planning and Zoning Commission Meeting | March 3, 2026 Article Summary: The Will County Planning and Zoning Commission voted to override a staff recommendation of denial, approving a...
Will County Sheriff’s Office Welcomes Remi, First Electronic Scent Detection Dog
Article Summary: The Will County Sheriff’s Office announced the addition of Remi, a Labrador serving as the department's first Electronic Scent Detection dog. The newly trained K9 will assist investigators...
Will County Transportation Department Announces Open House for Manhattan-Monee Road Expansion
Will County Public Works and Transportation Committee Meeting | March 3, 2026 Article Summary: The Will County Division of Transportation is inviting residents to a public open house on March 19...
Will County Community Mental Health Board Faces $5 Million Shortfall in 2026 Grant Requests
Will County Executive Committee Meeting | March 12, 2026 Article Summary: The Will County Community Mental Health Board has received over $9 million in funding requests for its 2026 grant cycle,...
Meeting Summary and Briefs: Public Health & Safety Committee for March 5, 2026
Public Health & Safety Committee Meeting | March 5, 2026 The Will County Public Health and Safety Committee met on Thursday to address critical infrastructure and wellness updates across the...
Will County Officials Warn of Zoom Court Scam Targeting Defendants for Fraudulent Dismissal Fees
Article Summary: Will County officials have issued an alert regarding a fraudulent scheme where scammers infiltrate courtroom Zoom sessions to extort money from defendants. The perpetrators use private chat features...
Will Land Use Committee Evaluates Multi-Million Dollar Buyout for Flooded Harris Drive Homes
Will County Land Use & Development Committee Meeting | March 5, 2026 Article Summary: The Will County Land Use and Development Committee is exploring a multi-million-dollar buyout program for several homes...