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/

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.

Events

20 Aug
Friends of the Frankfort Public Library District
20 Aug 25
21 Aug
Writing Workshop: World Building Pt. 2
21 Aug 25
26 Aug
Staying Mentally Fit
26 Aug 25
28 Aug
Sewing Machine Basics
28 Aug 25
28 Aug
Sewing Machine Basics
28 Aug 25
28 Aug
Teen Advisory Board (Gr. 6-12)
28 Aug 25
29 Aug
Library Board of Trustees
29 Aug 25
30 Aug
Yoga Tots
30 Aug 25
30 Aug
Yoga Kids
30 Aug 25
01 Sep
Building Closed for Labor Day
1 Sep 25

Leave a Comment





Latest News Stories

frankfort village hall graphic logo.7

Frankfort Police Department to Get Four New Vehicles in Fleet Upgrade

FRANKFORT, Ill. – The Frankfort Police Department will be updating its aging fleet after the Village Board approved the purchase of four new vehicles for a total cost not to...
frankfort village hall graphic logo.2

Indoor Pickleball Facility ‘Pickled!’ Gets Green Light in Frankfort

A new indoor pickleball facility named "Pickled!" is set to open in Frankfort after the Village Board granted a special use permit for the business at its Monday meeting. The...
frankfort village hall graphic logo.6

Frankfort to Install Public Wi-Fi at Breidert Green

Visitors to Breidert Green in downtown Frankfort will soon have access to free public wireless internet. The Village Board on Monday approved the purchase and installation of Wi-Fi equipment to...
frankfort village hall graphic logo.1

Frankfort Board Approves Indoor Recreation Facility and Setback Variance

The Frankfort Village Board gave its approval to two separate development projects Monday night, clearing the way for a new indoor pickleball facility and a residential addition. Trustees unanimously granted...
Frankfort-Village-Board-Meeting-Graphic-June-16-2025

Meeting Briefs: Frankfort Village Board for June 16, 2025

Downtown Patios Approved, Parking Waived: The Village Board approved outdoor seating for The Loft and Grounded Coffee Bar on Ash Street. To support the downtown businesses, trustees also voted to waive...
Will-County-Executive-Committee-Meeting-June-12-2025

Mental Health Board Awards $5 Million in Grants to Will County Organizations

The Will County Community Mental Health Board has distributed over $5 million in grants to 39 local organizations, marking the completion of its inaugural funding cycle since voters approved the...
frankfort-square-park-district.2

Frankfort Square Park District Adopts Budget and Appropriation Ordinance, Updates Financial Policy

The Frankfort Square Park District Board of Commissioners formally adopted its Budget and Appropriation Ordinance for the 2025-2026 fiscal year on Thursday, finalizing the district's legal spending authority for the...
Will-County-Executive-Committee-Meeting-June-12-2025

County Board Approves Major Code Updates, Discusses Employee Benefits

The Will County Board Executive Committee approved several ordinance updates Wednesday while engaging in detailed discussions about employee compensation and benefits. The committee passed ordinances updating three chapters of the...
frankfort-square-park-district.1

Major Park District Projects Advance as Hunter Prairie Park Gets Green Light

Work on the Frankfort Square Park District's three major capital projects is hitting key milestones, with the long-awaited redevelopment of Hunter Prairie Park now officially underway. Executive Director Audrey Marcquenski...
Meeting-Briefs

Executive Committee June 12 Meeting Briefs

Property Purchase Approved: The county authorized purchase of two parcels along Governor's Highway in Monee for $545,000 to establish a roadway maintenance facility for the eastern end of the county....
frankfort-square-park-district.2

Developer to Donate Land, Playground for New Park in Tinley Park

A new park is coming to a Tinley Park development thanks to a land and equipment donation from a local home builder. Frank Bradley, owner of Crana Homes, is donating...
Meeting-Briefs

Meeting Briefs: Frankfort Square Park District for June 12, 2025

The Frankfort Square Park District Board of Commissioners formally adopted its annual Budget and Appropriation Ordinance on June 12, a key legal step that sets the district’s spending authority for...
frankfort-school-district-161.2-e1754272831494

Summit Hill Board Approves School Resource Officer for Two Schools in Contentious Vote

The Summit Hill School District 161 Board of Education voted to hire a School Resource Officer (SRO) to serve two of its schools, approving an annual expenditure of up to...
frankfort-school-district-161.1

Summit Hill School Board Reverses Controversial Principal Non-Renewal Decision

In a significant reversal, the Summit Hill School District 161 Board of Education voted to repeal previous resolutions that aimed to not renew the contract of an unnamed principal, effectively...
frankfort-school-district-161.2-e1754272831494

Meeting Briefs: Summit Hill School District 161 for June 11, 2025

The Summit Hill School District 161 Board of Education made several major decisions at its June 11 meeting, including the hiring of a School Resource Officer for two schools after...