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

Expulsion votes for two members of Congress could happen next week, Luna says

Expulsion votes for two members of Congress could happen next week, Luna says

By Bethany BlankleyThe Center Square Two more members of Congress may be forced to resign next week or face votes for their expulsion, U.S. Rep. Anna Paulina Luna, R-Florida, says....
NAACP sues xAI over air pollution near Memphis data center

NAACP sues xAI over air pollution near Memphis data center

By Alton WallaceThe Center Square The NAACP filed a lawsuit in federal court Tuesday against Elon Musk’s xAI, saying the company is illegally operating 27 methane gas turbines in Mississippi...
Trump says he's ready to nominate up to three Supreme Court justices

Trump says he’s ready to nominate up to three Supreme Court justices

By Brett RowlandThe Center Square President Donald Trump said Wednesday he is "prepared" to nominate another Supreme Court justice to the bench, should a vacancy arise. No justice has publicly...
Military hostilities in Iran continue after Senate tanks War Powers Resolution

Military hostilities in Iran continue after Senate tanks War Powers Resolution

By Thérèse BoudreauxThe Center Square For the second time in the U.S. Senate, Republicans tanked a War Powers Resolution that would have halted the ongoing U.S. military operations in Iran....

WATCH: Detransitioner battles to revive landmark malpractice and fraud lawsuit

By Carleen JohnsonThe Center Square A woman at the center of the detransition movement is waiting to find out if a North Carolina appeals court will let her case proceed...
Iran economic fallout is temporary, Hassett says

Iran economic fallout is temporary, Hassett says

By Andrew RiceThe Center Square The economic fallout of the U.S. conflict in Iran will be temporary, National Economic Council Director Kevin Hassett said on Wednesday. Hassett touted the Trump...
Illinois Quick Hits: NFIB says biz deduction will bring jobs, benefit to Illinois

Illinois Quick Hits: NFIB says biz deduction will bring jobs, benefit to Illinois

By Jim Talamonti | The Center SquareThe Center Square (The Center Square) – The National Federation of Independent Business says Illinois is projected to gain 48,000 new jobs each year...
Soaring costs and short supply shut millennials out of housing market

Soaring costs and short supply shut millennials out of housing market

By Brett RowlandThe Center Square Baby Boomers continue to dominate the U.S. housing market, buying and selling more homes last year than any other generation, while homeownership remains out of...
Vought testifies before lawmakers on Trump's $2.1T budget request

Vought testifies before lawmakers on Trump’s $2.1T budget request

By Thérèse BoudreauxThe Center Square Office of Management and Budget Director Russ Vought met with U.S. lawmakers Wednesday to discuss the president’s $2.1 trillion budget proposal for the next fiscal...
SNAP eligibility changes spark debate on gap for impacted recipients

SNAP eligibility changes spark debate on gap for impacted recipients

By Sean Reed | The Center SquareThe Center Square (The Center Square) – A coalition of non-profits and community organizations across the state are warning that more than 200,000 Illinoisans...
Trump puts spotlight on China, Iran's top oil consumer

Trump puts spotlight on China, Iran’s top oil consumer

By Sarah Roderick-FitchThe Center Square With the blockade of Iranian ports moving toward its third day, China, Iran’s largest importer of oil, is vowing not to send weapons to the...
Lawmakers, auditors offer fraud prevention solutions

Lawmakers, auditors offer fraud prevention solutions

By Andrew RiceThe Center Square Lawmakers and auditors called on the federal government to implement legislation preventing fraud in programs run by the state. The U.S. House Oversight Subcommittee on...
Illinois unions seek to kill Waymo-friendly bill in Springfield

Illinois unions seek to kill Waymo-friendly bill in Springfield

By Sean Reed | The Center SquareThe Center Square (The Center Square) – Leadership and rank-and-file from multiple labor unions called on lawmakers to kill legislation aimed at welcoming autonomous...
Will County Board Graphic.04

Will County Animal Protection Services Advises Against Multi-Campus Shelter Model

Will County Public Health & Safety Committee Meeting | April 2, 2026 Article Summary: Following a request for research, the Will County Animal Protection Services administrator reported that Will County...
Will County Board Graphic.02

Executive Committee Advances $15,000 Strategic Plan Initiative

Will County Board Executive Committee Meeting | April 9, 2026 Article Summary: The Will County Board Executive Committee unanimously approved a $15,000 agreement with Leap HR Consulting to develop the...