August 21, 2025/
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.
Today Jun 12
66°
Chance Showers And Thunderstorms
Latest News Stories
Gun rights advocate questions Illinois ballistic imaging plan
By Catrina Barker | The Center Square contributorThe Center Square (The Center Square) – A newly introduced measure in the Illinois General Assembly aimed at expanding ballistic imaging technology is...
Beasley Allen booted from looming talc trial in Chicago
By John O’Brien | Legal NewslineThe Center Square Judges in Miami and Chicago have revoked permission that allowed the firm Beasley Allen to pursue talc lawsuits because it collaborated with...
Illinois Quick Hits: Gas prices rise again
By Jim Talamonti | The Center SquareThe Center Square (The Center Square) – AAA says the average price for regular unleaded gasoline in Illinois has jumped 14 cents in one...
Illinois pauses redistricting effort after Supreme Court ruling
By Jim Talamonti | The Center SquareThe Center Square (The Center Square) – Illinois has paused a legislative redistricting effort after a U.S. Supreme Court ruling on Wednesday, but Gov....
U.S. gas prices at 4-year high as oil exports hit new record
By Alton Wallace | The Center SquareThe Center Square (The Center Square) – United States gasoline prices pushed higher for the sixth consecutive day Wednesday, reaching $4.23 a gallon, as...
Government leaders statewide call for cashless bail reform after CPD officer killed
By Sean Reed | The Center SquareThe Center Square (The Center Square) – Critics on both sides of the aisle in Illinois government are calling for changes to the SAFE-T...
Early Run Support Lifts Casey-Westfield Past Dieterich Baseball, 9-2
The Casey-Westfield varsity baseball team utilized a relentless 14-hit offensive attack to defeat host Dieterich 9-2 in a non-conference matchup on Tuesday afternoon. Casey-Westfield set the tone immediately, jumping out...
Freshman Ava Leo Powers Mattoon Softball Past Casey-Westfield, 11-8
The Mattoon varsity softball team utilized a potent offensive attack and a resilient complete-game pitching performance by freshman Ava Leo to secure an 11-8 non-conference home victory over Casey-Westfield on...
Illinois Quick Hits: Pritzker announces new IBM investment at Quantum Park
By Jim Talamonti | The Center SquareThe Center Square (The Center Square) – Gov. J.B. Pritzker says IBM’s new delivery center at the Illinois Quantum and Microelectronics Park, fueled by...
ISU’s union says it cheaper to negotiate than paying
By Sean Reed | The Center SquareThe Center Square (The Center Square) – Illinois State University support employees have entered their fourth week on strike this week as more state...
Iran conflict, refinery disruption play roles as Illinois gas price passes $4.50
By Jim Talamonti | The Center SquareThe Center Square (The Center Square) – Gas prices have surged in Illinois, and an American Automobile Association spokesperson says several factors are to...
Illinois Quick Hits: Ex-East St. Louis librarian sentenced for fraud, theft
By Jim Talamonti | The Center SquareThe Center Square (The Center Square) – The former director of the East St. Louis public library has been sentenced to 15 months in...
Building Reports Highlight Testing Triumphs, Historic Track Records, and Career Exploration
Casey-Westfield Board of Education Meeting | April 20, 2026 Article Summary: Building administrators delivered comprehensive academic reports to the Casey-Westfield Board of Education on Monday, highlighting state testing completions, athletic milestones,...
Meeting Summary and Briefs: Casey City Council for April 20, 2026
Casey City Council Meeting | April 20, 2026 The Casey City Council convened on Monday, April 20, 2026, for a meeting heavily focused on municipal infrastructure, intergovernmental cooperation, and personnel...
Casey-Westfield Board Approves Nearly $100,000 for Monroe Elementary Technology Upgrades
Casey-Westfield Board of Education Meeting | April 20, 2026 Article Summary: The Casey-Westfield Board of Education on Monday approved extensive equipment and maintenance expenditures, headlined by a $98,167 technology purchase to...