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.
⚠️ Flood Watch issued June 11 at 10:05AM CDT until June 11 at 11:00PM CDT by NWS Chicago IL
Today Jun 10
85° 58°
Showers And Thunderstorms Likely
Latest News Stories
New Lenox 122 Eyes Future Budget Cuts to Offset Full-Day Kindergarten Costs, Approves Quad Plus Tax Abatement
New Lenox School District 122 Meeting | February 17, 2026 Article Summary: District officials presented a five-year financial forecast indicating that rising costs, compounded by the upcoming full-day kindergarten mandate, will...
Minooka Blasts Five Home Runs to Overpower Lincoln-Way Central 12-2
MINOOKA, Ill. — The Minooka varsity softball team put on an absolute power clinic on Friday afternoon, launching five home runs to dismantle visiting Lincoln-Way Central 12-2 in a non-conference...
New Lenox Seeks $2.5 Million State Loan for Water Main Replacements, Sets $1.2 Million in Sureties for Spencer Meadows
New Lenox Village Board of Trustees Meeting | March 23, 2026 Article Summary: The New Lenox Village Board advanced several major infrastructure initiatives, waiving a second reading to apply for...
Board Approves $1.04 Million in New Curriculum for New Lenox District 122
New Lenox School District 122 Meeting | February 17, 2026 Article Summary: The District 122 Board authorized five new curriculum adoptions spanning English Language Arts, Spanish, Health, Social Studies, and Math,...
Meeting Summary and Briefs: New Lenox Community Park District Board of Commissioners for February 18, 2026
New Lenox Community Park District Board of Commissioners Meeting | February 18, 2026 The New Lenox Community Park District Board of Commissioners managed a concise agenda during its regular meeting...
Meeting Summary and Briefs: New Lenox Township Board of Trustees for February 12, 2026
New Lenox Township Board of Trustees Meeting | February 12, 2026 The New Lenox Township Board of Trustees managed a combination of administrative contracts, vendor approvals, and departmental service updates...
Tingley’s Perfect 5-for-5 Day, Shutdown Bullpen Rally Lincoln-Way Central Past Joliet Catholic 13-6
NEW LENOX, Ill. — Facing an early five-run deficit, the Lincoln-Way Central varsity baseball team mounted a spectacular comeback on Wednesday afternoon, scoring 12 unanswered runs to defeat visiting Joliet...
New Lenox Mayor Slams Springfield Affordable Housing Proposal as “Garbage,” Board Passes Opposing Resolution
New Lenox Village Board of Trustees Meeting | March 23, 2026 Article Summary: The New Lenox Village Board unanimously passed Resolution #26-28 supporting municipal housing authority, with Mayor Tim Baldermann...
Frankfort Man Arrested by State Police for Threatening Governor Pritzker
Article Summary: A 71-year-old Frankfort resident is facing felony and misdemeanor charges after Illinois State Police investigators linked him to a series of threatening voicemails left for Governor JB Pritzker....
St. Charles East Blanks Lincoln-Way Central 10-0 Behind Dominant Pitching and Majkszak’s Power
ST. CHARLES, Ill. — The St. Charles East varsity softball team delivered a complete performance on Tuesday afternoon, rolling to a 10-0 non-conference victory over visiting Lincoln-Way Central in a...
Meeting Summary and Briefs: Capital Improvements & IT Committee for March 3, 2026
Capital Improvements & IT Committee Meeting | March 2026 The Will County Capital Improvements and IT Committee met on Tuesday to address the county's physical and digital infrastructure. The meeting...
New Lenox District 122 Approves Full-Day Kindergarten for 2027-2028, Extends Teacher Contract
New Lenox School District 122 Meeting | February 17, 2026 Article Summary: The New Lenox School District 122 Board of Education took major steps toward long-term educational planning, passing a resolution...
New Lenox Park District Set to Launch Massive ADA Audits Across Dozens of Local Parks
New Lenox Community Park District Board of Commissioners Meeting | February 18, 2026 Article Summary:The New Lenox Community Park District is launching a comprehensive accessibility audit, with consultants scheduled to...
New Lenox Township Approves Service Pact with Catholic Charities, Honors Former Trustee Doug Boyd
New Lenox Township Board of Trustees Meeting | February 12, 2026 Article Summary:The New Lenox Township Board of Trustees unanimously approved a formal Service Agreement with Catholic Charities, Diocese of...
