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

Spread the love

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

Trump urges arrests after church protest in St. Paul

Trump urges arrests after church protest in St. Paul

By Elyse ApelThe Center Square President Donald Trump called for protestors to be “thrown in jail” following a protest which disrupted a Sunday morning service in St. Paul. Trump’s words...
Trump says 'no going back' on plans to annex Greenland

Trump says ‘no going back’ on plans to annex Greenland

By Brett RowlandThe Center Square President Donald Trump positioned the annexation of Greenland as essential for U.S. and global security, even as European leaders voiced strong resistance during the World...
WATCH: GOP governor candidates forum highlights; Pritzker talks taxes increase, Bears

WATCH: GOP governor candidates forum highlights; Pritzker talks taxes increase, Bears

By Greg Bishop | The Center SquareThe Center Square (The Center Square) – In today's edition of Illinois in Focus Daily, The Center Square's Greg Bishop provides highlights from Monday...
Illinois ‘RIFL’ act sparks fierce debate as lawmakers return to Springfield

Illinois ‘RIFL’ act sparks fierce debate as lawmakers return to Springfield

By Catrina Barker | The Center Square contributorThe Center Square (The Center Square) – As Illinois lawmakers convene for the 2026 legislative session, House Bill 3320, Responsibility in Firearm Legislation...
SCOTUS declines to hear felony firearms cases

SCOTUS declines to hear felony firearms cases

By Andrew RiceThe Center Square The U.S. Supreme Court on Tuesday declined to take up two cases over whether individuals with felony records can be permanently disarmed under the Second...
Illinois Quick Hits: No injuries reported in Tuesday earthquake

Illinois Quick Hits: No injuries reported in Tuesday earthquake

By Jim Talamonti | The Center SquareThe Center Square (The Center Square) – No injuries have been reported after the U.S. Geological Survey reported a magnitude 3.8 earthquake near the...
One year in: Reviewing Trump's inaugural promises

One year in: Reviewing Trump’s inaugural promises

By Andrew RiceThe Center Square One year ago Tuesday, President Donald Trump told the nation its “golden age” had arrived, promising to spend his second term restoring stability at home...
Casey Library

Meeting Summary and Briefs: Casey Township Library Board for Dec. 18, 2025

Casey Township Library Board Meeting | Dec. 18, 2025 The Casey Township Library Board met on Thursday, Dec. 18, 2025, to close out the year's business, primarily focusing on personnel...
GOP hopefuls seek support, blast Pritzker at IL gubernatorial candidate forum

GOP hopefuls seek support, blast Pritzker at IL gubernatorial candidate forum

By Jim Talamonti | The Center SquareThe Center Square (The Center Square) – All four Illinois Republican gubernatorial candidates have no shortage of criticism for current Gov. J.B. Pritzker. 2022...
Illinois lawmaker questions IDHS over years-long data breach

Illinois lawmaker questions IDHS over years-long data breach

By Catrina Barker | The Center Square contributorThe Center Square (The Center Square) – An Illinois lawmaker slammed the state agency as “incompetent” after the Department of Human Services revealed...
lake land college.4

Trustees Approve 2025 Tax Levy and Bond Abatement

Lake Land College Board of Trustees Meeting | Dec. 8, 2025 Article Summary: The Board of Trustees adopted the 2025 property tax levy and voted to abate taxes related to...
SCOTUS to hear Fed firing case Wednesday

SCOTUS to hear Fed firing case Wednesday

By Andrew RiceThe Center Square The U.S. Supreme Court will hear arguments on Wednesday to decide whether President Donald Trump can fire Lisa Cook, a member of the Federal Reserve...
Committee highlights failures of Afghan vetting, as funding for refugees in limbo

Committee highlights failures of Afghan vetting, as funding for refugees in limbo

By Sarah Roderick-FitchThe Center Square Amid a scathing committee hearing on the vetting process of Afghan parolees under the Biden administration, nearly $6 billion in continual funding for refugees is...
Casey Library.3

Library Board Questions Unexpected Billing for Expansion Prints

Casey Township Library Board Meeting | Dec. 18, 2025 Article Summary: During a discussion on the library's potential building expansion, a board member raised concerns regarding an unexpected bill totaling...
EU threatens to blow up trade deal over Trump's plans for Greenland

EU threatens to blow up trade deal over Trump’s plans for Greenland

By Brett RowlandThe Center Square A top European official said President Donald Trump's comments could sink a trade deal between the U.S. and the 27-nation European Union. Manfred Weber, president...