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.
⚠️ Hydrologic Outlook issued June 16 at 2:13PM CDT by NWS Chicago IL
⚠️ Hydrologic Outlook issued June 16 at 2:12PM CDT by NWS Chicago IL
Today Jun 15
74° 54°
Slight Chance Showers And Thunderstorms
Latest News Stories
Peotone 207U Board Confronts Budget Pressures, Facility Needs at March 16 Meeting
By Andrea Arens Financial uncertainty, facility limitations, and growing calls for a community referendum dominated discussion at the Peotone Community Unit School District 207U Board of Education meeting on March...
Ad-Hoc Committee: Will County Sheriff’s Office to Acquire Decibel Meters for Noise Complaints
Will County Board Ad-Hoc Ordinance Review Committee Meeting | March 10, 2026 Article Summary: The Will County Sheriff's Office plans to purchase a fleet of certified decibel meters to accurately...
Crest Hill Homeowner Granted Side Yard Setback Variance for Accessible Addition
Will County Planning and Zoning Commission Meeting | March 3, 2026 Article Summary: The Will County Planning and Zoning Commission approved a side yard setback variance for a Crest Hill...
Will County Public Works Approves Access for 56-Acre Truck Services Hub on Manhattan-Monee Road
Will County Public Works and Transportation Committee Meeting | March 3, 2026 Article Summary: The Will County Public Works and Transportation Committee on Tuesday approved a request to allow commercial ingress...
Committee Approves $317K Guardrail Maintenance Contract Amid Discussion on Installation Dangers
Will County Public Works and Transportation Committee Meeting | March 3, 2026 Article Summary: Will County officials approved an annual guardrail maintenance contract Tuesday while addressing national concerns over improperly installed...
State Update: County Officials Raise Alarms Over Pritzker’s ADU Zoning Push and Data Center Tax Breaks
Legislative Committee Meeting | March 2026 Article Summary: During a state legislative update, Will County Board members expressed deep concerns over Governor J.B. Pritzker's continued push to mandate Accessory Dwelling Units...
Federal Update: DHS Shutdown, War Powers, and Housing Legislation Dominate Washington
Legislative Committee Meeting | March 3, 2026 Article Summary: Will County's federal lobbyists briefed the Legislative Committee on a turbulent week in Washington, D.C., highlighting the passage of a major bipartisan...
Will County Approves Diamond Enterprise Zone Expansion to Support $355 Million Energy Investment
Will County Executive Committee Meeting | March 12, 2026 Article Summary: The Will County Executive Committee unanimously approved ordinances expanding the Diamond Enterprise Zone to include the Village of Braceville. The...
Will County Corporate Revenues Surpass Expectations, Igniting Debate Over Delinquent Tax Sales
Will County Finance Committee Meeting | March 3, 2026 Article Summary: A routine review of the county’s year-end corporate fund revealed that revenues exceeded budgeted expectations by millions, largely driven by...
Will County Grants Extensions for Seven Solar and Commercial Projects Amid Permitting Delays
Will County Land Use & Development Committee Meeting | March 5, 2026 Article Summary: The Will County Land Use and Development Committee approved a slate of extensions for seven previously authorized...
Meeting Summary and Briefs: Will County Public Works and Transportation Committee for March 3, 2026
Will County Public Works and Transportation Committee Meeting | March 3, 2026 The Will County Public Works and Transportation Committee met on Tuesday, March 3, advancing millions of dollars in...
Will County Committee Postpones Liquor, Ad-Hoc Committee: Gaming, and Tobacco Ordinance Updates Amid Extensive Revisions
Will County Board Ad-Hoc Ordinance Review Committee Meeting | March 10, 2026 Article Summary: A Will County Board committee paused the advancement of major updates to the county's liquor, video...
Green Garden Township Board Opposes Earthrise Solar Project, Begins Exploring Incorporation
By Andrea Arens Green Garden Township officials voted March 9 to formally oppose the proposed Earthrise solar project and begin exploring whether incorporating the township into a municipality or rural...
Land Use Committee Approves 4.98-Megawatt Solar Facility on Eagle Lake Road Near Peotone
Will County Land Use & Development Committee Meeting | March 5, 2026 Article Summary: Reversing a deadlocked Planning and Zoning Commission, the Will County Land Use and Development Committee unanimously approved...
Will County Advances Nearly $1.5 Million in Right-of-Way and Improvement Agreements for Weber, Gougar, and Laraway Roads
Will County Public Works and Transportation Committee Meeting | March 3, 2026 Article Summary: The Public Works and Transportation Committee authorized a slate of professional services and construction agreements Tuesday to...