August 21, 2025/

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

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

Illinois quick hits: Pritzker creates commission to hear alleged ICE abuses

Illinois quick hits: Pritzker creates commission to hear alleged ICE abuses

By The Center SquareThe Center Square Pritzker creates commission to hear alleged ICE abuses Through executive order, Illinois Gov. J.B. Pritzker created the Illinois Accountability Commission to take testimony of...
WATCH: WA Senate candidates differ on taxes, parental rights, protecting girls' sports

WATCH: WA Senate candidates differ on taxes, parental rights, protecting girls’ sports

By Carleen JohnsonThe Center Square With less than two weeks before the general election, two candidates for one of the most closely watched races in Washington state are sharing their...
Newsom, Bonta vow suit over National Guard deployment

Newsom, Bonta vow suit over National Guard deployment

By Madeline ShannonThe Center Square Editor's note: This story has been updated since its initial publication. Gov. Gavin Newsom addressed concerns that President Donald Trump is sending federal agents to...
U.S. nuclear stockpile hit with shutdown furloughs

U.S. nuclear stockpile hit with shutdown furloughs

By Liam HibbertThe Center Square All 68 federal employees at a Nevada nuclear stockpile site were furloughed in the wake of the U.S. government shutdown. Some contractors remain at the...
Spokane police chief ordered officers not to work with FBI after June 11 protest

Spokane police chief ordered officers not to work with FBI after June 11 protest

By Tim ClouserThe Center Square Spokane Police Chief Kevin Hall directed officers not to work with the FBI in the days following the June 11 immigration protests, according to records...
Treasury sanctions Russian oil companies, calls for ceasefire

Treasury sanctions Russian oil companies, calls for ceasefire

By Andrew RiceThe Center Square The U.S. Treasury Department announced sanctions against two Russian oil companies on Wednesday. The department cited Russia's "lack of serious commitment" to ending the war...
DOJ: Illegal immigrant charged with assault

DOJ: Illegal immigrant charged with assault

By Dave MasonThe Center Square An illegal immigrant from Mexico was expected to make his first court appearance Wednesday following an arrest in which he rammed law enforcement vehicles before...
Manufacturing advocate: 'Follow the actions' with Pritzker on taxes

Manufacturing advocate: ‘Follow the actions’ with Pritzker on taxes

By Jim Talamonti | The Center SquareThe Center Square (The Center Square) – Gov. J.B. Pritzker says he prefers growing the economy over raising taxes, but a small and midsize...
Illinois quick hits: National Guard restraining order extended; economic growth above trend

Illinois quick hits: National Guard restraining order extended; economic growth above trend

By Jim Talamonti | The Center SquareThe Center Square National Guard restraining order extended Following an agreement between the state of Illinois and the federal government, U.S. District Court Judge...
US and Qatar say EU climate regulations could impact LNG supplies

US and Qatar say EU climate regulations could impact LNG supplies

By Alton WallaceThe Center Square The U.S. Department of Energy is urging the heads of State in the European Union (EU) to repeal or significantly change climate regulations adopted in...
U.S. debt tops $38 trillion for first time

U.S. debt tops $38 trillion for first time

By Brett RowlandThe Center Square The U.S. national debt reached $38 trillion amid a partial federal government that costs taxpayers $400 million daily to pay furloughed federal workers to stay...
Trump defends tariffs, tells beef producers to lower prices

Trump defends tariffs, tells beef producers to lower prices

By Brett RowlandThe Center Square Cattle producers called on President Donald Trump to reverse course on a plan to import beef from Argentina as prices for the grocery store staple...
VA secretary pleads with Democrats to end the shutdown

VA secretary pleads with Democrats to end the shutdown

By Morgan SweeneyThe Center Square As part of a visit to the Washington, D.C., veterans’ medical center Wednesday, Department of Veterans Affairs Secretary Doug Collins publicly urged Democrats in Congress...

WATCH: Pritzker opposes redistricting Illinois mid-cycle as other states move forward

By Greg Bishop | The Center SquareThe Center Square (The Center Square) – The prospect of Illinois legislators changing the state’s congressional maps before the 2026 election seems unlikely with...
Record-long govt shutdown threatens food, early childhood education assistance

Record-long govt shutdown threatens food, early childhood education assistance

By Thérèse BoudreauxThe Center Square Senate Democrats are set to block Republicans’ government funding bill for the 12th time Wednesday, keeping the federal government shut down despite tens of millions...