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

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

August 21, 2025/
Spread the love

By Jim Talamonti | The Center Square
The Center Square

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

Meeting Briefs

Meeting Summary and Briefs: Beecher Fire Protection District Board of Trustees for September 25, 2025

Beecher Fire Protection District Board of Trustees Meeting | September 25, 2025 The Beecher Fire Protection District Board of Trustees approved a major capital expense at its meeting on Thursday,...
Meeting-Briefs

Meeting Summary and Briefs: Village of Beecher for October 27, 2025

Village of Beecher Board Meeting | October 27, 2025 The Beecher Village Board weighed in on two major solar farm proposals during its meeting on Monday, October 27, 2025. The...
Beecher Fire Protection District graphic.1

Beecher Fire District Approves Over $27,000 for New LED Station Sign

Beecher Fire Protection District Board of Trustees Meeting | September 25, 2025 Article Summary: The Beecher Fire Protection District Board of Trustees has awarded a contract worth more than $27,000 to...
Brush Pickup

Final Brush Collection of the Season

The Beecher Public Works department has announced it will conduct one final pass for residential brush collection on Tuesday, November 4. This will be the last opportunity for residents to have...
Beecher Graphic.3

Beecher Hires New Firm for Financial Oversight, Reaffirms Banking Relationship

Village of Beecher Board Meeting | October 27, 2025 Article Summary: The Beecher Village Board took two key financial actions, approving an agreement with Pasbrig & Associates, LLC for accounting...
Beecher Police Graphic

Beecher Police Department to Get New In-Car Cameras for $60,255

Village of Beecher Board Meeting | October 27, 2025 Article Summary: The Beecher Village Board has approved the purchase of a new in-car camera system for the police department from...
Meeting-Briefs

Meeting Summary and Briefs: Beecher Public Library District for September 16, 2025

Beecher Public Library District Meeting | September 16, 2025 The Beecher Public Library District board saw a significant leadership change at its Tuesday, September 16, 2025, meeting, electing Douglas Short...
solar panels photovoltaics in solar farm

Beecher Board Declines to Support Indiana Avenue Solar Project

Village of Beecher Board Meeting | October 27, 2025 Article Summary: The Beecher Village Board effectively withheld its support for a proposed community solar farm on Indiana Avenue, as a...
solar panels photovoltaics in solar farm

Beecher Board Backs Major Solar Project, Securing $100,000 for Village

Village of Beecher Board Meeting | October 27, 2025 Article Summary: The Village of Beecher has agreed to support Earthrise Energy's large-scale Plum Valley Solar project after negotiating a Community...
beecher illinois public library graphic.3

Digital Checkouts and Summer Programs See High Engagement at Beecher Library

Beecher Public Library District Meeting | September 16, 2025 Article Summary: The Beecher Public Library reported a successful summer with high community engagement, including record usage of its digital media platforms...
Screenshot 2025-10-25 at 12.43.06 PM

Will County Health Department Pleads for $1 Million to Avert ‘Weakened Public Health System’

Will County Board Finance Committee Meeting | October 21, 2025 Article Summary: Leaders and board members from the Will County Health Department made an impassioned plea for $1 million in county...
OLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERA

Beecher Library Board Begins Discussions on $392,000 Tax Levy

Beecher Public Library District Meeting | September 16, 2025 Article Summary: The Beecher Public Library Board has started its annual budget process by discussing the upcoming tax levy ordinance, which is...

Will County Committee Grapples with $8.9 Million Budget Gap After Contentious 0% Tax Levy Vote

Will County Board Finance Committee Meeting | October 21, 2025 Article Summary: The Will County Board Finance Committee held a contentious debate over how to close an $8.9 million budget shortfall...
Meeting Briefs

Meeting Summary and Briefs: Beecher Board of Education for October 8, 2025

Beecher Board of Education Regular Board Meeting | October 8, 2025 The Beecher Board of Education on Tuesday, October 8, 2025, approved a major infrastructure project for the elementary school,...
beecher illinois public library graphic.1

Beecher Library Board Elects New Leadership Following Trustee’s Resignation

Beecher Public Library District Meeting | September 16, 2025 Article Summary: The Beecher Public Library District Board has a new leadership team after electing Douglas Short as president and Rick Kerber...