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/

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.

Events

No events

Leave a Comment





Latest News Stories

Trump HHS tells states to remove gender ideology from sex ed or lose PREP funding

Trump HHS tells states to remove gender ideology from sex ed or lose PREP funding

By Tate MillerThe Center Square The Trump administration directed 46 states and territories to remove gender ideology from their sex ed materials or else face possible termination of federal Personal...
Americans could face 'sticker shock' as once-small tax exemption ends

Americans could face ‘sticker shock’ as once-small tax exemption ends

By Brett RowlandThe Center Square Americans could be in for a surprise when a nearly century-old trade rule that allowed shoppers to avoid President Donald Trump's tariffs expires on Friday....
'Pro-taxpayer' law requires operators to clean up abandoned Illinois oil wells

‘Pro-taxpayer’ law requires operators to clean up abandoned Illinois oil wells

By Jim Talamonti | The Center SquareThe Center Square (The Center Square) – A state lawmaker says recently-signed legislation will ensure that Illinois taxpayers don’t foot the bill for cleaning...
Black-only medical directory must open to all races after lawsuit

Black-only medical directory must open to all races after lawsuit

By Tate MillerThe Center Square After a lawsuit from medical group Do No Harm, a Philadelphia-based directory of Black physicians is now open to all races. The directory entitled “Black...
Embattled Fed governor sues Trump over 'illegal' firing

Embattled Fed governor sues Trump over ‘illegal’ firing

By Brett RowlandThe Center Square A Federal Reserve governor accused of mortgage fraud filed a lawsuit Thursday alleging her firing was "unprecedented and illegal." Trump fired Federal Reserve Governor Lisa...
Watch: Cook County gun ban plaintiffs petition SCOTUS; Pritzker hasn’t heard from White House

Watch: Cook County gun ban plaintiffs petition SCOTUS; Pritzker hasn’t heard from White House

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 gets to the...
Illinois quick hits: Man on pretrial release accused of murder; holiday weekend impaired driving patrols

Illinois quick hits: Man on pretrial release accused of murder; holiday weekend impaired driving patrols

By Jim Talamonti | The Center SquareThe Center Square Man on pretrial release accused of murder After reportedly violating curfew dozens of times while wearing an ankle monitor, a man...
OLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERA

Beecher Library Schedules New Window Installation for Early August

Article Summary: New windows are scheduled to be installed at the Beecher Public Library on Friday, August 1, a project intended to improve the building's infrastructure. The work is expected...
Illinois quick hits: Gun ban challengers petition SCOTUS; man sentenced for COVID fraud

Illinois quick hits: Gun ban challengers petition SCOTUS; man sentenced for COVID fraud

By Jim Talamonti | The Center SquareThe Center Square Gun ban challengers petition SCOTUS The Second Amendment Foundation is asking the U.S. Supreme Court to take a challenge to Cook...
WATCH: Trump: Illinois’ 'slob of a governor' should call for help with public safety

WATCH: Trump: Illinois’ ‘slob of a governor’ should call for help with public safety

By Jim Talamonti | The Center SquareThe Center Square (The Center Square) – Illinois Gov. J.B. Pritzker says he has not received communication from the federal government about potential troop...
beecher illinois public library graphic.1

Beecher Library Awarded Over $10,000 in State Per Capita Grant

Article Summary: The Beecher Public Library District will receive $10,013.78 in state funding through the Public Library Per Capita Grant program. The grant, awarded by the Illinois Secretary of State's...
WATCH: Legislator says Illinois’ child welfare agency uses interns, has legal exposure

WATCH: Legislator says Illinois’ child welfare agency uses interns, has legal exposure

By Greg Bishop | The Center SquareThe Center Square (The Center Square) – An Illinois state legislator insists the state’s child welfare agency is violating the law by using interns...
Economic index shows reduced uncertainty, more stability in Midwest

Economic index shows reduced uncertainty, more stability in Midwest

By Jim Talamonti | The Center SquareThe Center Square (The Center Square) – The Federal Reserve Bank of Chicago’s Survey of Economic Conditions Activity Index suggests more stability and less...
New law sparks debate over Illinois school mergers, communities fear loss

New law sparks debate over Illinois school mergers, communities fear loss

By Catrina Barker | The Center Square contributorThe Center Square (The Center Square) – A new law that could push school districts to study possible consolidation, aiming for efficiency and...
Illinois in Focus: Rest area burglary arrests made; overdose awareness events planned

Illinois in Focus: Rest area burglary arrests made; overdose awareness events planned

By Jim Talamonti | The Center SquareThe Center Square Rest area burglary arrests made Two men have been detained in connection with a reported burglary at the northbound Interstate 57...