Illinois quick hits: Anti-SLAPP bill signed; Chicago schools settles meditation case
August 21, 2025/
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.
Latest News Stories
County Approves Two Solar Energy Projects, Committee Discusses Zoning Challenges
The Will County Land Use and Development Committee approved two commercial solar energy projects Wednesday despite objections from the Village of Manhattan regarding one of the proposals. In a 6-1...
Committee Debates Easing Size Restrictions on Accessory Dwelling Units
Will County's Land Use and Development Committee is considering changes to its accessory dwelling unit (ADU) regulations that could provide more flexibility for homeowners looking to create additional living spaces...
“Tiny Homes” Status Creates Regulatory Confusion for County Officials
Will County officials are struggling to establish clear regulations for "tiny homes," with committee members expressing confusion over terminology and appropriate standards during Wednesday's Land Use and Development Committee meeting....
County Officials Begin Exploring Regulations for Small Modular Nuclear Reactors
Will County is beginning to explore potential regulations for small modular nuclear reactors (SMRs) after recent Illinois legislation allowed their development, planning staff told the Land Use and Development Committee...
Will County Land Use News Briefs
Truck Terminal Proposal Tabled for Traffic Study: The committee tabled a special use permit request from Litmax Multi-Service Inc. for a truck terminal in New Lenox Township at 22645 Cherry...
County Moves Forward with Veterans Building Renovations, Questions Arise on Pace Building Plans
Will County's Capital Improvements Committee received updates Tuesday on multiple county facility projects, including progress on the Copperfield Drive building renovations for veterans services, while discussions revealed questions about the...
County Continues Efforts to Reduce Leased Office Space Footprint
Will County officials reported Tuesday that efforts to consolidate county operations in owned facilities are continuing to reduce the county's leased office space footprint, with further reductions expected when the...
County Reports Significant Cost Savings Through In-House Facility Projects
Will County is achieving substantial cost savings by completing facility improvement projects with in-house staff rather than contracting the work out, according to a presentation to the Capital Improvements Committee...
County Legislative Committee Endorses Electronic Recycling Bill, Reviews Transit Governance
The Will County Legislative Committee voted Thursday to support proposed state legislation that would extend and expand Illinois' electronic recycling program, while also reviewing potential changes to regional transit governance...
Will County Capital Improvements News Briefs
Courthouse Scaffolding Expected to Come Down Soon: Scaffolding on one corner of the Will County Courthouse should be removed within the next two weeks, pending reports from material scientists. "We're...
County Finance Committee Advances Proposal for Elected Official Pay Raises After 20-Year Freeze
The Will County Finance Committee voted Thursday to advance a proposal that would provide the first salary increases for countywide elected officials and county board members in nearly two decades....
Will County Committee Debates Process for Taking Positions on State Legislation
Will County Legislative Committee members engaged in substantial discussion Thursday about how the committee should review and take positions on state legislation, with several members expressing concerns about the process...
State Lobbyists Update County on Springfield Action as Legislative Deadlines Approach
County officials received a comprehensive update on pending state legislation Thursday as lawmakers in Springfield approach critical deadlines for moving bills forward this session. Representatives from Mac Strategies, the county's...
Will County Legislative Committee News Briefs
Committee Postpones Action on Felony Conviction Voting Rights Bill: The Will County Legislative Committee declined to support House Bill 1288, which would allow individuals convicted of felonies to run for...
Shanahan Development Agreements Near Completion, Will County to See $282,000 Annual Revenue Boost
Will County will soon begin receiving the full tax benefit from industrial developments in Shanahan as the tax abatement and rebate agreements that helped fund infrastructure improvements approach their completion...