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.
Community Events
ThursdayDecember 11, 2025
12:30 amClassroom Kitchen with Chef Kristyn - Virtual Program4:00 pmChildren's Finger Painting4:30 pmChildren's Finger Painting5:15 pmPilates - In Person with Nancy Richmond - MCPLD card holder priority6:30 pmOpen MahJong9:00 pmFamily History Exploration: A One-on-One Taster Session9:30 pm(Gr. 4th-8th): After School Bingo
FridayDecember 12, 2025
SaturdayDecember 13, 2025
MondayDecember 15, 2025
TuesdayDecember 16, 2025
Latest News Stories
County Sales Tax Revenues Strong, Cannabis Funds Dispersed to Community Programs
Will County Finance Committee Meeting | November 2025 Article Summary: Will County's key sales tax revenues are on track to meet or exceed budget projections for fiscal year 2025, though...
Illinois sports wagers decline after implementation of new tax
By Jim Talamonti | The Center SquareThe Center Square (The Center Square) – The Illinois Gaming Board has reported a 15% drop in September sports betting, after the state imposed...
Will County Committee Grants Extensions for Crete, Washington Township Solar Projects
Will County Land Use & Development Committee Meeting | November 6, 2025 Article Summary: The Will County Land Use and Development Committee granted 180-day extensions for two commercial solar energy projects...
Competing crypto plans create ‘narrow path’ for adoption
By Brett RowlandThe Center Square Two competing plans seeking to define market structure for digital assets in the U.S. have left a "narrow path" to pass regulations for cryptocurrency. The...
Congress used government funding bill to ‘erase’ $3.4 trillion in deficits
By Thérèse BoudreauxThe Center Square Quietly tucked inside Republicans’ funding deal to end the government shutdown is a provision wiping the congressional Pay-As-You-Go (PAYGO) scorecard, effectively forgiving nearly $3.4 trillion...
Illinois patient relies on ACA tax credits, experts warn they drive higher premiums
By Catrina BarkerThe Center Square President Donald Trump signed a House-passed short-term spending bill late Wednesday, ending the shutdown and keeping the government open through January, notably without the Affordable...
Trump rolls back tariffs on over 200 foods in sharp reversal
By Brett RowlandThe Center Square Responding to Americans' frustrations over high grocery prices, President Donald Trump issued an executive order Friday exempting more than 200 food products from tariffs. "Certain...
Trump says $2,000 tariff rebate checks won’t come before Christmas
By Brett RowlandThe Center Square Americans won't get a $2,000 rebate check from the federal government before Christmas. President Donald Trump said Friday that the proposed checks will not be...
Chicago mayor threatens layoffs, property tax hikes if council rejects head tax
By Jim Talamonti | The Center SquareThe Center Square (The Center Square) – Chicago Mayor Brandon Johnson is threatening service cuts, layoffs and property tax hikes if aldermen reject his...
Goldwater Institute sues Arizona attorney general for records
By Chris WoodwardThe Center Square A lawsuit has been filed against Arizona Attorney General Kris Mayes. Phoenix-based Goldwater Institute brought the lawsuit. Attorneys want Mayes to release alleged price-fixing complaint...
Illinois quick hits: Four officers injured during ICE protest
By Jim Talamonti | The Center SquareThe Center Square Four officers injured during ICE protest Four state and local law enforcement officers were injured and 21 people were arrested Friday...
California asks court to end federalization of National Guard
By Dave MasonThe Center Square California officials Friday renewed their motion for a judge to end the federalized deployment of National Guard troops in Los Angeles. Attorney General Rob Bonta...
ICE, Florida officers arrest 230, including 150 sex offenders
By Bethany BlankleyThe Center Square U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement and Florida Department of Law Enforcement officers arrested 230 foreign nationals in the U.S. illegally, many with extensive criminal histories....
