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

Illinois Quick Hits: Google settlement wins praise from Illinois AG

Illinois Quick Hits: Google settlement wins praise from Illinois AG

By Jim Talamonti | The Center SquareThe Center Square (The Center Square) – Illinois Attorney General Kwame Raoul says he is pleased that a federal court stated it will approve...
Illinois diversity commission says businesses aren't cooperating

Illinois diversity commission says businesses aren’t cooperating

By Jared Strong | The Center SquareThe Center Square (The Center Square) -- Illinois has failed to broaden access to state contract money for businesses owned by racial minorities, women...
U.S. House, Senate, governor on Ohio primary ballots Tuesday

U.S. House, Senate, governor on Ohio primary ballots Tuesday

By Andrew RiceThe Center Square Voters in Ohio will head to polls on Tuesday to select their respective party nominees after the state legislature conducted a mid-decade redistricting effort to...

Lincoln-Way Updates Student Handbook, Bans “Smart Glasses” to Combat AI Cheating

Lincoln-Way Community High School District 210 Meeting | April 16, 2026 Article Summary: The Lincoln-Way Board of Education approved updates to the 2026-2027 student handbook, notably adding "smart glasses" to the...
Will County Board Graphic.03

Will County Board Approves Tax Abatement Intent for “Project North Winds” Manufacturing Facility

Will County Board Meeting | April 16, 2026 Article Summary: The Will County Board signaled its intent to offer a 50% property tax abatement to "Project North Winds," a proposed...
Illinois lawmaker warns medical records bill could delay care

Illinois lawmaker warns medical records bill could delay care

By Catrina Barker | The Center Square contributorThe Center Square (The Center Square) – State lawmakers are clashing over an Illinois proposal that would restrict how certain sensitive medical information...
‘Farm Bill’ may ease cost burden for farmers; Ag groups urge US Senate action

‘Farm Bill’ may ease cost burden for farmers; Ag groups urge US Senate action

By Sean Reed | The Center SquareThe Center Square (The Center Square) – Many farm-focused organizations say they support a GOP-led legislative package on agriculture that narrowly passed through the...
Professor: Surging gas prices will have long-term effects

Professor: Surging gas prices will have long-term effects

By Jim Talamonti | The Center SquareThe Center Square (The Center Square) – A University of Chicago professor says the effects of high gas prices will ripple through the economy...
Illinois Quick Hits: DHS says ICE captures child sex abuser released by Illinois DOC

Illinois Quick Hits: DHS says ICE captures child sex abuser released by Illinois DOC

By Jim Talamonti | The Center SquareThe Center Square (The Center Square) – The U.S. Department of Homeland Security says U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement officers have arrested a Guatemalan...
Durbin calls probe ‘sham’; state lawmaker backs transparency

Durbin calls probe ‘sham’; state lawmaker backs transparency

By Catrina Barker | The Center Square contributorThe Center Square (The Center Square) – An Illinois state lawmaker is voicing strong support for a federal investigation into dozens of school...
Independent tax tribunal faces elimination by Pritzker budget proposal

Independent tax tribunal faces elimination by Pritzker budget proposal

By Jim Talamonti | The Center SquareThe Center Square (The Center Square) – The chief judge of the Illinois Independent Tax Tribunal says it will be bad for taxpayers if...
Illinois Quick Hits: Civic federation funds 'persistent structural imbalance' in Illinois

Illinois Quick Hits: Civic federation funds ‘persistent structural imbalance’ in Illinois

By Jim Talamonti | The Center SquareThe Center Square (The Center Square) – A new Civic Federation report has identified a persistent structural imbalance in the Illinois budget, with expenditures...
Screenshot 2026-04-25 at 8.34.35 AM

Lincoln-Way Schools Join “WillBeReady” Mutual Aid Network for Disaster Response

Lincoln-Way Community High School District 210 Meeting | April 16, 2026 Article Summary: The Lincoln-Way Board of Education approved a Memorandum of Understanding to join the "WillBeReady" Mutual Aid Network,...
Will County Board Graphic.01

Millions Approved for Will County Highway and Road Infrastructure Projects

Will County Board Meeting | April 16, 2026 Article Summary: The Will County Board authorized nearly $4.3 million in road improvement contracts, targeting key corridors including Francis Road, Renwick Road,...
Illinoisans may soon need registration, title, license to use e-bikes, scooters

Illinoisans may soon need registration, title, license to use e-bikes, scooters

By Sean Reed | The Center SquareThe Center Square (The Center Square) – Illinoisans may soon be required to register their e-bikes, motorized scooters and other various modes of transport...