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: Loyola student's alleged killer charged with new felony

Illinois Quick Hits: Loyola student’s alleged killer charged with new felony

By Jim Talamonti | The Center SquareThe Center Square (The Center Square) – Late Loyola University student Sheridan Gorman’s alleged killer has been charged with possessing a 6-inch shank in...
$55.9 billion budget includes new taxes, 'no property tax relief'

$55.9 billion budget includes new taxes, ‘no property tax relief’

By Jim Talamonti | The Center SquareThe Center Square (The Center Square) – The Illinois General Assembly has voted to approve a record-high budget for fiscal year 2027, with new...
Illinois to require bell-to-bell student phone ban in public schools

Illinois to require bell-to-bell student phone ban in public schools

By Sean Reed | The Center SquareThe Center Square (The Center Square) – Legislation to ban the use of cell phones by students from bell-to-bell officially passed both chambers in...
Casey Council Meeting Graphic.1

Meeting Summary and Briefs: Casey City Council for May 18, 2026

Casey City Council Meeting | May 18, 2026 The Casey City Council moved through a substantial agenda on Monday, May 18, 2026, with its most consequential action being the approval...
Illinois Quick Hits: Housing, megaprojects take backseat to budget talks

Illinois Quick Hits: Housing, megaprojects take backseat to budget talks

By Sean Reed | The Center SquareThe Center Square (The Center Square) – Top Democrat leaders in the Illinois legislature met with Gov. J.B. Pritzker late Friday behind closed doors...
Taxpayer watchdog calls for accountability after helicopter prom controversy

Taxpayer watchdog calls for accountability after helicopter prom controversy

By Catrina Barker | The Center Square contributorThe Center Square (The Center Square) – A taxpayer watchdog is calling for a potential criminal investigation after allegations surfaced that a suburban...
Illinois Quick Hits: Unemployment numbers rise; Champaign job growth continues

Illinois Quick Hits: Unemployment numbers rise; Champaign job growth continues

By Jim Talamonti | The Center SquareThe Center Square (The Center Square) – According to data from the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics and the Illinois Department of Employment Security,...
Filing lawsuits doesn’t immunize Gori vs asbestos fraud claims: New filing

Filing lawsuits doesn’t immunize Gori vs asbestos fraud claims: New filing

By Jonathan Bilyk | Legal NewslineThe Center Square Saying "human tragedy is no license for fraud," a plastic pipes maker is urging a federal judge to reject the bid to...
Casey Council Meeting Graphic.2

Casey Annexes City-Owned Properties to Correct Boundary ‘Donut Holes’

Casey City Council Meeting | May 18, 2026 Article Summary: The Casey City Council on Monday, May 18, 2026, approved Ordinance No. 628, annexing five tracts of city-owned property —...
Casey Council Meeting Graphic.1

Casey Approves Two Easement Ordinances for North-of-Interstate Utility Work

Casey City Council Meeting | May 18, 2026 Article Summary: The Casey City Council on Monday, May 18, 2026, approved two ordinances cleaning up easement paperwork tied to utility development...
Casey Westfield School Board.3

Meeting Summary and Briefs: Casey-Westfield CUSD C-4 Board of Education for May 18, 2026

Casey-Westfield CUSD C-4 Board of Education Meeting | May 18, 2026 Overall Meeting Summary The Casey-Westfield Community Unit School District C-4 Board of Education met in regular session at 7...
Casey Council Meeting Graphic.2

Casey Moves to Curb Park Vandalism With Cameras, Possible E-Bike Ban

Casey City Council Meeting | May 18, 2026 Article Summary: The Casey City Council on Monday, May 18, 2026, discussed installing cameras and potentially banning electric and gas-powered bikes at...
Casey Westfield School Board.2

Casey-Westfield Board Eliminates One Support Position, Reassigns Two Aides

Casey-Westfield CUSD C-4 Board of Education Meeting | May 18, 2026 Article Summary: The Casey-Westfield Community Unit School District C-4 Board of Education on Monday, May 18, 2026, adopted a...
Casey Council Meeting Graphic.1

Casey to Raise Utility Rates Across Gas, Electric, Water and Sewer After $900,000 Shortfall

Casey City Council Meeting | May 18, 2026 Article Summary: The Casey City Council on Monday, May 18, 2026, approved increases to gas, electric, water and sewer rates after the...
Bill to let felons vote from prison draws criticism from Republicans

Bill to let felons vote from prison draws criticism from Republicans

By Sean Reed | The Center SquareThe Center Square (The Center Square) – Some Democrats and electoral rights groups want progress on legislation in Springfield that would give people in...