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

WATCH: WA Democrat income tax supporter questions ‘necessity clause’ nixing public vote

By Carleen JohnsonThe Center Square A Democratic lawmaker who voted in support of Washington’s new income tax said he didn't see anything scandalous in this week’s revelation of emails showing...
DOJ to face audit for handling of Epstein files release

DOJ to face audit for handling of Epstein files release

By Thérèse BoudreauxThe Center Square Following the drawn-out and politically calamitous release of millions of federal documents related to the exploits of sex trafficker Jeffrey Epstein, the Department of Justice...
ISU strike enters third week; union sues over alleged strikebreaking

ISU strike enters third week; union sues over alleged strikebreaking

By Sean Reed | The Center SquareThe Center Square (The Center Square) – Union support staff at Illinois State University has entered a third week on strike over failed contract...
Trump extends Jones Act waiver, citing national securit

Trump extends Jones Act waiver, citing national securit

By Alton WallaceThe Center Square The Trump administration has suspended for an additional 90 days a law forbidding foreign-owned and crewed ships from transporting goods between U.S. ports in an...
Trump admin continues to crack down on fraudulent visa schemes

Trump admin continues to crack down on fraudulent visa schemes

By Bethany BlankleyThe Center Square The Trump administration is continuing to crack down on fraudulent visa schemes that are occurring nationwide. In New Jersey, a Korean man pleaded guilty to...
Virginia 1 of 4 in courtroom battles for congressional redistricting

Virginia 1 of 4 in courtroom battles for congressional redistricting

By Shirleen GuerraThe Center Square Less than 100 days into Gov. Abigail Spanberger’s administration, Virginia’s redistricting fight is unfolding across multiple fronts, from the ballot box to the Legislature and...
Beecher Softball ladycats

Johnson’s Solo Homer, Combined Shutout Lift Beecher Past Wilmington 4-0

The Beecher varsity softball team utilized timely hitting and a stellar combined pitching performance to secure a 4-0 non-conference road victory over Wilmington on Thursday afternoon. Beecher (25-26) broke a...
Beecher Baseball Bobcats

13-Run Second Inning Propels Beecher Past Illinois Lutheran 15-0

A monumental 13-run explosion in the second inning and a combined two-hit shutout on the mound propelled the Beecher varsity baseball team to a dominant 15-0 home conference victory over...
Illinois Quick Hits: State gaming board renew Rockford casino license

Illinois Quick Hits: State gaming board renew Rockford casino license

By Jim Talamonti | The Center SquareThe Center Square (The Center Square) – The Illinois Gaming Board has renewed Hard Rock Casino Rockford’s license for four years, retroactive to January...
Arizona GOP pushes to protect Colorado River's limited water

Arizona GOP pushes to protect Colorado River’s limited water

By Zachery SchmidtThe Center Square Arizona Republicans are seeking to protect the Colorado River as its water supply continues to dwindle. State Senate President Warren Petersen, R-Gilbert; state House Speaker...
Republicans challenge Clyde in Georgia's 9th District

Republicans challenge Clyde in Georgia’s 9th District

By Andrew RiceThe Center Square Incumbent Rep. Andrew Clyde, R-Ga., is facing a primary challenger in his bid to hold on to his 9th District post. Sam Couvillon and Joel...
Fort Bragg soldier’s case continues Tuesday in New York

Fort Bragg soldier’s case continues Tuesday in New York

By Alan WootenThe Center Square An enlisted soldier at Fort Bragg was granted $250,000 bond release on Friday and will have his charges of using classified information to win $400,000...
Justice Department drops Federal Reserve probe, kicks to watchdog

Justice Department drops Federal Reserve probe, kicks to watchdog

By Brett RowlandThe Center Square U.S. Attorney for D.C. Jeanine Pirro said Friday she is closing the Justice Department's criminal investigation into Federal Reserve Chair Jerome Powell, days after a...
Pritzker: 'Need for speed' for megaprojects bill with tax breaks

Pritzker: ‘Need for speed’ for megaprojects bill with tax breaks

By Jim Talamonti | The Center SquareThe Center Square (The Center Square) – Gov. J.B. Pritzker says there is a need for speed when it comes to the Chicago Bears...
NYC schools probed over claims of antisemitism

NYC schools probed over claims of antisemitism

By Chris WadeThe Center Square The Trump administration is investigating claims that New York City schools violated the civil rights of Jewish students by hosting seminars on Palestinian resistance. The...