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
MondayDecember 8, 2025
TuesdayDecember 9, 2025
WednesdayDecember 10, 2025
Pajama Storytime with Santa (Session #1)12:30 amPajama Storytime with Santa (Session #2)1:00 amSensory-Friendly Pajama Storytime with Santa (Session #3)3:30 pm(Ages 0-2): Baby Storytime4:30 pm(Ages 0-2): Baby Storytime10:00 pmHigh School: Winter Reindeer Decoration10:15 pm(Gr. 3rd-5th) Bluestem Book Club - "Nell of Gumbling"
ThursdayDecember 11, 2025
Latest News Stories
Bill would codify Trump’s executive order banning ‘woke’ debanking
By Thérèse BoudreauxThe Center Square In light of President Donald Trump signing an executive order that effectively bans politically-driven debanking, a Kentucky lawmaker plans to introduce legislation codifying fair access...
Illinois quick hits: Pritzker sends bill back to legislature; cannabis loans announced
By Jim Talamonti | The Center SquareThe Center Square Pritzker sends bill back to legislature Gov. J.B. Pritzker has used an amendatory veto to correct formatting errors with legislation seeking...
Dem, GOP candidates begin signature-gathering for 2026
By Jim Talamonti | The Center SquareThe Center Square (The Center Square) – Political candidates have begun gathering signatures on their nominating petitions for Illinois’ primary elections next March. Illinois...
‘All hands on deck:’ Burrow says AWOL Democrats being pursued to be arrested
By Bethany BlankleyThe Center Square Speaker Dustin Burrows gaveled in the Texas House Friday and no quorum was reached after the fifth day. One hundred state representatives are needed for...
Dems say EPA cancelling $7B community solar grants ‘illegal,’ but ignore law
By Thérèse BoudreauxThe Center Square The Environmental Protection Agency has announced it will claw back $7 billion in already earmarked funds from the Solar for All community grants and then...
Attorney argues IL should honor TX warrants for absconding Dems
By Greg BishopThe Center Square An Illinois state senator acting as local counsel for the Texas Republicans wanting to have that state’s warrants for absconding Democrats recognized by Illinois says...
WATCH: Legislators urge return to capitol to deal with increasing Illinois energy costs
By Greg Bishop | The Center SquareThe Center Square (The Center Square) – Illinois Republicans are demanding that state legislators return to the capitol to deal with soaring energy prices....
Parental rights groups concerned over DEI in Denver teacher contract
By Elyse ApelThe Center Square As Denver Public Schools move forward with finalizing a new teacher contract, parental rights groups are raising concerns about inclusion of diversity, equity, and inclusion...
Homeland Secretary: Pritzker, Johnson are protecting dangerous criminals
By Jim TalamontiThe Center Square U.S. Department of Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem says U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement officers have arrested criminals who would still be on the streets...
Reports: DOJ probing NY AG’s fraud case against Trump
By Chris WadeThe Center Square The Justice Department has subpoenaed New York Attorney General Letitia James as part of an investigation into whether she violated President Donald Trump's civil rights...
Trump warns of ‘Great Depression’ if appeals court curbs tariff power
By Brett RowlandThe Center Square President Donald Trump said Friday that if an appeals court curbs his tariff authority, America could sink into a "Great Depression." The U.S. Court of...
Illinois in focus: DHS announces new facility; NFIB urges veto of regulations; minority scholarship lawsuit moves forward
By Jim Talamonti | The Center SquareThe Center Square DHS announces new facility U.S. Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem has returned to Illinois to discuss expanding detention facilities for what...
Abbott to call ‘special session after special session’ in response to AWOL Dems
By Bethany BlankleyThe Center Square Gov. Greg Abbott confirmed what many in Austin speculated: he will call special session after special session until bills are passed. Abbott called the current...
