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

CW vs Robinson FB_9474

Casey-Westfield Dominates, Remains Undefeated with 38-14 Win Over Robinson

By Terri Cox The Casey-Westfield Warriors showcased their dominance in the second quarter, overcoming an early deficit to secure a commanding 38-14 Little Illini Conference victory over the Robinson Maroons...
WATCH: Appeals court hears gun ban today; Edgar, Kirk memorialized

WATCH: Appeals court hears gun ban today; Edgar, Kirk memorialized

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 previews some of...
lake land college.1

Lake Land College Adopts Stricter Hazing Policy in Line with New Federal Law

Article Summary: Lake Land College has updated its Student Code of Conduct to include more stringent anti-hazing rules, a move mandated by the recently enacted federal Stop Campus Hazing Act....
Casey Westfield School Board.2

School Board Approves New Hires, Accepts Resignations and Retirement

Article Summary: The Casey-Westfield Board of Education approved several staffing changes Monday, including hiring a new elementary interventionist and filling two other roles. The board also accepted four resignations and...
Lake Land College.5

Lake Land College Board Approves $117.7 Million Operating Budget for FY 2026

Article Summary: The Lake Land College Board of Trustees unanimously approved a $117.7 million operating budget for the 2026 fiscal year during its meeting on Monday. The budget was adopted...
Chromebooks

District Lands $98,950 Grant for New Student Chromebooks

Article Summary: The Casey-Westfield school district has been awarded a $98,950 state grant to purchase new Chromebooks for Monroe Elementary students. The funding, part of the SRTL program, will bolster...
wilford-hickox-1758119004

Wilford “Rex” Hickox, 98

Wilford "Rex" Hickox, 98, of Yale, Illinois, passed away at 6:40 a.m. on Wednesday, September 17, 2025, at Simple Blessings, Casey, Illinois. Born on November 6, 1926, in Stevens County,...
richard-darr-1758118231

Richard Alan Darr, 50

Richard Alan Darr, fondly known as Rick, 50, passed away peacefully in his sleep on September 14, 2025. Born on August 2, 1975, in Champaign, Illinois, Rick lived a life...
Illinois’ gun ban set for oral arguments in appeals court Monday

Illinois’ gun ban set for oral arguments in appeals court Monday

By Greg Bishop | The Center SquareThe Center Square (The Center Square) – The state of Illinois will be defending its gun and magazine ban Monday in front of the...
Law professor explains why Trump could win tariff case

Law professor explains why Trump could win tariff case

By Brett RowlandThe Center Square The U.S. Supreme Court could side with the Trump administration on a multi-billion dollar case over tariffs despite two lower courts saying the power of...
Casey Westfield Warriors logo graphic.2

Resident Raises Concerns Over Sunday Youth Football Games

Article Summary: A local resident addressed the Casey-Westfield school board to discuss the scheduling of Junior Football League (JFL) games on Sundays, a practice he said is a problem for...
WATCH: Los Angeles schools superintendent renews contract

WATCH: Los Angeles schools superintendent renews contract

By Esther WickhamThe Center Square The Los Angeles Board of Education unanimously voted this week to renew its four-year contract with Los Angeles Unified School District Superintendent Alberto Carvalho, amid...
Southern California Edison works on paying Eaton Fire victims

Southern California Edison works on paying Eaton Fire victims

By Dave MasonThe Center Square Southern California Edison, which many blamed for starting the destructive Eaton Fire in the Pasadena/Altadena area, is developing a program to reimburse victims. The utility...
U.S. Sen. Mark Kelly presents 'AI for America' roadmap

U.S. Sen. Mark Kelly presents ‘AI for America’ roadmap

By Chris WoodwardThe Center Square Nearly two dozen public figures have come out in support of U.S. Sen. Mark Kelly’s artificial intelligence plan. Known as "AI for America," the plan...
WATCH: Education department launches America 250 effort

WATCH: Education department launches America 250 effort

By Esther WickhamThe Center Square The U.S. Department of Education, along with private organizations, launched this week the America 250 Civics Education Coalition, in an effort to revive civic education...