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 11
80° 60°
Sunny
Latest News Stories
Meeting Summary and Briefs: Will County Land Use & Development Committee for Dec. 2025
Will County Land Use & Development Committee Meeting | December 2025 Overall Meeting SummaryThe Will County Land Use and Development Committee met on Thursday, Dec. 4, 2025, addressing a range...
Board Committee Approves Rate Hike for Private Pay Residents at Sunny Hill Nursing Home
Will County Board Executive Committee Meeting | December 11, 2025 Article Summary: To address operating deficits and rising costs, the Executive Committee approved a rate increase for private pay residents...
Illinois quick hits: Bovino thanks police; fire assistance grants available
By Jim Talamonti | The Center SquareThe Center Square Bovino thanks police U.S. Customs and Border Protection Commander Gregory Bovino has expressed his appreciation to police officers in Chicago and...
IL House Speaker: ‘not even close’ to school choice legislation
By Jim Talamonti | The Center SquareThe Center Square (The Center Square) – The speaker of the Illinois House says he would put school choice legislation up for a vote...
IL comptroller: Chicago mayor’s policies chase businesses away
By Jim Talamonti | The Center SquareThe Center Square (The Center Square) – Illinois Comptroller Susana Mendoza says Chicago is chasing job creators away with crippling policies. Citadel moved 900...
Menards settles deceptive 11% rebate lawsuit for $4.25M with 10 states
By Jon Styf | The Center SquareThe Center Square (The Center Square) – Wisconsin-based Menards has agreed to pay a combined $4.25 million to settle a lawsuit from 10 states...
Pace Expands I-55 Service and Launches ‘VanGo’ in Joliet
Will County Committee of the Whole Meeting | December 2025 Article Summary: Pace officials highlighted service expansions in Will County, including the recent launch of the "VanGo" reservation-based van service...
Will County Speaker Praises JJC for ‘Heroes’ Scholarship Success
Joliet Junior College Board Meeting | Dec. 10, 2025 Article Summary: Will County Board Speaker Joe VanDuyne addressed the Joliet Junior College Board, commending the institution for its efficient handling...
New Lenox Food Pantry “Inundated” as Demand Spikes
New Lenox Township Meeting | Nov. 13, 2025 Article Summary: New Lenox Township Trustee Barbara Kaupas reported a significant increase in residents seeking assistance from the food pantry in October. Despite...
Meeting Summary and Briefs: New Lenox Village Board of Trustees for Dec. 8, 2025
New Lenox Village Board of Trustees Meeting | Dec. 8, 2025 Overall Meeting SummaryThe New Lenox Village Board of Trustees met on Monday, December 8, 2025, for a regular meeting...
Will County Executive Committee Rejects School Choice Advisory Referendum
Will County Board Executive Committee Meeting | December 11, 2025 Article Summary: The Will County Board Executive Committee voted against advancing a resolution that would have placed an advisory referendum...
‘Welcome Move’: 815 Mulch-It Granted More Time to Relocate in Homer Glen
Will County Land Use & Development Committee Meeting | December 2025 Article Summary: The Will County Land Use and Development Committee granted a second extension to a landscape and lawn...
JJC Trustees Clash Over New Policy Controlling Information Requests
Joliet Junior College Board Meeting | Dec. 10, 2025 Article Summary: The Joliet Junior College Board of Trustees passed a new policy requiring trustee inquiries to be routed through the...
New Lenox Township Trustees Set Preliminary Tax Levies, Abate Bond Debt
New Lenox Township Meeting | Nov. 13, 2025 Article Summary: The New Lenox Township Board of Trustees determined the proposed 2025 tax levies for both the township and the road district....
Meeting Summary and Briefs: Public Works & Transportation Committee for December 2, 2025
Public Works & Transportation Committee Meeting | December 2, 2025 Overall Meeting SummaryThe Will County Board Public Works and Transportation Committee met on December 2, 2025, to address infrastructure contracts,...