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

Constitutional tests await IL Dems’ race-based district plan

Constitutional tests await IL Dems’ race-based district plan

By Jonathan Bilyk | Legal NewslineThe Center Square Later this fall, Illinois voters appear likely to get the chance to vote on a plan to rewrite the state constitution to...
State House OKs access to abortion medication at colleges

State House OKs access to abortion medication at colleges

By Chris WoodwardThe Center Square The Colorado House on Monday approved a bill allowing for the access of abortion medication on college campuses. House Bill 1335 is sponsored by Reps....
Nonprofit hospitals called out for prioritizing politics over patients

Nonprofit hospitals called out for prioritizing politics over patients

By Tate MillerThe Center Square Consumer protection organization Consumers’ Research launched a campaign to warn Congress about nonprofit hospitals that prioritize "woke" politics such as diversity, equity and inclusion, transgender...
Illinois quick hits: Appeals court upholds Madigan corruption conviction

Illinois quick hits: Appeals court upholds Madigan corruption conviction

By Jim Talamonti | The Center SquareThe Center Square Appeals court upholds Madigan corruption conviction The Seventh Circuit U.S. Court of Appeals has upheld former Illinois House Speaker Michael Madigan’s...
Pritzker pushes housing plan described as 'all stick,' no carrot

Pritzker pushes housing plan described as ‘all stick,’ no carrot

By Jim Talamonti | The Center SquareThe Center Square (The Center Square) – Gov. J.B. Pritzker is pushing to prevent local communities from restricting housing development, but local leaders say...
Convenience store advocate: Swipe fee ruling is 'one step' in the process

Convenience store advocate: Swipe fee ruling is ‘one step’ in the process

By Jim Talamonti | The Center SquareThe Center Square *The Center Square) – The federal government has moved to partially block an Illinois law banning electronic processing fees on the...
Deferred maintenance blamed in I-64 bridge hole

Deferred maintenance blamed in I-64 bridge hole

By Catrina Barker | The Center Square contributorThe Center Square (The Center Square) – State transportation officials say repairs are underway after a large hole developed on an Interstate 64...
Illinois quick hits: Convicted felon suspected of shooting two officers; Chicago Mayor orders up to $900,000 for additional peacekeepers; Belleville man faces attempted murder charge

Illinois quick hits: Convicted felon suspected of shooting two officers; Chicago Mayor orders up to $900,000 for additional peacekeepers; Belleville man faces attempted murder charge

By Jim Talamonti | The Center SquareThe Center Square Convicted felony suspected of shooting two officers One Chicago police officer is dead and another was critically injured after a man...
Beecher Softball ladycats

Beecher Uses Six-Run Sixth Inning to Put Away St. Joseph-Ogden 10-5

The Beecher varsity softball team secured a decisive 10-5 non-conference victory on the road against St. Joseph-Ogden on Saturday, fueled by a powerful offensive performance and a massive six-run sixth...
Will County Board Graphic.02

Will County Passes Comprehensive Adult Entertainment Ordinance

Will County Board Meeting | April 16, 2026 Article Summary: The Will County Board passed Ordinance 26-133, enacting Chapter 119 of the Business Regulations to establish rigorous licensing, operational, and...
Beecher Elementary school Graphic

Beecher Parents Protest “Silent Lunches” and Mass Recess Punishments; Elementary Principal Vows Changes

Beecher Board of Education Meeting | April 15, 2026 Article Summary: Parents confronted the Beecher Board of Education on Wednesday to protest the elementary school's use of "silent lunches" and whole-class...
Correspondents' dinner attacker detained with multiple weapons

Correspondents’ dinner attacker detained with multiple weapons

By Jon StyfThe Center Square A California man charged security with multiple weapons at a magnetometer screening area outside the White House Correspondents’ Dinner on Saturday night before he shot...
Correspondents' dinner attacker detained with multiple weapons

Correspondents’ dinner attacker detained with multiple weapons

By Jon StyfThe Center Square A California man charged security with multiple weapons at a magnetometer screening area outside the White House Correspondents’ Dinner on Saturday night before he shot...
BREAKING: Trump, cabinet OK after shots fired at White House Correspondents dinner

BREAKING: Trump, cabinet OK after shots fired at White House Correspondents dinner

By Dan McCalebThe Center Square President Donald Trump, First Lady Melania Trump, and members of Trump's cabinet are OK after being rushed out of the White House Correspondents' Association dinner...
BREAKING: Trump, cabinet OK after shots fired at White House Correspondents dinner

BREAKING: Trump, cabinet OK after shots fired at White House Correspondents dinner

By Dan McCalebThe Center Square President Donald Trump, First Lady Melania Trump, and members of Trump's cabinet are OK after being rushed out of the White House Correspondents' Association dinner...