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

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.

Leave a Comment





Latest News Stories

Illinois Quick Hits: Indiana governor 'working hard' to attract Bears

Illinois Quick Hits: Indiana governor ‘working hard’ to attract Bears

By Jim Talamonti | The Center SquareThe Center Square (The Center Square) – Indiana Gov. Mike Braun says the Chicago Bears noticed that the Hoosier state is open for business....
Will County Logo Graphic

Meeting Summary and Briefs: Capital Improvements & IT Committee for January 6, 2026

Capital Improvements & IT Committee Meeting | January 6, 2026 Overall Meeting SummaryThe Will County Board Capital Improvements and IT Committee met on Tuesday, January 6, 2026, to discuss facility...
Sergeant Mark Thompson.1

Officer Thompson Promoted to Sergeant; Phillips Chevrolet Honored for Sales Streak

Frankfort Village Board Meeting | January 12, 2026 Article Summary: The Frankfort Village Board celebrated the promotion of Mark Thompson to the rank of Police Sergeant and recognized Phillips Chevrolet...
Will County Board Graphic.04

Public Works Committee: $18.8 Million Contract Awarded for Lorenzo Road Bridge Over BNSF Railway

Will County Public Works & Transportation Committee Meeting | January 6, 2026 Article Summary: A contract for nearly $18.9 million was confirmed for the construction of a new bridge carrying...
Meeting Briefs

Meeting Summary and Briefs: Will County Board Public Health & Safety Committee for January 7, 2026

Will County Board Public Health & Safety Committee Meeting | January 7, 2026 Overall Meeting SummaryThe Will County Board Public Health and Safety Committee met on Wednesday, January 7, 2026,...
Trump reverses on prolife commitments ahead of midterm elections

Trump reverses on prolife commitments ahead of midterm elections

By Bethany BlankleyThe Center Square One year into his second term in office, President Donald Trump has reversed stated policy positions he previously made to a conservative base that helped...
Vance's tie-breaking vote tanks resolution restricting Venezuela military actions

Vance’s tie-breaking vote tanks resolution restricting Venezuela military actions

By Thérèse BoudreauxThe Center Square By the slimmest of margins, the U.S. Senate successfully derailed a resolution that would have curtailed the Trump administration’s power to continue military action in...
Federal court upholds California congressional redistricting

Federal court upholds California congressional redistricting

By Dave MasonThe Center Square California’s congressional redistricting, designed to pick up five more Democratic seats in this year’s midterm elections, was upheld Wednesday in a federal court in downtown...
Supreme Court ruling allows Bost to challenge Illinois election law

Supreme Court ruling allows Bost to challenge Illinois election law

By Catrina Baker | The Center Square contributorThe Center Square (The Center Square) – A U.S. Supreme Court ruling clears the way for U.S. Rep. Mike Bost to challenge Illinois’...
Illinois quick hits: Illinois auto insurance rates dropping

Illinois quick hits: Illinois auto insurance rates dropping

By Jim Talamonti | The Center SquareThe Center Square Illinois auto insurance rates dropping A new report says Illinois auto insurers are lowering premiums by 4.26% in 2026 while providers...
SCOTUS rules on warrantless searches, double convictions and election suits

SCOTUS rules on warrantless searches, double convictions and election suits

By Andrew Rice | The Center SquareThe Center Square (The Center Square) - The U.S. Supreme Court decided three cases Wednesday about political candidates' standing to sue, warrantless searches, and...

WATCH: Legislator raises red flag over Illinois tax funds for group encouraging ICE protests

By Greg Bishop | The Center SquareThe Center Square (The Center Square) – An Illinois legislator is raising concerns about state taxpayer funds going to an organization he says is...
Bill filed to address loss of homes, equity over property tax debt

Bill filed to address loss of homes, equity over property tax debt

By Jim Talamonti | The Center SquareThe Center Square (The Center Square) – A Democratic state lawmaker has filed a bill to address the Illinois practice of county governments seizing...
Illinois congresswoman files impeachment articles against Noem

Illinois congresswoman files impeachment articles against Noem

By Catrina Baker | The Center Square contributorThe Center Square (The Center Square) – Politicians around the country are backing calls to impeach Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem, as Congresswoman...
U.S. Supreme Court allows IL rep to sue over late ballots

U.S. Supreme Court allows IL rep to sue over late ballots

By Andrew Rice | The Center SquareThe Center Square (The Center Square) - The U.S. Supreme Court, in a 7-2 decision, said an Illinois congressman has the right to sue...