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
Mokena Fire District Approves Annual Budget After Public Hearing
The Mokena Fire Protection District Board of Trustees unanimously adopted its budget and appropriation ordinance for the 2025-2026 fiscal year, finalizing the district’s spending plan after a formal public hearing...
Mokena Fire District Faces 14% Insurance Hike, Renews Policies
The Mokena Fire Protection District is grappling with significant increases in insurance costs, with its property and liability policy renewal rate jumping by approximately 14%. The Board of Trustees unanimously...
Fire District Inks New Banking Agreement with Old Plank Trail
The Mokena Fire Protection District Board of Trustees has approved a new two-year banking agreement with Old Plank Trail, a move aimed at securing favorable rates amid a volatile market....
Meeting Briefs: Mokena Fire Protection District for June 10, 2025
The Mokena Fire Protection District Board of Trustees formally adopted its budget and appropriation ordinance for the 2025-2026 fiscal year following a public hearing. With no members of the public...
Mental Health Board Awards $5 Million in Grants to Will County Organizations
The Will County Community Mental Health Board has distributed over $5 million in grants to 39 local organizations, marking the completion of its inaugural funding cycle since voters approved the...
Frankfort Square Park District Adopts Budget and Appropriation Ordinance, Updates Financial Policy
The Frankfort Square Park District Board of Commissioners formally adopted its Budget and Appropriation Ordinance for the 2025-2026 fiscal year on Thursday, finalizing the district's legal spending authority for the...
County Board Approves Major Code Updates, Discusses Employee Benefits
The Will County Board Executive Committee approved several ordinance updates Wednesday while engaging in detailed discussions about employee compensation and benefits. The committee passed ordinances updating three chapters of the...
Major Park District Projects Advance as Hunter Prairie Park Gets Green Light
Work on the Frankfort Square Park District's three major capital projects is hitting key milestones, with the long-awaited redevelopment of Hunter Prairie Park now officially underway. Executive Director Audrey Marcquenski...
Executive Committee June 12 Meeting Briefs
Property Purchase Approved: The county authorized purchase of two parcels along Governor's Highway in Monee for $545,000 to establish a roadway maintenance facility for the eastern end of the county....
Developer to Donate Land, Playground for New Park in Tinley Park
A new park is coming to a Tinley Park development thanks to a land and equipment donation from a local home builder. Frank Bradley, owner of Crana Homes, is donating...
Meeting Briefs: Frankfort Square Park District for June 12, 2025
The Frankfort Square Park District Board of Commissioners formally adopted its annual Budget and Appropriation Ordinance on June 12, a key legal step that sets the district’s spending authority for...
Summit Hill Board Approves School Resource Officer for Two Schools in Contentious Vote
The Summit Hill School District 161 Board of Education voted to hire a School Resource Officer (SRO) to serve two of its schools, approving an annual expenditure of up to...
Summit Hill School Board Reverses Controversial Principal Non-Renewal Decision
In a significant reversal, the Summit Hill School District 161 Board of Education voted to repeal previous resolutions that aimed to not renew the contract of an unnamed principal, effectively...
