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

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

September 11, 2025/
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

Service member killed in action; remains found in search for one missing

Service member killed in action; remains found in search for one missing

By Sarah Roderick-FitchThe Center Square Another U.S. service member has been killed following Iranian strikes in the Middle East, as remains were found in the search for a missing military...
Second family welcomes baby boy

Second family welcomes baby boy

By Sarah Roderick-FitchThe Center Square And the new baby makes six – Vice President JD Vance and Second Lady Usha Vance welcomed a baby boy Sunday morning. The vice president...

Everyday Economics: Falling gas prices helped keep consumers spending

By Orphe DivounguyThe Center Square Inflation fell more than expected in June. That gave consumers some breathing room, and they kept spending – even if they became more selective about...
Illinois may bring early warning of toll costs ahead of proposed rate hike

Illinois may bring early warning of toll costs ahead of proposed rate hike

By Sean Reed | The Center SquareThe Center Square (The Center Square) – While Illinois contemplates raising prices on tollways across the state, one state lawmaker wants increased transparency for...
Illinois senator says True Value move highlights business climate concerns

Illinois senator says True Value move highlights business climate concerns

By Catrina Barker | The Center Square contributorThe Center Square (The Center Square) – Illinois state Sen. Chris Balkema said True Value’s decision to move its headquarters from Chicago to...
Two services members killed, one missing in Iranian strike

Two services members killed, one missing in Iranian strike

By Sarah Roderick-FitchThe Center Square Two U.S. service members have been killed in action, and one remains missing following an Iranian missile strike in Jordan, U.S. Central Command announced Saturday...
U.S. Coast Guard monitors Chinese ships off Alaska coast

U.S. Coast Guard monitors Chinese ships off Alaska coast

By Bethany BlankleyThe Center Square The U.S. Coast Guard is actively engaged in Arctic defense, monitoring and dealing with potential national security threats posed by Chinese ships. Last summer, the...
Millions celebrate America 250, Sail250 events in key ports

Millions celebrate America 250, Sail250 events in key ports

By Bethany BlankleyThe Center Square Millions of Americans celebrated America 250, Sail250 events in key ports, boarding scores of ships that sailed thousands of nautical miles to celebrate the 250th...
Chicago delays vote on parking meter sale, risks litigation

Chicago delays vote on parking meter sale, risks litigation

By Sean Reed | The Center SquareThe Center Square (The Center Square) – A long-awaited vote from the Chicago City Council to move forward with approving the sale of the...
Hegseth's 'High-T' troop screening mandate comes without cost estimate

Hegseth’s ‘High-T’ troop screening mandate comes without cost estimate

By Brett RowlandThe Center Square The Department of War is mandating annual testosterone screening for every active-duty and reserve service member age 30 and older, a mandate affecting about 2...
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...
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...