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.

Events

No events

Leave a Comment





Latest News Stories

Beecher Graphic.1

Beecher Overhauls Village Governance, Dissolves Key Commissions in Code Update

Article Summary: The Village of Beecher has fundamentally restructured its governmental framework, approving a pair of ordinances that redefine the roles of trustees, resize the Police Commission, and formally dissolve...
Beecher Graphic.3

Beecher to Explore New Banking Relationship, Considers Annual Bids for Services

Article Summary: The Village of Beecher is poised to change where it banks and how it manages its financial partnerships, following a discussion at the July 14 board meeting. After...
Beecher Graphic.4

Beecher Nuisance Property Owner Makes ‘Substantial Effort’ to Clean Up

Article Summary: The owner of a long-problematic property on Catalpa Street has cleaned up the yard and ordered a dumpster, showing significant progress after years of complaints and recent threats...

Meeting Summary and Briefs: Village of Beecher Board of Trustees for July 14, 2025

The Beecher Village Board passed a major overhaul of its governmental structure at its meeting on July 14, approving ordinances that dissolve the Planning and Zoning and Beautification Commissions and...
WCO Exec Cmte July 10.1

County Approves School Resource Officer, Multi-Year Planning Requirements

Will County approved hiring an additional sheriff's deputy for a school resource officer position that will be fully funded by Summit Hill School District 161, while also passing new transparency...
WCO Exec Cmte July 10.2

County Addresses Senior Tax Exemption Processing Error

A processing error that cost County Board member Julie Berkowicz $600 in senior tax exemptions has prompted discussions about improving verification systems for property tax breaks. Will County Chief Assessment...
Meeting Briefs

Executive Committee Meeting July 10 Meeting Briefs

Liquor License Expansion: The county approved increasing Class C1 liquor licenses from eight to nine to accommodate Lockport Gas and Food LLC at 14747 W. 159th Street in Homer Glen....
Screenshot 2025-08-22 at 8.12.43 PM

Beecher School Board Begins Overhaul of District Goals, Focusing on Transparency, Inclusivity, and Student Success

Article Summary: The Beecher Board of Education has initiated a comprehensive update of its district-wide goals, beginning a process to replace a strategic plan that has been in place since...
beecher ilinois school board graphic.12

Beecher School Board Finalizes Policy Updates, Approves New Student Handbook

Article Summary: The Beecher Board of Education gave its final approval to a series of policy updates and a revised Student Handbook for the 2025-2026 school year. The unanimous votes...
beecher ilinois school board graphic.5

District Modifies Janitorial Contract, Saving Money by Bringing Junior High In-House

Article Summary: The Beecher Board of Education approved a new janitorial contract with Citywide Janitorial for the 2025-2026 fiscal year that covers only the elementary school, a change that will...
Meeting Briefs

Meeting Summary and Briefs: Beecher Board of Education for July 9, 2025

The Beecher Board of Education began the process of creating a new five-year strategic plan by holding an in-depth discussion to overhaul its district goals at its July 9 meeting....
washington township graphic.1

Washington Township to Reduce Office Hours in Summer Trial

Article Summary: The Washington Township Board of Trustees has approved a plan to reduce public office hours for a trial period this summer, citing less foot traffic and potential cost...
washington township graphic.2

Washington Township Opts for $1,050 AC Repair Over $10,200 Replacement

Article Summary: The Washington Township Board of Trustees chose to repair two non-functional, 25-year-old air conditioning units for $1,050 rather than pursue a full replacement of all three units at...
washington township graphic.3

Property Assessments Set to Rise Across Washington Township

Article Summary: Washington Township Assessor Pat Peters has advised residents that property assessments are expected to rise for nearly every property in the township. The increase is due to a...
Meeting-Briefs

Meeting Summary and Briefs: Washington Township Board of Trustees for July 7, 2025

The Washington Township Board of Trustees voted to reduce its public office hours for the summer, a key decision made during its meeting on Monday, July 7. Citing a decline...