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

Union president: TSA workers want to be paid, not replaced by ICE

Union president: TSA workers want to be paid, not replaced by ICE

By Jim Talamonti | The Center SquareThe Center Square (The Center Square) – Federal immigration law enforcement officers have joined Transportation Security Administration workers at O’Hare International Airport in Chicago....
Illinois Quick Hits: DHS wants migrant charged with killing to remain in custody

Illinois Quick Hits: DHS wants migrant charged with killing to remain in custody

By Jim Talamonti | The Center SquareThe Center Square (The Center Square) – U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement is asking Illinois Gov. J.B. Pritzker and Chicago officials to not release...
IL U.S. Rep says health care crisis caused by failing to extend ACA tax credits

IL U.S. Rep says health care crisis caused by failing to extend ACA tax credits

By Jim Talamonti | The Center SquareThe Center Square (The Center Square) – A Democratic Illinois congresswoman says Republicans have caused a health care crisis by not extending Affordable Care...
Judge declines CTU's motion to dismiss financial audit lawsuit

Judge declines CTU’s motion to dismiss financial audit lawsuit

By Dan McCaleb and Jim Talamonti | The Center SquareThe Center Square (The Center Square) – A Cook County judge on Monday denied a Chicago Teachers' Union motion for summary...
Illinois pushes rate-hike protections forward despite consumer cost fears

Illinois pushes rate-hike protections forward despite consumer cost fears

By Sean Reed | The Center SquareThe Center Square (The Center Square) – Home and auto insurance providers in Illinois could face new oversight and regulation after a Senate bill...
Illinois bill aims to delay 2024 tax sales, protect homeowners’ equity

Illinois bill aims to delay 2024 tax sales, protect homeowners’ equity

By Catrina Barker | The Center Square contributorThe Center Square (The Center Square) – Illinois lawmakers are weighing a proposal to delay property tax sales and pause penalties as the...
Illinois Quick Hits: Man on pretrial release charged with fireman's murder

Illinois Quick Hits: Man on pretrial release charged with fireman’s murder

By Jim Talamonti | The Center SquareThe Center Square (The Center Square) – A Chicago man is charged with murder and aggravated arson in connection with a fire that killed...
Casey Westfield School Board.1

Casey-Westfield High School Students Secure Top Honors at Regional Academic Competitions

Casey-Westfield School Board Meeting | March 16, 2026 Article Summary: Casey-Westfield Junior/Senior High School students demonstrated significant academic prowess throughout late February and early March, securing top regional finishes in...
Comptroller, state lawmaker call for federal tax credit scholarships

Comptroller, state lawmaker call for federal tax credit scholarships

By Catrina Barker | The Center Square contributorThe Center Square (The Center Square) – As Illinois edges toward a decision with significant implications for families and students, State Rep. Regan...
Casey Westfield Baseball Graphic

Early Surge and Defensive Miscues Propel Casey-Westfield Past Centennial 11-1

The Casey-Westfield varsity baseball team took full advantage of early free passes and a porous defense, erupting for six runs in the opening frame to cruise to an 11-1 six-inning,...
Casey Westfield Softball Graphic

Karras and Goble Lead the Way as Casey-Westfield Softball Downs Clifton Central 6-1

A perfect performance at the plate from junior Anna Karras and a suffocating combined effort in the pitching circle powered the Casey-Westfield varsity softball team to a 6-1 home tournament...
Casey Westfield Softball Graphic

Power Surge and Goble’s Arm Lead Casey-Westfield Softball Past St. Anthony, 7-1

The Casey-Westfield varsity softball team showcased its power at the plate and prowess in the circle on Saturday, launching a pair of home runs to defeat St. Anthony 7-1 in...
Marshall School Graphic.2

Marshall School Board Approves Adjusted 2025-26 Schedule, Sets 2026-27 Calendar

Marshall C.U.S.D. C-2 Board of Education Meeting | March 12, 2026 Article Summary: The Marshall Board of Education formally adopted its upcoming academic calendars on Thursday, finalizing an extended current...
Casey Westfield Softball Graphic

Gilbert’s Shutout and Seven-Run Fourth Inning Propel Casey-Westfield Past Centennial, 10-0

Sophomore G. Gilbert delivered a stellar two-way performance on Friday afternoon, leading the Casey-Westfield varsity softball team to a resounding 10-0 non-conference victory over visiting Centennial in a five-inning, run-rule...
Casey Westfield School Board.2

District to Purchase Discounted Floor Burnisher for Junior/Senior High School

Casey-Westfield School Board Meeting | March 16, 2026 Article Summary: The Casey-Westfield School Board approved the $4,995 purchase of a floor burnisher for the Junior/Senior High School to replace an...