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

Congressional candidates tackle housing, immigration

Congressional candidates tackle housing, immigration

By Andrew RiceThe Center Square Immigration and housing policies will be at the top of voters’ minds in Arizona’s 6th and 9th congressional districts, races that could determine control of...
Senators to examine hospital price transparency legislation

Senators to examine hospital price transparency legislation

By Andrew RiceThe Center Square A bipartisan coalition of lawmakers is set to examine a bill next week to require hospitals and insurance companies to display prices for provided services....
Transit bill sponsor ok with recycled board appointments

Transit bill sponsor ok with recycled board appointments

By Jim Talamonti | The Center SquareThe Center Square (The Center Square) – Although recent appointees to the new Northern Illinois Transit Authority already hold seats on current transit boards...
U.S. adds 3.5M businesses despite shaky economy

U.S. adds 3.5M businesses despite shaky economy

By Andrew RiceThe Center Square The United States added nearly 3.5 million new businesses in the first half of 2026, breaking previous expectations, according to a new report. Registered Agents...
Casey Council Meeting Graphic.1

Casey to Activate 22 Park Security Cameras After Vandalism

Casey City Council Meeting | July 6, 2026 Article Summary: Mayor Mike Nichols announced roughly 22 security cameras will be placed to cover the entire city park after repeated vandalism,...
Utility company pays $314 million to Eaton Fire victims

Utility company pays $314 million to Eaton Fire victims

By Chris WoodwardThe Center Square Southern California Edison, which has been sued for allegedly starting the devastating Eaton Fire, has offered more than $750 million as compensation for victims. Of...
Illinois quick hits: Collinsville man pleads guilty to sex abuse of children

Illinois quick hits: Collinsville man pleads guilty to sex abuse of children

By Jim Talamonti | The Center SquareThe Center Square DCFS honors scholarship recipients The Illinois Department of Children and Family Services honored 317 youth in care with a scholarship luncheon...
Judge plans to rule next week on Paramount, Warner Bros.

Judge plans to rule next week on Paramount, Warner Bros.

By Chris WoodwardThe Center Square A federal judge plans to decide by Wednesday whether to grant a temporary restraining order in a case that pits state attorneys general against Warner...
Aldermen say mayor fails to collect revenue he opposes

Aldermen say mayor fails to collect revenue he opposes

By Jim Talamonti | The Center SquareThe Center Square )The Center Square) – Chicago aldermen are suggesting that the city has a projected budget gap of $130 million because Mayor...
Texas leading in Iran conflict, drone boat company rescues pilots, attacks Iran

Texas leading in Iran conflict, drone boat company rescues pilots, attacks Iran

By Bethany BlankleyThe Center Square The Austin-based drone boat company helping Texas lead the U.S. war against Iran is now building what is expected to be the largest shipyard in...
Illegal border crossings remain historically low in June, drug seizures up

Illegal border crossings remain historically low in June, drug seizures up

By Bethany BlankleyThe Center Square Children still being released into the country Illegal border crossings remained historically low in June, continuing a trend under the Trump administration. Last month, 31,626...
Pritzker disputes Trump speech claims

Pritzker disputes Trump speech claims

By Jim Talamonti | The Center SquareThe Center Square (The Center Square) – Gov. J.B. Pritzker says President Donald Trump tried to claim victimhood during his speech to the nation...
Arizona congressional candidates debate healthcare, ICE

Arizona congressional candidates debate healthcare, ICE

By Andrew RiceThe Center Square Voters will head to the polls Tuesday in Arizona’s 4th and 5th congressional district races with healthcare affordability and immigration enforcement on their minds. District...
Mullin reveals 250k non-citizens registered to vote in just four states

Mullin reveals 250k non-citizens registered to vote in just four states

By Sarah Roderick-FitchThe Center Square Following allegations of foreign adversaries meddling in U.S. elections during a primetime address Thursday by President Donald Trump, Homeland Security Secretary Markwayne Mullin laid out...
Walz again questions deportation of convicted sex offender

Walz again questions deportation of convicted sex offender

By Elyse ApelThe Center Square Minnesota Gov. Tim Walz is once again defending a criminal illegal immigrant who was deported by the Trump administration. In a press conference earlier this...