September 11, 2025/

Illinois quick hits: Freedom Caucus remembers Kirk; new chief judge for Cook County

Spread the love

By Jim Talamonti | The Center Square
The Center Square

Freedom Caucus remembers Kirk

The Illinois Freedom Caucus says members are “devastated and horrified” by the murder of conservative radio and podcast host Charlie Kirk.

Caucus members say Kirk was a Christian, a husband, a father and a patriot who helped advance conservatism in his home state.

Kirk was born in Illinois and launched Turning Point USA in the Land of Lincoln.

ISP asks for help with Decatur homicide investigation

The Illinois State Police Division of Criminal Investigation Zone 5 is asking for the public’s assistance with the death investigation of 51-year-old James E. Taylor of Decatur.

Taylor was reported missing on May 12, 2023 and was found dead seven days later in a rural area near his home.

ISP special agents are investigating the death as a homicide.

New chief judge for Cook County

Longtime Cook County Chief Judge Timothy Evans is on his way out.

Judges in the county’s circuit court Wednesday elected Charles Beach over Evans, who was seeking his ninth term, by a vote of 144 to 109.

Beach’s first term is slated to begin Dec. 1.

Leave a Comment





Latest News Stories

Illinois quick hits: Three dead outside Berwyn school; steady economic conditions reported

Illinois quick hits: Three dead outside Berwyn school; steady economic conditions reported

By Jim Talamonti | The Center SquareThe Center Square Three dead outside Berwyn school A Berwyn middle school is closed for instruction today after three people died in what authorities...
City Council 9.16.25.2

Casey Hires Hometown Engineer Ryan Staley as New Director of Public Works

Article Summary: The Casey City Council has officially appointed Casey native and civil engineer Ryan Staley as the city's new Director of Public Works, positioning him to take over for...
Meeting Briefs

Meeting Summary and Briefs: Casey Township Library Board of Trustees for August 7, 2025

Casey Township Library Board of Trustees Meeting | August 7, 2025 The Casey Township Library Board took another step toward replacing its failed air conditioner on Thursday, August 7, 2025,...
WATCH: Illinois prison mail scanning rule faces lawmaker scrutiny

WATCH: Illinois prison mail scanning rule faces lawmaker scrutiny

By Catrina Barker | The Center Square contributorThe Center Square (The Center Square) – Emergency rules from the Illinois Department of Corrections to scan inmate mail are under review by...
Illinois quick hits: Edgar funeral details released; O'Hare measles exposure warning

Illinois quick hits: Edgar funeral details released; O’Hare measles exposure warning

By Jim Talamonti | The Center SquareThe Center Square Edgar funeral details released Funeral services have been announced for former Illinois Gov. Jim Edgar. The public can pay last respects...
WATCH: Leading IL House Republican urges Pritzker to address SNAP errors

WATCH: Leading IL House Republican urges Pritzker to address SNAP errors

By Greg Bishop | The Center SquareThe Center Square (The Center Square) – The leading Republican in the Illinois House is raising the alarm that Illinois taxpayers are on the...
WATCH: Pritzker criticizes Trump as feds make arrests in immigration enforcement blitz

WATCH: Pritzker criticizes Trump as feds make arrests in immigration enforcement blitz

By Jim Talamonti | The Center SquareThe Center Square (The Center Square) – Gov. J.B. Pritzker is questioning President Donald Trump’s health as federal authorities arrive in Illinois to ramp...
WATCH: Freedom Caucus files Pritzker impeachment; Trump says Chicago is next

WATCH: Freedom Caucus files Pritzker impeachment; Trump says Chicago is next

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 shares the latest...
City Council 9.16.25.1

Casey Faces $1.1 Million Utility Deficit Amid Population Decline, Rate Hikes Likely

Article Summary: Mayor Mike Nichols revealed the City of Casey's utility departments operated at a nearly $1.1 million loss last fiscal year, a financial crisis driven by a significant population...
IL legislator: New public defender law adds costs, takes away local control

IL legislator: New public defender law adds costs, takes away local control

By Catrina Barker | The Center Square contributorThe Center Square (The Center Square) – A new Illinois law creates a statewide office to address public defender staffing gaps, but critics...
Illinois quick hits: Midway Blitz arrests announced; call for veterans tributes

Illinois quick hits: Midway Blitz arrests announced; call for veterans tributes

By Jim Talamonti | The Center SquareThe Center Square Midway Blitz arrests announced According to the Department of Homeland Security, U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement officers have arrested several dangerous...
Casey Library.3

Casey Library Renews $90,000 CD at 4.15%, Reports on Financial Health

Casey Township Library Board of Trustees Meeting | August 7, 2025 Article Summary: The Casey Township Library Board of Trustees received a positive financial update, including the renewal of a...
Casey Lions Club

Patsy Phillips Wins annual Lions Club Raffle

Lions Club members Bob Dougherty and Bruce Brown present Patsy Phillips with an $18,000 check for winning the annual Lions Club Raffle. The winning ticket was drawn at the 37th...
Ryan Staley_5134

City Council Hires New Superintendent of Utilities

Ryan Staley, 2007 graduate of Casey-Westfield High School, was hired as the new Director of Public Works for the City of Casey to replace Shelby Biggs, who will retire in...
'Peacekeepers' reportedly commit Chicago crimes as Pritzker calls for more funding

‘Peacekeepers’ reportedly commit Chicago crimes as Pritzker calls for more funding

By Jim Talamonti | The Center SquareThe Center Square (The Center Square) – As Gov. J.B. Pritzker and Chicago Mayor Brandon Johnson push for more community violence intervention funding from...