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

Energy group praises bill curbing EPA regulatory 'abuses'

Energy group praises bill curbing EPA regulatory ‘abuses’

By Thérèse BoudreauxThe Center Square Recently introduced legislation that would rein in certain regulatory powers of the Environmental Protection Agency has drawn praise from dozens of energy industry groups. The...
Taxpayer cost questions surround push for suicide prevention measures on I-74 Bridge

Taxpayer cost questions surround push for suicide prevention measures on I-74 Bridge

By Catrina Barker | The Center Square contributorThe Center Square (The Center Square) – Suicide prevention advocates are renewing calls for safety measures on the Interstate 74 Bridge, arguing that...
Lake Land College.6

Lake Land Awards $38,628 Bid for John Deere Tech Diesel Repair Stands

Lake Land College Board of Trustees Meeting | May 11, 2026 Article Summary: Trustees awarded a $38,628.47 bid to AHW LLC of Ashmore for agricultural diesel engine repair stands and...
America 250: Celebrating the first attorneys general who fought for freedom

America 250: Celebrating the first attorneys general who fought for freedom

By Bethany BlankleyThe Center Square As Americans celebrate the 250th anniversary of independence, they are also celebrating the first attorneys general who helped establish the justice system. Among the first...
Texas becomes first state to make Bible required reading

Texas becomes first state to make Bible required reading

By Bethany BlankleyThe Center Square After several days of hearings and votes, the Texas State Board of Education voted late Friday to require a reading list for every grade level...
Colorado gubernatorial candidates debate economic issues

Colorado gubernatorial candidates debate economic issues

By Liam HibbertThe Center Square Two Democrats and three Republicans have pulled ahead in Colorado's crowded race for the soon-to-be vacant Governor’s Office. Following Democratic Gov. Jared Polis’ term limit,...
U.S. launches retaliatory strikes against Iran

U.S. launches retaliatory strikes against Iran

By Sarah Roderick-FitchThe Center Square United States military strikes were launched in retaliation against Iran on Friday. President Donald Trump said the Islamic Republic targeted a cargo ship with drones...
Illinois sued over prediction market law imposing new taxes, regulations

Illinois sued over prediction market law imposing new taxes, regulations

By Sean Reed | The Center SquareThe Center Square (The Center Square) – A lawsuit against a new Illinois law taxing prediction markets has been filed in federal court, presenting...
Epstein's billionaire associate subpoenaed after refusing to answer oversight committee

Epstein’s billionaire associate subpoenaed after refusing to answer oversight committee

By Thérèse BoudreauxThe Center Square U.S. lawmakers on the House Oversight Committee appeared stunned after billionaire Leon Black, a close associate of the late convicted sex trafficker Jeffrey Epstein, walked...
Energy institute launches website criticizing use of 'extreme' climate scenario

Energy institute launches website criticizing use of ‘extreme’ climate scenario

By Tom JoyceThe Center Square The American Energy Institute launched a new website that argues governments, researchers, and other institutions relied on an extreme climate scenario long after scientists questioned...
Trump threatens 100% tariff over European digital services taxes

Trump threatens 100% tariff over European digital services taxes

By Brett RowlandThe Center Square President Donald Trump threatened Friday to impose a 100% tariff on any country that implements a digital services tax on U.S. technology companies, a move...
Trump teases 'you'll find out' on U.S. response to Iranian drone attack

Trump teases ‘you’ll find out’ on U.S. response to Iranian drone attack

By Sarah Roderick-FitchThe Center Square Following drone attacks by Iranian forces on a ship transiting the Strait of Hormuz, President Donald Trump told reporters that they will find out if...
Military responds swiftly to devastating Venezuelan earthquakes

Military responds swiftly to devastating Venezuelan earthquakes

By Sarah Roderick-FitchThe Center Square The U.S. has already begun deploying several civilian and military assets to Venezuela following two massive earthquakes. The South American country was struck by a...

WATCH: Eight years later, quiet opt-out rules can’t stop millions saved in union dues

By Carleen JohnsonThe Center Square Saturday June 27 marks eight years since the landmark Janus v. AFSCME decision where the U.S. Supreme Court ruled that public employees have a right...
Accounting analyst: SEC should examine Illinois pension funding

Accounting analyst: SEC should examine Illinois pension funding

By Jim Talamonti | The Center SquareThe Center Square (The Center Square) – Illinois is less tardy than usual with its Annual Comprehensive Financial Report for fiscal year 2025, but...