August 13, 2025/

Illinois quick hits: Former Chicago schools dean sentenced for sexual assault

Spread the love

By Jim Talamonti | The Center Square
The Center Square

Former Chicago schools dean sentenced for sexual assault

A former Chicago public school dean has been sentenced to 22 years in prison for sexually assaulting a student over a two-year period.

CWB Chicago reports that Brian Crowder, 43, posed as the victim’s stepfather twice to sign consent forms for her to have abortions.

Prosecutors say Crowder began grooming the girl when he was dean of Greater Lawndale High School for Social Justice.

Tracy running for U.S. Senate

Former Illinois Republican Party Chairman Don Tracy has announced that he is running for U.S. Senate in 2026.

Tracy released a statement Wednesday morning and said his top priority in Washington would be to lower costs for working families.

Illinois U.S. Sen. Dick Durbin announced in April that he would not seek reelection.

Small business optimism index

The NFIB Small Business Optimism Index rose 1.7 points in July to 100.3, slightly above the 52-year average of 98.

National Federation of Independent Business Illinois State Director Noah Finley said small business owners are feeling more optimistic after Congress made the Small Business Deduction permanent, but there is uncertainty in Illinois, where the General Assembly is considering additional tax hikes.

Leave a Comment





Latest News Stories

Illinois Quick Hits: Illinois House approves student cell phone ban

Illinois Quick Hits: Illinois House approves student cell phone ban

By Jim Talamonti | The Center SquareThe Center Square (The Center Square) – The Illinois House has approved a bill banning students from using cell phones during the school day....
Oil prices fall as Trump, Iran say Strait of Hormuz is 'fully open'

Oil prices fall as Trump, Iran say Strait of Hormuz is ‘fully open’

By Sarah Roderick-FitchThe Center Square The Strait of Hormuz is fully opened, Iranian officials and President Donald Trump said Friday, sending oil prices down. Iran closed the strait near the...
US-Asia Fair Market Alliance launches, urges probe into digital trade practices in Asia

US-Asia Fair Market Alliance launches, urges probe into digital trade practices in Asia

By Tom JoyceThe Center Square (The Center Square ) – A new policy coalition launched this week, calling on federal officials to investigate what it says is discriminatory treatment of...
Fugitives arrested in New England sanctuary jurisdictions wanted on homicide charges

Fugitives arrested in New England sanctuary jurisdictions wanted on homicide charges

By Bethany BlankleyThe Center Square Fve fugitives have been arrested in New England sanctuary jurisdictions within the past few weeks who are wanted for murder or homicide in their home...
ICE director stepping down

ICE director stepping down

By Sarah Roderick-FitchThe Center Square The Department of Homeland Security will see another leadership change as Todd Lyons, acting director of Immigration and Customs Enforcement, will step down May 31....
Ex-Dem Rep. Stoneback can’t sue gun control group, current Rep. Olickal over NRA smears

Ex-Dem Rep. Stoneback can’t sue gun control group, current Rep. Olickal over NRA smears

By Jonathan Bilyk | Legal NewslineThe Center Square An Illinois gun control activist group and a current Illinois Democratic state lawmaker appear poised to ultimately prevail over a former Democratic...
Illinois leaders sweat over tight budget; GOP wants more cuts

Illinois leaders sweat over tight budget; GOP wants more cuts

By Sean Reed | The Center SquareThe Center Square (The Center Square) – State legislative leaders from both parties spoke to the Illinois Chamber of Commerce about the broad state...
Pritzker: Swipe fee ban works, banking groups, feds push for repeal

Pritzker: Swipe fee ban works, banking groups, feds push for repeal

By Jim Talamonti | The Center SquareThe Center Square (The Center Square) – Gov. J.B. Pritzker says he hopes the federal government does what’s best for consumers and businesses as...
Illinois Quick Hits: State unemployment rate hits 5%

Illinois Quick Hits: State unemployment rate hits 5%

By Jim Talamonti | The Center SquareThe Center Square (The Center Square) – The Illinois Department of Employment Security says the state’s unemployment rate reached 5% in February, up 0.1...
Pritzker wants Bears legislation to move faster; tax questions loom large

Pritzker wants Bears legislation to move faster; tax questions loom large

By Jim Talamonti | The Center SquareThe Center Square (The Center Square) – Gov. J.B. Pritzker says he would like the General Assembly to move faster on legislation for the...
Illinois Quick Hits: Chicago charter schools CEO charged

Illinois Quick Hits: Chicago charter schools CEO charged

By Jim Talamonti | The Center SquareThe Center Square (The Center Square) – A federal grand jury has indicted a former Chicago charter school network CEO for allegedly misappropriating more...
FTC takes action against ad giants for avoiding certain sites

FTC takes action against ad giants for avoiding certain sites

By Jay Brown | Legal NewslineThe Center Square WASHINGTON - The Federal Trade Commission and eight states have sued three of the country’s largest advertising agencies for allegedly conspiring not...
Illinois Quick Hits: Feds put card swipe fees prohibition on hold

Illinois Quick Hits: Feds put card swipe fees prohibition on hold

By Jim Talamonti | The Center SquareThe Center Square (The Center Square) – The U.S. Treasury Department’s Office of the Comptroller of the Currency has released notice of a pending...
Calif. climate change lawsuits paused during SCOTUS review

Calif. climate change lawsuits paused during SCOTUS review

By John O’Brien | Legal NewslineThe Center Square Lawsuits over climate change in California will be on hold while the U.S. Supreme Court decides whether they can be pursued. San...
U.S. will strike Iran infrastructure with no deal, Hegseth warns

U.S. will strike Iran infrastructure with no deal, Hegseth warns

By Andrew RiceThe Center Square The U.S. military is prepared to strike Iran's energy infrastructure if it does not agree to a peace deal, War Secretary Pete Hegseth said on...