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

WATCH: Pritzker says political violence ‘has got to stop’ in reaction to Kirk shooting

By Greg Bishop | The Center SquareThe Center Square (The Center Square) – Popular political activist and Illinois native Charlie Kirk was shot and killed Wednesday while at a public...
IL Secretary of State candidate talks issues, Giannoulias yet to announce

IL Secretary of State candidate talks issues, Giannoulias yet to announce

By Jim Talamonti | The Center SquareThe Center Square (The Center Square) – Although Illinois Secretary of State Alexi Giannoulias has yet to announce plans for reelection in 2026, an...
Brian-Ridgley-1757345674

Brian Keith Ridgley, 64

Brian Keith Ridgley, 64, of Casey, Illinois, passed away at 6:39 a.m. on Thursday, September 4, 2025, at Gibson Family Center for Hospice Care, Terre Haute, Indiana. He was born...
Roberta-Decker

Roberta May Decker, 91

Roberta May Decker, 91, of Casey, Illinois, passed away at 7:07 a.m. on Friday, August 29, 2025, at her home. She was born on June 25, 1934, the daughter of...
James-Brewer-1757085923

James Alan “Jim” Brewer, 65

James Alan "Jim" Brewer, 65, of Casey, Illinois, passed away at 1:45 p.m. on Thursday, September 4, 2025, at Heartland Nursing and Rehabilitation, Casey, Illinois. He was born November 20,...
Bipartisan group of lawmakers aim to increase migrant physician jobs

Bipartisan group of lawmakers aim to increase migrant physician jobs

By Andrew RiceThe Center Square A bipartisan group of Congressional lawmakers wants to expand a program that allows noncitizens to fill physician vacancies in rural areas of the United States...

WATCH: Border czar Homan considered turning Trump’s offer down

By Greg BishopThe Center Square Tom Homan, President Donald Trump's border czar, addressed the State Freedom Caucus Foundation Friday night in Dallas.

WATCH: Gov. Desantis addresses State Freedom Caucus Foundation in Dallas

By Greg BishopThe Center Square Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis addressed the State Freedom Caucus Foundation Friday night in Dallas.
Higher ed spending up as enrollment plummets at Illinois universities

Higher ed spending up as enrollment plummets at Illinois universities

By Jim Talamonti | The Center SquareThe Center Square (The Center Square) – A former state lawmaker says Illinois is now tops in the nation on per-student spending in higher...
World's largest retailer struggles to keep costs down as tariffs hit

World’s largest retailer struggles to keep costs down as tariffs hit

By Brett RowlandThe Center Square The world's largest retailer says it's doing everything it can to keep prices low as its costs increase each week due to the tariffs at...
Meeting Briefs

Meeting Summary and Briefs: Casey City Council for September 2, 2025

With Alderman Tanner Brown serving as Mayor Pro Tem in the absence of Mayor Mike Nichols, the Casey City Council's first meeting of September was dominated by positive reflections on...
billy-decker-1757676411

Billy Gene Decker, 91

Updated Service Information as of September 5, 2025. Billy Gene Decker, 91, of Casey, Illinois, passed away at 9:45 p.m. on Tuesday, May 19, 2020, at Sarah Bush Lincoln Health...
Boston judge orders Trump to give back Harvard funding

Boston judge orders Trump to give back Harvard funding

By Esther WickhamThe Center Square A Boston federal judge this week blocked the Trump administration’s $2.2 billion funding freeze against Harvard after the government's claims of antisemitism. The U.S. District...
Arizona congressman backs bill protecting ICE agents

Arizona congressman backs bill protecting ICE agents

By Chris WoodwardThe Center Square U.S. Rep. Abe Hamadeh wants to protect ICE agents. The Arizona congressman is among a handful of House representatives, all of them Republicans, to introduce...
Northwestern president steps down amid federal funding cuts

Northwestern president steps down amid federal funding cuts

By Esther WickhamThe Center Square Northwestern University President Michael Schill resigned this week amid the federal funding freeze by the Trump administration. Schill has served as the 17th president of...