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

Will County Board Graphic.04

Will County Community Mental Health Board Faces $5 Million Shortfall in 2026 Grant Requests

Will County Executive Committee Meeting | March 12, 2026 Article Summary: The Will County Community Mental Health Board has received over $9 million in funding requests for its 2026 grant cycle,...
Will County Board Graphic.01

Meeting Summary and Briefs: Public Health & Safety Committee for March 5, 2026

Public Health & Safety Committee Meeting | March 5, 2026 The Will County Public Health and Safety Committee met on Thursday to address critical infrastructure and wellness updates across the...
Beecher Graphic.1

Beecher Officials Push IDOT for Immediate Safety Fixes at Deadly Route 1 Intersection

Village of Beecher Board of Trustees Meeting | March 9, 2026 Article Summary: Following a multi-jurisdictional meeting with state and county officials, the Village of Beecher is urgently pressing the...
Sheriff Scam Alert Graphic

Will County Officials Warn of Zoom Court Scam Targeting Defendants for Fraudulent Dismissal Fees

Article Summary: Will County officials have issued an alert regarding a fraudulent scheme where scammers infiltrate courtroom Zoom sessions to extort money from defendants. The perpetrators use private chat features...
Will County Board Land Use Committee Graphic.3

Will Land Use Committee Evaluates Multi-Million Dollar Buyout for Flooded Harris Drive Homes

Will County Land Use & Development Committee Meeting | March 5, 2026 Article Summary: The Will County Land Use and Development Committee is exploring a multi-million-dollar buyout program for several homes...
Will County Board Graphic.04

Behavioral Health Division Drops Wait Times, Reports Zero Opioid Deaths in February

Public Health & Safety Committee Meeting | March 5, 2026 Article Summary: Will County’s Behavioral Health Division reported significant operational improvements, including a near-elimination of wait times for therapy and...
Will County Board Graphic.03

Harris Drive Residents Plead for County Intervention Amid Failing Septic Systems and Flooding

Public Health & Safety Committee Meeting | March 5, 2026 Article Summary: Residents of Harris Drive appealed to the Public Health and Safety Committee for help with severe seasonal flooding...
Beecher Fire Protection District graphic.4

Meeting Summary and Briefs: Beecher Fire Protection District for Jan. 22, 2026

Beecher Fire Protection District Meeting | Jan. 22, 2026 The Beecher Fire Protection District Board of Trustees met on Thursday, January 22, 2026, for a brief but productive session that...
Police Crime

Will County Sheriff’s Office Investigates Fatal Hit-and-Run in Homer Glen

Article Summary: The Will County Sheriff’s Office is seeking the public's assistance in identifying a driver involved in a fatal hit-and-run crash in Homer Glen that left a pedestrian dead....
will county Committee-Public Health & Safety.Graphic

Federal Funding Freezes Threaten Will County Public Health Programs Amid Ongoing Lawsuits

Public Health & Safety Committee Meeting | March 5, 2026 Article Summary: Will County health officials are bracing for potential service disruptions as they monitor multiple federal lawsuits surrounding frozen...
Beecher Fire Protection District graphic.2

New Brush Truck Expected in March as Training Hours Top 16,000

Beecher Fire Protection District Meeting | Jan. 22, 2026 Article Summary: Deputy Chief Mike Heusing updated the Board on the imminent delivery of a new brush truck and reported impressive...
Beecher Graphic.3

Meeting Summary and Briefs: Village of Beecher Board for Feb 23, 2026

Village of Beecher Board Meeting | Feb 23, 2026 Meeting SummaryThe Beecher Village Board convened on Monday, February 23, 2026, for a session dominated by fiscal planning and infrastructure updates....
Beecher Graphic.3

Board Pauses Noise Ordinance Changes as Truck Issue Subsides

Village of Beecher Board Meeting | Feb 23, 2026 Article Summary: The Beecher Village Board decided to pause proposed changes to the village noise ordinance after determining that specific complaints...
OLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERA

Single Bid of $64,200 Received for Library Entrance Project

Beecher Public Library District Bid Opening Meeting | Feb. 12, 2026 Article Summary: The Beecher Public Library District received just one bid for its Main Front Entrance Project, coming in...
Will County Board Federal Agenda

Board Splits Along Party Lines to Approve 2026 Federal Legislative Agenda

Will County Board Meeting | February 19, 2026 Article Summary: The Will County Board adopted its 2026 Federal Legislative Agenda in a 10-9 vote, establishing the county's priorities for lobbying efforts...