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.

More Stories
Weather Full forecast →
Today Jul 21
Mostly Sunny
73° 54°

Mostly Sunny

💨 10 to 15 mph 💧 1%
Data: National Weather Service • Updated Jul 22, 3:08 AM Full Forecast →
Site Sections

Leave a Comment





Latest News Stories

Border Patrol warns of rideshare human smuggling risks in El Paso

Border Patrol warns of rideshare human smuggling risks in El Paso

By Bethany BlankleyThe Center Square U.S. Border Patrol in far west Texas is warning rideshare drivers about human smugglers using rideshare apps to organize illegal smuggling activity. In the U.S....
Illinois Quick Hits: Gas prices show slight uptick as US military action resumes

Illinois Quick Hits: Gas prices show slight uptick as US military action resumes

By Jim Talamonti | The Center SquareThe Center Square (The Center Square) – Illinoisans will be watching gas prices after the United States launched new military strikes against Iran on...
Maine Democrats lining up to replace Platner in Senate race

Maine Democrats lining up to replace Platner in Senate race

By Chris WadeThe Center Square Top Maine Democrats are being groomed as replacements for disgraced U.S. Senate candidate Graham Platner, who has yet to abandon his floundering candidacy amid damaging...
Trump: U.S. to 'probably' strike Iran tonight; oil prices rise

Trump: U.S. to ‘probably’ strike Iran tonight; oil prices rise

By Andrew RiceThe Center Square President Donald Trump said the United States will "probably" strike Iran again on Wednesday night, after casting doubt on the ceasefire between the two countries....
Class action vs Apple over Face ID scans seeks to unlock big payout

Class action vs Apple over Face ID scans seeks to unlock big payout

By Jonathan Bilyk | Legal NewslineThe Center Square Apple has been hit with another class action lawsuit under Illinois' stringent biometrics privacy law, this time accusing the tech giant of...
Another fatal ICE shooting, this time in Houston

Another fatal ICE shooting, this time in Houston

By Bethany BlankleyThe Center Square Another fatal immigration enforcement shooting has occurred, this time in Houston. The victim was a Mexican national in the country illegally, U.S. Immigration and Customs...
Census shows Illinois under-20 population declining faster than national average

Census shows Illinois under-20 population declining faster than national average

By Sean Reed | The Center SquareThe Center Square (The Center Square) – Recently released data from the U.S. Census Bureau revealed Illinois has seen outsized shifts in its population...
U.S. launches 'powerful strikes' against Iran, halts oil sales

U.S. launches ‘powerful strikes’ against Iran, halts oil sales

By Andrew RiceThe Center Square The United States on Tuesday launched a "series of powerful strikes" against Iran in response to attacks on three tankers in the Strait of Hormuz....
Trump praises Erdoğan, pressures Europe on NATO and defense

Trump praises Erdoğan, pressures Europe on NATO and defense

By Morgan SweeneyThe Center Square President Donald Trump remained icy toward key European leaders at the NATO Summit Tuesday, though he had nothing but good things to say about Turkish...
Installation of Big Bend border wall set for August in Texas

Installation of Big Bend border wall set for August in Texas

By Robert MattesonThe Center Square U.S. Customs and Border Protection is preparing to begin border wall panel installation in Texas’ Big Bend region, part of which borders Big Bend Ranch...
Chicago mayor to Trump: “Consider this a call”

Chicago mayor to Trump: “Consider this a call”

By Jim Talamonti | The Center SquareThe Center Square (The Center Square) – Chicago Mayor Brandon Johnson is calling on President Donald Trump to fight violence the mayor’s way. During...
Chicago aldermen latest calling for US attorney's ouster over 'Broadview Six' case

Chicago aldermen latest calling for US attorney’s ouster over ‘Broadview Six’ case

By Sean Reed | The Center SquareThe Center Square (The Center Square) – A federal prosecutor in Illinois is facing additional calls for his resignation this week by public officials,...
Trump demands Republicans attach voter ID bill to $350 billion for Pentagon

Trump demands Republicans attach voter ID bill to $350 billion for Pentagon

By Thérèse BoudreauxThe Center Square As congressional Republicans recuperate from weeks of disrupted work, President Donald Trump is doubling down on two policy goals consider long-shots by observers: an extra...
Appeals court hears arguments in religious contraception case

Appeals court hears arguments in religious contraception case

By Andrew RiceThe Center Square The U.S. Court of Appeals for the Third Circuit weighed arguments on Tuesday over mandating religious organizations who object to provide access to contraceptives through...
Illinois Quick Hits: New round of EV charging funds announced

Illinois Quick Hits: New round of EV charging funds announced

By Jim Talamonti | The Center SquareThe Center Square (The Center Square) – The Illinois Department of Transportation says about $30 million of funding is available for new electric vehicle...