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.
⚠️ Air Quality Alert issued July 19 at 11:59AM CDT by NWS Lincoln IL
⚠️ Air Quality Alert issued July 19 at 2:57AM CDT by NWS Lincoln IL
Today Jul 18
66°
Areas Of Smoke
Latest News Stories
Utility company pays $314 million to Eaton Fire victims
By Chris WoodwardThe Center Square Southern California Edison, which has been sued for allegedly starting the devastating Eaton Fire, has offered more than $750 million as compensation for victims. Of...
Illinois quick hits: Collinsville man pleads guilty to sex abuse of children
By Jim Talamonti | The Center SquareThe Center Square DCFS honors scholarship recipients The Illinois Department of Children and Family Services honored 317 youth in care with a scholarship luncheon...
Judge plans to rule next week on Paramount, Warner Bros.
By Chris WoodwardThe Center Square A federal judge plans to decide by Wednesday whether to grant a temporary restraining order in a case that pits state attorneys general against Warner...
Aldermen say mayor fails to collect revenue he opposes
By Jim Talamonti | The Center SquareThe Center Square )The Center Square) – Chicago aldermen are suggesting that the city has a projected budget gap of $130 million because Mayor...
Texas leading in Iran conflict, drone boat company rescues pilots, attacks Iran
By Bethany BlankleyThe Center Square The Austin-based drone boat company helping Texas lead the U.S. war against Iran is now building what is expected to be the largest shipyard in...
Illegal border crossings remain historically low in June, drug seizures up
By Bethany BlankleyThe Center Square Children still being released into the country Illegal border crossings remained historically low in June, continuing a trend under the Trump administration. Last month, 31,626...
Pritzker disputes Trump speech claims
By Jim Talamonti | The Center SquareThe Center Square (The Center Square) – Gov. J.B. Pritzker says President Donald Trump tried to claim victimhood during his speech to the nation...
Arizona congressional candidates debate healthcare, ICE
By Andrew RiceThe Center Square Voters will head to the polls Tuesday in Arizona’s 4th and 5th congressional district races with healthcare affordability and immigration enforcement on their minds. District...
Mullin reveals 250k non-citizens registered to vote in just four states
By Sarah Roderick-FitchThe Center Square Following allegations of foreign adversaries meddling in U.S. elections during a primetime address Thursday by President Donald Trump, Homeland Security Secretary Markwayne Mullin laid out...
Walz again questions deportation of convicted sex offender
By Elyse ApelThe Center Square Minnesota Gov. Tim Walz is once again defending a criminal illegal immigrant who was deported by the Trump administration. In a press conference earlier this...
Trump calls out Michigan elections in primetime address
By Elyse ApelThe Center Square President Donald Trump made the accusation of election fraud in Michigan during a primetime address Thursday night. Trump referenced potential election crimes during the 2020...
OBGYN group leader says she posed as teen, ordered abortion drug via mail
By Tate RosentreterThe Center Square An organization of pro-life OBGYNs is calling on Congress to end the mail-order abortion system after the group’s CEO said she posed as a 13-year-old...
Secretary of State dismisses calls for clarity on migrant’s license status
By Sean Reed | The Center SquareThe Center Square (The Center Square) – The Illinois Secretary of State is pushing back against claims from conservatives that his department has issued...
Illinois news in brief: Prosecutors indict felon on pretrial release for fentanyl trafficking; Rockford men charged after child abuse investigation; Cairo bridge to reopen
By Jim Talamonti | The Center SquareThe Center Square Prosecutors indict felon on pretrial release for fentanyl trafficking A federal grand jury has indicted a Chicago man for allegedly trafficking...
