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.

Events

No events

Leave a Comment





Latest News Stories

Large Wisconsin data center tax breaks make benefits unclear

Large Wisconsin data center tax breaks make benefits unclear

By Jon StyfThe Center Square When Microsoft announced plans for an additional $4 billion data center in Kenosha County on Thursday morning, it came with comments from Wisconsin Gov. Tony...
Panelists debate costs of energy legislation as Illinoisans struggle to pay bills

Panelists debate costs of energy legislation as Illinoisans struggle to pay bills

By Jim Talamonti | The Center SquareThe Center Square (The Center Square) – Some consumer advocates say battery storage legislation would help reduce energy price spikes, but others say an...
Hearing held after report on tax money funding woke ideology in nonprofit hospitals

Hearing held after report on tax money funding woke ideology in nonprofit hospitals

By Tate MillerThe Center Square Following a “Consumer Warning” report that shows a number of nonprofit hospitals promote DEI, gender ideology, and climate activism, the House Ways & Means Oversight...
Senate rejects both Republican and Democrat govt funding stopgaps, risking a shutdown

Senate rejects both Republican and Democrat govt funding stopgaps, risking a shutdown

By Thérèse BoudreauxThe Center Square The U.S. Senate failed to pass either Democrats’ or Republicans’ government funding proposals Friday to prevent a government shutdown. Senators have now left town for...
Human remains found near Leavenworth believed to be Travis Decker

Human remains found near Leavenworth believed to be Travis Decker

By Carleen JohnsonThe Center Square The Chelan County Sheriff’s Office has announced the discovery of human remains believed to be those of Travis Decker. Decker is accused of kidnapping and...
House passes government funding patch, sending over to Senate

House passes government funding patch, sending over to Senate

By Thérèse BoudreauxThe Center Square Right before recessing for the Rosh Hashanah holiday, U.S. House lawmakers passed Friday a short-term Continuing Resolution to postpone the Sept. 30 government shutdown deadline....
Illinois quick hits: ICE protests in Broadview; Edgar funeral services this weekend

Illinois quick hits: ICE protests in Broadview; Edgar funeral services this weekend

By Jim Talamonti | The Center SquareThe Center Square ICE protests in Broadview Protesters clashed with federal officials Friday morning outside the U.S. Customs and Immigration Enforcement facility in the...
WATCH: Pritzker’s office ‘troubled’ by ‘peacekeeper’ photo; 2 years of cashless bail

WATCH: Pritzker’s office ‘troubled’ by ‘peacekeeper’ photo; 2 years of cashless bail

By Greg Bishop | The Center SquareThe Center Square (The Center Square) – In today's edition of Illinois in Focus Daily, The Center Square Editor Greg Bishop shares the reaction...
Will GOP act on $124B in Medicare insurance fraud?

Will GOP act on $124B in Medicare insurance fraud?

By Chris Dickerson | Legal NewslineThe Center Square Earlier this year, UnitedHealthcare acknowledged it is under federal investigation over accusations is defrauded Medicare Advantage through multiple billions of dollars in...
New Lenox Township.3

New Lenox Food Pantry Sees Summer Demand Rise, Braces for Back-to-School Needs

New Lenox Township Board of Trustees Meeting | August 14, 2025 Article Summary: Usage at the New Lenox Township Food Pantry increased in July, and officials anticipate another surge in...
What a terrorist designation could mean for Antifa

What a terrorist designation could mean for Antifa

By Morgan SweeneyThe Center Square President Donald Trump declared Antifa a terrorist organization on Wednesday, describing them as a “sick, dangerous, radical left disaster;” however, it’s unclear at this time...
WATCH: Report says national student debt is over $1.6 trillion

WATCH: Report says national student debt is over $1.6 trillion

By Esther WickhamThe Center Square The college student loan balance in the United States is $1.66 trillion, according to a WalletHub report. To determine the best and worst states with...
DOJ sues health plan that got almost $3.5 billion from Feds

DOJ sues health plan that got almost $3.5 billion from Feds

By Dave MasonThe Center Square The U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Central District of California is suing a health insurance plan for allegedly violating the public’s trust at taxpayers’ expense....
Bill blocks Federal Reserve members' dual appointments

Bill blocks Federal Reserve members’ dual appointments

By Zachery SchmidtThe Center Square Federal Reserve board members would not be able to hold dual positions appointed by the president if U.S. Sen. Ruben Gallego’s new bill becomes law....
Lawmakers call for changes to cashless bail as Illinois faces federal funding loss

Lawmakers call for changes to cashless bail as Illinois faces federal funding loss

By Jim Talamonti | The Center SquareThe Center Square (The Center Square) – Statehouse Republicans are calling for reform of the Pretrial Fairness Act as Illinois faces the potential loss...