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

Poll: Americans skeptical of Trump’s 10% credit card cap

By Andrew RiceThe Center Square A significant portion of Americans believe they cannot take on more debt, according to a new survey from WalletHub. The new survey analyzed the latest...
Illinois Quick Hits: FEMA says no to Illinois disaster declaration

Illinois Quick Hits: FEMA says no to Illinois disaster declaration

By Jim Talamonti | The Center SquareThe Center Square (The Center Square) – The Federal Emergency Management Agency has denied the state of Illinois’ appeal for a major disaster declaration...
Meeting Briefs

Meeting Summary and Briefs: Will County Capital Improvements & IT Committee for Jan. 6, 2026

Will County Capital Improvements & IT Committee Meeting | Jan. 6, 2026 The Will County Board Capital Improvements and IT Committee met Tuesday, Jan. 6, 2026, to discuss the county's...
Will County Board Graphic.04

Legislative Committee: Lobbyists Report on Federal Shutdown and Legislative Outlook

Legislative Committee Meeting | February 3, 2026 Article Summary: Federal lobbyists provided the Legislative Committee with an update on the partial government shutdown and the status of appropriations bills. While...
Ex-COPA deputy who revealed boss’ anti-cop bias can’t sue over firing

Ex-COPA deputy who revealed boss’ anti-cop bias can’t sue over firing

By Scott Holland | Legal NewslineThe Center Square A federal judge has tossed a lawsuit from a former top investigator for the Chicago city office responsible for investigating police misconduct...
Lawsuit demands Pritzker’s office release docs over pic with criminal

Lawsuit demands Pritzker’s office release docs over pic with criminal

By Jonathan Bilyk | Legal NewslineThe Center Square Illinois Gov. JB Pritzker's office has illegally attempted to scrub from the public record photos and other proof that he posed at...
Pritzker announces bond expansion, says progress has been made with Bears

Pritzker announces bond expansion, says progress has been made with Bears

By Jim Talamonti | The Center SquareThe Center Square (The Center Square) – Gov. J.B. Pritzker says progress has been made in conversations with the Chicago Bears. Pritzker announced the...
Illinois Quick Hits: Statewide bag tax proposed

Illinois Quick Hits: Statewide bag tax proposed

By Jim Talamonti | The Center SquareThe Center Square (The Center Square) – State Rep. Laura Faver Dias, D-Grayslake, has proposed legislation to impose a 10-cent fee on carryout bags...

Lawmakers join Chicago Teachers Union to push for more school funding

By Jim Talamonti | The Center SquareThe Center Square (The Center Square) – State lawmakers have introduced legislation backed by the Chicago Teachers Union to immediately increase evidence-based funding and...
Illinois proposal makes businesses financially liable for climate change

Illinois proposal makes businesses financially liable for climate change

By Catrina Barker | The Center Square contributorThe Center Square (The Center Square) – A proposal to create an Illinois Climate Change Superfund is drawing sharp criticism from Republican lawmakers...
Illinois unemployment rate tops national average; state ends 2025 with fewer jobs

Illinois unemployment rate tops national average; state ends 2025 with fewer jobs

By Glenn Minnis | The Center Square contributorThe Center Square (The Center Square) – Illinois State Rep. Chris Miller argues numbers tell the story as new U.S. Bureau of Labor...
Illinois Quick Hits: Iowa wants Illinois' counties

Illinois Quick Hits: Iowa wants Illinois’ counties

By Jim Talamonti | The Center SquareThe Center Square (The Center Square) – An Iowa state lawmaker has introduced legislation that would establish a committee to study the potential transfer...
Will County Finance Logo

County Authorizes Financial Study of Homer Glen Law Enforcement Contract

Finance Committee Meeting | February 3, 2026 Article Summary: The Finance Committee voted to authorize a professional study to evaluate the true cost of providing law enforcement services to the...
Will County Board Graphic.01

Will County Public Works Debates Future Bridge Needs as 159th Street Closure Looms

Public Works & Transportation Committee Meeting | February 3, 2026 Article Summary: A discussion regarding the future deck repair of the 159th Street bridge in Lockport sparked a debate about...
Will County Board Graphic.02

Capital Imp Committee: Veterans Assistance Commission Set to Move into New Facility

Will County Capital Improvements & IT Committee Meeting | Jan. 6, 2026 Article Summary: The Will County Veterans Assistance Commission (VAC) is scheduled to move into its new headquarters at...