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

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

Investigation: Sanders' anti-oligarchy tour spent $608k on elite travel

Investigation: Sanders’ anti-oligarchy tour spent $608k on elite travel

By Mark StricherzThe Center Square Sen. Bernie Sanders, a self-described democratic socialist from Vermont, has spent nearly $608,000 on private jets, chauffeured cars, and upscale hotels since last year through...
Illinois news in brief: Prosecutors charge man with using care in attempt to kill cops; Military higher education bill goes to governor; Burrito chain closes locations in Chicago area

Illinois news in brief: Prosecutors charge man with using care in attempt to kill cops; Military higher education bill goes to governor; Burrito chain closes locations in Chicago area

By Jim Talamonti | The Center SquareThe Center Square Prosecutors charge man with using care in attempt to kill cops Prosecutors charged a Plainfield teen with attempted murder, aggravated battery...
beecher ilinois school board graphic.3

Beecher 200U Reports $8.96 Million Across All Funds in April Treasurer’s Report

Beecher Community Unit School District 200-U Meeting | May 13, 2026 Article Summary: The Beecher Community Unit School District 200-U closed April with $8.96 million across all of its funds,...
Analysts: Redistricting to cost taxpayers, while slowly shifting election outcomes

Analysts: Redistricting to cost taxpayers, while slowly shifting election outcomes

By Andrew RiceThe Center Square As states engage in unprecedented mid-decade redistricting across the country, analysts predicted taxpayers will foot the bill while changes in representation will come slowly over...
Trump honors fallen service members, vows Iran will not obtain nuclear weapon

Trump honors fallen service members, vows Iran will not obtain nuclear weapon

By Andrew RiceThe Center Square President Donald Trump, Vice President JD Vance and other top cabinet officials honored fallen American service members in celebration of Memorial Day and vowed Iran...
Stephen Colbert returns to community show after final 'Late Show' appearance

Stephen Colbert returns to community show after final ‘Late Show’ appearance

By Elyse ApelThe Center Square Hours after his final appearance on "The Late Show with Stephen Colbert," Stephen Colbert guest hosted a local community TV show in Michigan called "Only...
TVA reports solid financial results, acknowledges resource plan delays

TVA reports solid financial results, acknowledges resource plan delays

By Alton WallaceThe Center Square The Tennessee Valley Authority Board of Directors held its quarterly meeting Thursday, with its new interim CEO moving to establish operational stability after a period...
Illinois dual office holding debate intensifies amid Calumet funding, ethics concerns

Illinois dual office holding debate intensifies amid Calumet funding, ethics concerns

By Catrina Barker | The Center Square contributorThe Center Square (The Center Square) – Ethics advocates say Illinois’ loose restrictions on dual office holding leave the door open to conflicts...
School choice Yass Prize awards continue, $20M worth of grants awarded nationwide

School choice Yass Prize awards continue, $20M worth of grants awarded nationwide

By Bethany BlankleyThe Center Square School choice awards continue nationwide through a Yass Prize launched five years ago. A deadline for a $1 million Yass Prize school choice award is...
U.S. sees progress in Iran talks, Tehran says no deal yet

U.S. sees progress in Iran talks, Tehran says no deal yet

By Elyse ApelThe Center Square A top Iranian official says a deal to end the conflict between the U.S. and Iran is not imminent, despite earlier suggestions from U.S. officials...
Beecher Village Graphic.1

Hunters Chase HOA Asks Beecher Board for Help With Pond Trespassing

Beecher Village Board Meeting | May 11, 2026 Article Summary: Residents from the Hunters Chase Lakefront homeowners association told the Beecher Village Board on Monday, May 11, 2026, that junior...
Everyday Economics: History doesn't repeat, but the Fed Is hearing an echo

Everyday Economics: History doesn’t repeat, but the Fed Is hearing an echo

By Orphe DivounguyThe Center Square Read this week's Fed minutes carefully and you'll hear 1970s.The Fed has stopped debating when to cut. Now it's debating whether to hold higher for...
Illinois DHS appointment sparks backlash over alleged voter registration mailer practices

Illinois DHS appointment sparks backlash over alleged voter registration mailer practices

By Catrina Barker | The Center Square contributorThe Center Square (The Center Square) – The appointment of Illinois Department of Human Services Secretary Dulce Quintero is drawing renewed criticism from...
Arctic defense begins in Galveston after Memorial Day

Arctic defense begins in Galveston after Memorial Day

By Bethany BlankleyThe Center Square As Texans celebrate Memorial Day weekend, 190 years of Texas independence and 250 years of American independence this year, they are also celebrating a new...
Illinois Quick Hits: Pritzker urges megaprojects support for Bears

Illinois Quick Hits: Pritzker urges megaprojects support for Bears

By Jim Talamonti | The Center SquareThe Center Square (The Center Square) – Gov. J.B. Pritzker says megaprojects legislation is shaping up in the Illinois Senate. A reporter asked the...