Illinois quick hits: Freedom Caucus remembers Kirk; new chief judge for Cook County

September 11, 2025/

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.

Latest News Stories

Illinois’ gun ban set for oral arguments in appeals court Monday

By Greg Bishop | The Center SquareThe Center Square (The Center Square) – The state of Illinois will be defending its gun and magazine ban Monday in front of the...

Law professor explains why Trump could win tariff case

By Brett RowlandThe Center Square The U.S. Supreme Court could side with the Trump administration on a multi-billion dollar case over tariffs despite two lower courts saying the power of...

WATCH: Los Angeles schools superintendent renews contract

By Esther WickhamThe Center Square The Los Angeles Board of Education unanimously voted this week to renew its four-year contract with Los Angeles Unified School District Superintendent Alberto Carvalho, amid...

Southern California Edison works on paying Eaton Fire victims

By Dave MasonThe Center Square Southern California Edison, which many blamed for starting the destructive Eaton Fire in the Pasadena/Altadena area, is developing a program to reimburse victims. The utility...

U.S. Sen. Mark Kelly presents ‘AI for America’ roadmap

By Chris WoodwardThe Center Square Nearly two dozen public figures have come out in support of U.S. Sen. Mark Kelly’s artificial intelligence plan. Known as "AI for America," the plan...

WATCH: Education department launches America 250 effort

By Esther WickhamThe Center Square The U.S. Department of Education, along with private organizations, launched this week the America 250 Civics Education Coalition, in an effort to revive civic education...

Trump: Chicago needs ‘big, strong soldiers’

By Jim Talamonti | The Center SquareThe Center Square (The Center Square) – President Donald Trump says Chicago needs big, strong soldiers to get the city into shape. The president...

WATCH: Gov. Gavin Newsom signs climate and energy bills

By Dave MasonThe Center Square California Gov. Gavin Newsom Friday morning promised up to $60 billion in tax rebates on electricity fees just before signing climate and energy bills. The...

Large Wisconsin data center tax breaks make benefits unclear

By Jon StyfThe Center Square When Microsoft announced plans for an additional $4 billion data center in Kenosha County on Thursday morning, it came with comments from Wisconsin Gov. Tony...

Panelists debate costs of energy legislation as Illinoisans struggle to pay bills

By Jim Talamonti | The Center SquareThe Center Square (The Center Square) – Some consumer advocates say battery storage legislation would help reduce energy price spikes, but others say an...

Hearing held after report on tax money funding woke ideology in nonprofit hospitals

By Tate MillerThe Center Square Following a “Consumer Warning” report that shows a number of nonprofit hospitals promote DEI, gender ideology, and climate activism, the House Ways & Means Oversight...

Senate rejects both Republican and Democrat govt funding stopgaps, risking a shutdown

By Thérèse BoudreauxThe Center Square The U.S. Senate failed to pass either Democrats’ or Republicans’ government funding proposals Friday to prevent a government shutdown. Senators have now left town for...

Human remains found near Leavenworth believed to be Travis Decker

By Carleen JohnsonThe Center Square The Chelan County Sheriff’s Office has announced the discovery of human remains believed to be those of Travis Decker. Decker is accused of kidnapping and...

House passes government funding patch, sending over to Senate

By Thérèse BoudreauxThe Center Square Right before recessing for the Rosh Hashanah holiday, U.S. House lawmakers passed Friday a short-term Continuing Resolution to postpone the Sept. 30 government shutdown deadline....

Illinois quick hits: ICE protests in Broadview; Edgar funeral services this weekend

By Jim Talamonti | The Center SquareThe Center Square ICE protests in Broadview Protesters clashed with federal officials Friday morning outside the U.S. Customs and Immigration Enforcement facility in the...

BEECHER LOCAL