Illinois quick hits: Former Chicago schools dean sentenced for sexual assault

August 13, 2025/

Spread the love

By Jim Talamonti | The Center Square
The Center Square

Former Chicago schools dean sentenced for sexual assault

A former Chicago public school dean has been sentenced to 22 years in prison for sexually assaulting a student over a two-year period.

CWB Chicago reports that Brian Crowder, 43, posed as the victim’s stepfather twice to sign consent forms for her to have abortions.

Prosecutors say Crowder began grooming the girl when he was dean of Greater Lawndale High School for Social Justice.

Tracy running for U.S. Senate

Former Illinois Republican Party Chairman Don Tracy has announced that he is running for U.S. Senate in 2026.

Tracy released a statement Wednesday morning and said his top priority in Washington would be to lower costs for working families.

Illinois U.S. Sen. Dick Durbin announced in April that he would not seek reelection.

Small business optimism index

The NFIB Small Business Optimism Index rose 1.7 points in July to 100.3, slightly above the 52-year average of 98.

National Federation of Independent Business Illinois State Director Noah Finley said small business owners are feeling more optimistic after Congress made the Small Business Deduction permanent, but there is uncertainty in Illinois, where the General Assembly is considering additional tax hikes.

Latest News Stories

Meeting Summary and Briefs: Frankfort Park District for September 9, 2025

Frankfort Park District Meeting | September, 2025 The Frankfort Park District Board of Commissioners learned on Tuesday, September 9, 2025, that the grand opening of the new Fort Frankfort playground...

WATCH: Trick or treat: IL legislators pass tax increase, decoupling bill early Friday

By Greg Bishop | The Center SquareThe Center Square (The Center Square) – Illinois taxpayers are waking up Halloween morning to tax increases after the conclusion of fall veto session...

Noem refuses Pritzker enforcement pause request, IL passes sanctuary enhancement

By Jim Talamonti | The Center SquareThe Center Square (The Center Square) – Both the executive and legislative branches of Illinois government have made attempts to address federal immigration enforcement...

WATCH: Energy bill opponents say increases IL electric bills by $8 billion passes

By Jim Talamonti | The Center SquareThe Center Square (The Center Square) – Illinois lawmakers have passed wide-ranging energy legislation, but opponents say it will lead to higher electricity bills....

WA Dems blame GOP for government shutdown; 1 million in state could lose SNAP benefits

By Carleen JohnsonThe Center Square U.S. Sen. Patty Murray, D-Wash., and Washington State Insurance Commissioner Patty Kuderer say it’s not Democrats, but Republicans, who are responsible for keeping the federal...

Officials react to allegations of civilians impersonating ICE

By Madeline ShannonThe Center Square One San Diego County supervisor is concerned about civilians posing as U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement agents using fake ICE clothing and tactical gear and...

WATCH: Bonta visits food bank amid lawsuit over CalFresh

By Madeline ShannonThe Center Square California Attorney General Rob Bonta said Thursday he is continuing to push for federal emergency contingency funding to restore millions of Californians’ food benefits as...

IL taxpayers to pay $20M for food banks as SNAP funding lapses start Saturday

By Greg Bishop | The Center SquareThe Center Square (The Center Square) – Illinois taxpayers are going to cover $20 million in food subsidies to food banks across the state....

Poll: 7 in 10 of Americans are against mail-order abortion without a doctor visit

By Tate MillerThe Center Square A national poll shows that seven in 10 “likely voters” think a doctor visit for an abortion pill prescription should be required and many are...

Trump’s plan to re-start nuclear weapons testing faces criticism

By Brett RowlandThe Center Square President Donald Trump's plan to restart testing of nuclear weapons drew concern from some foreign nations, disarmament groups and Democrats. Trump broke with decades of...

Illinois quick hits: Corrections director appointment approved; Clean Slate Act passes

By Jim Talamonti | The Center SquareThe Center Square Corrections director appointment approved After more than two years of being appointed, Latoya Hughes was approved by the Illinois Senate to...

Tyler Robinson’s in-person hearing delayed to January

By Dave MasonThe Center Square The Utah County in-person hearing scheduled Thursday for Tyler James Robinson, 22 - charged with aggravated murder in the death of conservative leader Charlie Kirk...

WATCH: GOP may have to rewrite govt funding bill as shutdown hits 1 month mark

By Thérèse BoudreauxThe Center Square The ongoing government shutdown has dragged on for a month as Senate Democrats have blocked Republicans’ temporary funding bill more than a dozen times. With...

WATCH: Clean Slate Act passes Illinois legislature despite opposition

By Greg Bishop | The Center SquareThe Center Square (The Center Square) – The Illinois House has approved a Senate bill that modifies the Clean Slate Act to seal certain...

Illinois trucker: Deadly California crash exposes lawbreaking in trucking industry

By Catrina Barker | The Center Square contributorThe Center Square (The Center Square) – An Illinois trucking company owner says the deadly California semi-truck crash involving an illegal immigrant driver...

FRANKFORT LOCAL