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

Arizona congressman seeks to protect sex abuse victims

Arizona congressman seeks to protect sex abuse victims

By Zachery SchmidtThe Center Square An Arizona congressman is attempting to bring a state law that protects victims from their abusers to the federal level. U.S. Rep. Abe Hamadeh, R-Surprise,...
Trump threatens 25% tariff on EU cars and trucks

Trump threatens 25% tariff on EU cars and trucks

By Brett RowlandThe Center Square President Donald Trump threatened to raise tariffs on European Union cars and trucks to 25%, accusing the EU of violating a trade agreement the bloc...
Trump threatens 25% tariff on EU cars and trucks

Trump threatens 25% tariff on EU cars and trucks

By Brett RowlandThe Center Square President Donald Trump threatened to raise tariffs on European Union cars and trucks to 25%, accusing the EU of violating a trade agreement the bloc...
Trump ends tariffs on Scotch whisky after King Charles visit

Trump ends tariffs on Scotch whisky after King Charles visit

By Brett RowlandThe Center Square President Donald Trump said he will remove the 10% tariff on Scotch whisky imports and lift restrictions on the barrel trade between Scotland and Kentucky,...
Civil rights complaints filed over race-based healthcare scholarships

Civil rights complaints filed over race-based healthcare scholarships

By Elyse ApelThe Center Square A nonprofit advocacy group has filed federal civil rights complaints against two healthcare systems, alleging their scholarship programs unlawfully exclude applicants based on race. Do...
Candidates clamor for Carter's open seat

Candidates clamor for Carter’s open seat

By Andrew RiceThe Center Square U.S. Rep. Buddy Carter's decision to run for U.S. Senate has attracted 14 candidates for his 1st Congressional District post. Carter, a Republican, has served...
Illinois Quick Hits: Civic federation funds 'persistent structural imbalance' in Illinois

Illinois Quick Hits: Civic federation funds ‘persistent structural imbalance’ in Illinois

By Jim Talamonti | The Center SquareThe Center Square (The Center Square) – A new Civic Federation report has identified a persistent structural imbalance in the Illinois budget, with expenditures...
Illinois Quick Hits: Civic federation funds 'persistent structural imbalance' in Illinois

Illinois Quick Hits: Civic federation funds ‘persistent structural imbalance’ in Illinois

By Jim Talamonti | The Center SquareThe Center Square (The Center Square) – A new Civic Federation report has identified a persistent structural imbalance in the Illinois budget, with expenditures...
Screenshot 2026-04-25 at 8.34.35 AM

Lincoln-Way Schools Join “WillBeReady” Mutual Aid Network for Disaster Response

Lincoln-Way Community High School District 210 Meeting | April 16, 2026 Article Summary: The Lincoln-Way Board of Education approved a Memorandum of Understanding to join the "WillBeReady" Mutual Aid Network,...
Will County Board Graphic.01

Millions Approved for Will County Highway and Road Infrastructure Projects

Will County Board Meeting | April 16, 2026 Article Summary: The Will County Board authorized nearly $4.3 million in road improvement contracts, targeting key corridors including Francis Road, Renwick Road,...
U.S. House OKs Fetterman bill allowing SNAP to cover hot rotisserie chicken

U.S. House OKs Fetterman bill allowing SNAP to cover hot rotisserie chicken

By John ColeThe Center Square A bill that would allow recipients of the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program, or SNAP, to buy hot rotisserie chicken is one step closer to becoming...
Gas hits $6 a gallon in California; Southwest see increases

Gas hits $6 a gallon in California; Southwest see increases

By Liam HibbertThe Center Square California Thursday officially exceeded an average gas price of $6 a gallon for the first time since the start of the U.S.-Israel conflict with Iran....
Teacher unions spent over $1B on political causes since 2015

Teacher unions spent over $1B on political causes since 2015

By Esther WickhamThe Center Square National teachers unions have spent over $1 billion on political activity and advocacy since 2015, according to a new report by Defending Education. Both reports,...
Illinoisans may soon need registration, title, license to use e-bikes, scooters

Illinoisans may soon need registration, title, license to use e-bikes, scooters

By Sean Reed | The Center SquareThe Center Square (The Center Square) – Illinoisans may soon be required to register their e-bikes, motorized scooters and other various modes of transport...
Executive order creates website for retirement accounts, matching federal contributions

Executive order creates website for retirement accounts, matching federal contributions

By Morgan SweeneyThe Center Square President Donald Trump signed an executive order Thursday aiming to expand access to “high-quality” retirement accounts to all Americans. The administration will launch a website...