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

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

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

WATCH: Nearly 400 people become U.S. citizens at Illinois State Fair

WATCH: Nearly 400 people become U.S. citizens at Illinois State Fair

By Greg Bishop | The Center SquareThe Center Square (The Center Square) – Nearly 400 people from more than 70 different countries became naturalized U.S. citizens Wednesday at the Illinois...
WATCH: Governor suggests ending nuclear ban as lawmaker files pro-nuclear bill

WATCH: Governor suggests ending nuclear ban as lawmaker files pro-nuclear bill

By Jim Talamonti | The Center SquareThe Center Square (The Center Square) – After an Illinois state senator filed legislation to streamline permits for nuclear energy projects, Gov J.B. Pritzker...
WATCH: Illinois Democrats blast Trump, Republicans at state fair

WATCH: Illinois Democrats blast Trump, Republicans at state fair

By Jim Talamonti | The Center SquareThe Center Square (The Center Square) − Illinois Democrats say their party will win across the United States in 2026, with the Land of...
WATCH: Illinois In Focus Daily | Wednesday Aug. 13th, 2025

WATCH: Illinois In Focus Daily | Wednesday Aug. 13th, 2025

By Greg Bishop | The Center SquareThe Center Square (The Center Square) – In today's edition of Illinois in Focus Daily, The Center Square Editor Greg Bishop shares comments from...
Illinois law empowers officials to crack down on predatory towing

Illinois law empowers officials to crack down on predatory towing

By Catrina Barker | The Center Square contributorThe Center Square (The Center Square) – Beginning Jan. 1, a new Illinois law cracks down on predatory towing by letting the Illinois...
WCO-Landfill-8.5.25.1

Will County Receives Detailed Update on Landfill Expansion Investigation

Article Summary: The Will County Landfill Committee received a comprehensive technical update on the site investigation for the planned horizontal expansion of the county landfill, confirming the project remains on...
Meeting-Briefs

Meeting Summary and Briefs: Will County Landfill Committee for August 7, 2025

The Will County Landfill Committee on Thursday heard a detailed technical update on the ongoing investigation for the county landfill expansion, confirming that the complex project remains on schedule. Consultants...
Green-Garden-Logo.WP

Green Garden Township Moves Forward with New Town Hall Plans, Awaits Grant Approval

ARTICLE SUMMARY: Green Garden Township is advancing with preliminary work for a new town hall, having met with architects and a civil engineer, while awaiting Will County's final approval to...
Green-Garden-Township-Graphic.1

Township Board Approves Budget Transfers to Fund Assessor’s Staff and Correct Rent Payment

ARTICLE SUMMARY: The Green Garden Township Board approved Resolution 2025-005, which reallocates a total of $25,200 within the town fund to provide necessary staffing funds for the assessor's office and to...
solar panels photovoltaics in solar farm

County Rep Cites Solar Lawsuits, Grant Shortfalls as Key Issues Facing Will County

ARTICLE SUMMARY: Will County Board member Sherry Newquist reported that the county is navigating lawsuits related to solar farm approvals and anticipating budget challenges from the loss of federal grant money....
Assessor

Assessor’s Office Hires Staff to Handle Workload After 6% Multiplier Hits Property Owners

ARTICLE SUMMARY: Following the application of a 6% property assessment multiplier across Green Garden Township, the assessor's office has hired a new staff member to help manage the increased workload and...
SSUCv3H4sIAAAAAAAACnSRz07DMAzG70i8Q5XzKpY10I0jB248wcTBdcwaLUum/AGhae9O0rQjB7jFP9uf/cWX+7umYQN4hey5ueQoxUrr6IODoKxJeL2auSMjydWEpArWKdA1HCDgaOBECZqodcbXKcl8gBA9+TxsRgiBDkmjwJtE2Whf4mZJTMnUkVKMrSrm4zCxBRXxfzpfoleGvH94VQYM0l9Kb8ojaQ2GbPS/suXxvliFAxn8ntxULh1pguJyX0rZ8SuQO9W+IUplK8ufFkHngq5SOjuFyhyqNhvG6QRLG9pogssr3D6EaWvPMOj8/x9JkxY+gvepXC68GoTp4PZUzTE2TAZmVSbTmXLIu023E6Lre7HlohNPYi4opx1V0pnWWYRSjEcla+sqb8AIibbYb1qOXLZih7wdeNe3m+6Ry4H3fECRPv76AwAA//8DAJrJGBCkAgAA

Township Appoints Temporary FOIA Officer During Trustee’s Leave of Absence

ARTICLE SUMMARY: The Green Garden Township Board appointed resident Belinda Olszewski as a temporary, non-paid Administrative Assistant and FOIA Officer to fill the roles while Trustee Sarah Boxer is on a...
Meeting-Briefs

Meeting Summary and Briefs: Green Garden Township Board for August 11, 2025

The Green Garden Township Board pushed forward with plans for a new town hall and approved key budget transfers to support the assessor's office during its August 11th meeting. Supervisor...
WATCH: Illinois In Focus Daily | Tuesday Aug. 12th, 2025

WATCH: Illinois In Focus Daily | Tuesday Aug. 12th, 2025

By Greg Bishop | The Center SquareThe Center Square (The Center Square) – In today's edition of Illinois in Focus Daily, The Center Square Editor Greg Bishop delves into the...
Governor to evaluate tax proposal for Bears stadium in Arlington Heights

Governor to evaluate tax proposal for Bears stadium in Arlington Heights

By Jim Talamonti | The Center SquareThe Center Square (The Center Square) – Gov. J.B. Pritzker is not ruling out tax legislation to help the Chicago Bears move forward with...