Illinois quick hits: Anti-SLAPP bill signed; Chicago schools settles meditation case

Illinois quick hits: Anti-SLAPP bill signed; Chicago schools settles meditation case

August 21, 2025/
Spread the love

By Jim Talamonti | The Center Square
The Center Square

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.

Events

No events

Leave a Comment





Latest News Stories

new-lenox-fire-district-stations.2

New Lenox Fire Board Denies Variance Over Extreme Hydrant Distance, Citing Safety

NEW LENOX – The New Lenox Fire Protection District Board of Trustees unanimously denied a homeowner's variance request on Monday, citing significant public safety concerns over the property's extreme distance...
new-lenox-fire-district-stations.4

New Lenox Fire District Secures $35,000 Grant for UTV in Solar Farm Agreement

NEW LENOX – The New Lenox Fire Protection District is set to receive a $35,000 grant to purchase a new Utility Task Vehicle (UTV) as part of a community benefit...
Meeting-Briefs

Meeting Summary: New Lenox Fire Protection District for June 16, 2025

The New Lenox Fire Protection District Board of Trustees took decisive action on a residential fire code variance and discussed a new community partnership for a planned solar farm during...
Mokena Park District.logo.graphic.1

Mokena Park District Approves $7.9 Million Budget, Eyes Major Park Upgrades

The Mokena Community Park District Board of Commissioners has tentatively approved a $7.9 million budget for the 2023-24 fiscal year, a plan that earmarks significant funds for major park infrastructure...
Mokena Park District.logo.graphic.5

Mokena Park District Overhauls Safety Policies, Adopts Cyber Attack Response Plan

In a move to bolster security and protect participants, the Mokena Community Park District Board of Commissioners on Tuesday unanimously approved a sweeping update to its personnel policies, establishing new...
Mokena Park District.logo.graphic.1

Mokena Park District Bids Farewell to 12-Year Fitness Manager Rachel Bauer

The Mokena Park District is bidding farewell to Rachel Bauer, the longtime Manager of Fitness Center Operations at The Oaks, who is leaving after nearly 12 years of service. Bauer’s...
Mokena Park District.logo.graphic.1

New HVAC, Bleachers, and Lighting Among Recent Park District Upgrades

Visitors to Mokena Park District facilities are being greeted by a series of recent upgrades, including a new high-efficiency HVAC system, state-of-the-art lighting at the Yunker Park Bandshell, and new...
Meeting-Briefs

Meeting Briefs: Mokena Park District Board of Commissioners for July 25, 2023

The Mokena Park District Board of Commissioners met on July 25 to discuss upcoming events, review new policies, and approve the tentative budget for the new fiscal year. The board...
Ad-Hock-July-22nd

Will County Committee Forwards Overhauled Purchasing Code Amid Debate on Local Contractor Preference

The Will County Ad-Hoc Ordinance Review Committee advanced a major overhaul of the county's purchasing code Tuesday, but only after a split vote and a pointed debate over a separate,...
Ad-Hock-July-22nd

Finance Officials Clarify How Will County Tracks Assets, From Vehicles to Desks

Will County finance officials on Tuesday detailed the policies governing how the county tracks its physical and digital assets, explaining the $5,000 threshold for items that are formally capitalized and...
Ad-Hock-July-22nd

Will County Treasurer Confirms Free Online Tax Payment Option, Warns Against High Credit Card Fees

Will County Treasurer Tim Brophy confirmed Tuesday that property owners have a free online payment option available and advised residents to avoid the high convenience fees associated with using credit...
Ad-Hock-July-22nd

Committee Highlights ‘Lack of Teeth’ in County Code Enforcement Process

While the Will County Ad-Hoc Ordinance Review Committee quickly approved minor updates to its administrative adjudication ordinance Tuesday, the action sparked a broader discussion about resident frustration over the enforcement...
Meeting-Briefs

Meeting Briefs: Will County Ad-Hoc Ordinance Review Committee for July 22, 2025

AI Policy Discussion Urged: Chair Jackie Triner called for the county to develop a comprehensive policy on the use of Artificial Intelligence. Citing a recent conference, Triner noted the potential benefits...
New-Lenox-Village-Board.1

New Lenox’s Crossroads Sports Complex Opens to Rave Reviews, On Time and Under Budget

NEW LENOX – The newly opened Crossroads Sports Complex is already proving to be a resounding success, according to a report delivered at the New Lenox Village Board meeting on...
New-Lenox-Village-Board.4

New Lenox Waives Over $13,000 in Permit Fees for Park District, Church Projects

NEW LENOX – The New Lenox Village Board unanimously approved waiving more than $13,000 in permit and plan review fees for two significant community projects during its meeting on Monday....