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.

Leave a Comment





Latest News Stories

Screenshot-2025-08-13-at-2.15.28-PM

Monee to Receive $250,000 Donation in Solar Project Agreement

Article Summary: The Village of Monee will receive a $250,000 donation from TPE IL W1202, LLC, after the Village Board authorized a community benefit agreement for a planned 5-megawatt solar...
Screenshot-2025-08-13-at-2.11.44-PM

Monee Board Sets Spending Plan with 2025-2026 Appropriations Ordinance

Article Summary: The Monee Village Board has approved its annual appropriations ordinance, which acts as the village's legal spending authority for the fiscal year that began May 1, 2025. The...
Screenshot-2025-08-13-at-2.15.28-PM

Monee Officials Issue Pool Safety Alert Amid Summer Heat

Article Summary: Following an increase in new pool installations, Monee's Building Services department is reminding residents of mandatory permit and safety requirements. Officials are emphasizing life-safety measures to prevent drownings,...
Meeting-Briefs

Meeting Summary and Briefs: Monee Village Board for July 23, 2025

The Monee Village Board of Trustees heard a detailed presentation for a major industrial redevelopment, approved a significant payment for its nearly-completed public works facility, and gave final clearance for...
Fire-Accident-Emergency-Graphic.3

Fatal Crash, Second Collision Snarl Wilmington-Peotone Road

A fatal crash on Wilmington-Peotone Road Tuesday morning was complicated by a second, separate collision in the same area, prompting an extended closure of the roadway as emergency crews work...
Meeting-Briefs

Meeting Briefs: Peotone School District 207-U for July 21, 2025

District Weighs Budget Cuts vs. More Debt: Peotone schools must create a state-mandated deficit reduction plan to address a recurring ~$2 million operating shortfall. The Board of Education is debating whether...
Meeting-Briefs

Meeting Summary: Peotone School District 207-U for July 21, 2025

District Weighs Budget Cuts vs. More Debt: Peotone schools must create a state-mandated deficit reduction plan to address a recurring ~$2 million operating shortfall. The Board of Education is debating whether...
Peotone-School-Cmte-Of-Whole-July-21.4

Summer Construction Projects Transforming Peotone Schools

Major construction projects are progressing on schedule across Peotone School District 207-U, with significant HVAC upgrades, new secure entrances, and extensive paving work transforming campuses ahead of the new school...
Peotone-School-Cmte-Of-Whole-July-21.2

Peotone Schools to Launch “Go Big Blue” Unity Initiative

Peotone School District 207-U will rally under a new theme, “Go Big Blue,” for the 2025-26 school year in a comprehensive initiative aimed at unifying the district around common character...
Peotone-School-Cmte-Of-Whole-July-21.2

Peotone Schools to Launch “Go Big Blue” Unity Initiative

Peotone School District 207-U will rally under a new theme, “Go Big Blue,” for the 2025-26 school year in a comprehensive initiative aimed at unifying the district around common character...
Peotone-School-Cmte-Of-Whole-July-21.2

Peotone FFA Alumni Propose Privately Funded Greenhouse to Expand Program

The Peotone High School agriculture program could see a major expansion after the Peotone FFA Alumni and Friends group presented a proposal to the Board of Education to privately fund...
Peotone-School-Cmte-Of-Whole-July-21.3

Peotone Schools Face Mandatory Deficit Plan, Weighs Cuts Against More Debt

Peotone School District 207-U is facing a state-mandated deficit reduction plan as its tentative fiscal year 2026 budget projects a nearly $2 million annual operating shortfall, a recurring issue that...
Peotone-School-Cmte-Of-Whole-July-21.3

Peotone Schools Face Mandatory Deficit Plan, Weighs Cuts Against More Debt

Peotone School District 207-U is facing a state-mandated deficit reduction plan as its tentative fiscal year 2026 budget projects a nearly $2 million annual operating shortfall, a recurring issue that...
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...