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

No events

Leave a Comment





Latest News Stories

Report: average American to receive $3,752 tax cut in 2026 due to OBBBA

Report: average American to receive $3,752 tax cut in 2026 due to OBBBA

By Thérèse BoudreauxThe Center Square The White House is touting a new economic analysis that estimates taxpayers will see an average $3,752 tax cut in 2026, due to provisions in...
Republican, Dem work to prevent deportation of entrepreneur

Republican, Dem work to prevent deportation of entrepreneur

By Chris WoodwardThe Center Square It is not every day that people on opposite sides of the political spectrum join forces, but that is exactly what Lisa Everett and Brent...
Nevada superintendent says ICE won't enter schools

Nevada superintendent says ICE won’t enter schools

By Liam HibbertThe Center Square The superintendent of the nation's fifth-biggest school district said U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement agreed to not conduct raids or arrests in schools in Las...
MAHA-style bill would close food additive safety loophole

MAHA-style bill would close food additive safety loophole

By Thérèse BoudreauxThe Center Square With deregulation-focused Republicans in Congress reluctant to fulfill the industry-wary goals of the Make America Healthy Again initiative, some Democrats are taking up the torch....
Legislators criticize Illinois’ utility policies as ‘unsustainable’

Legislators criticize Illinois’ utility policies as ‘unsustainable’

By Greg Bishop | The Center SquareThe Center Square (The Center Square) – Gov. J.B. Pritzker’s law banning utility shutoffs during extreme heat and cold is sparking concerns over rising...
D.C. attorney general sues Trump administration, claiming 'unlawful' takeover

D.C. attorney general sues Trump administration, claiming ‘unlawful’ takeover

By Sarah Roderick-FitchThe Center Square Days after President Donald Trump declared “Liberation Day” by federalizing the Washington, D.C. Metropolitan Police Department and deploying hundreds of National Guard members to curb...
What’s on the table for Trump’s meeting with Putin?

What’s on the table for Trump’s meeting with Putin?

By Caroline BodaThe Center Square President Donald Trump is flying to Alaska on Friday for a high-stakes meeting with Russian President Vladimir Putin to discuss terms for a ceasefire in...
WATCH: Illinois In Focus Daily | Friday Aug. 15th, 2025

WATCH: Illinois In Focus Daily | Friday Aug. 15th, 2025

By Greg Bishop | The Center SquareThe Center Square (The Center Square) – In today's edition of Illinois in Focus Daily, The Center Square Editor Greg Bishop talks with gun...
Federal government to drop 300,000 workers this year

Federal government to drop 300,000 workers this year

By Brett RowlandThe Center Square The federal government is on pace to eliminate about 300,000 workers this year. Office of Personnel Management director Scott Kupor said 80% of those employees...
Illinois quick hits: Ex-student sentenced for school gun, time served; fall semester beginning

Illinois quick hits: Ex-student sentenced for school gun, time served; fall semester beginning

By Jim Talamonti | The Center SquareThe Center Square Ex-student sentenced for school gun, time served A former Chicago Public Schools student has been sentenced to five years in prison...
Grand jury indicts accused killer of Minnesota lawmaker

Grand jury indicts accused killer of Minnesota lawmaker

By J.D. DavidsonThe Center Square The man accused of killing Minnesota’s former House speaker and her husband faces state charges of first-degree murder. Hennepin County Attorney Mary Moriarty said Thursday...
WCO-Landfill-8.5.25.2

Report Finding Few Trucks Littering Sparks Debate on Cleanup Responsibility

Article Summary: A Will County report found that a very small percentage of waste-hauling trucks are the source of litter on roadways near the county landfill, sparking a debate among...
Sailors return to San Diego after extended Navy deployment

Sailors return to San Diego after extended Navy deployment

By Jamie ParsonsThe Center Square After spending almost nine months overseas, the USS Carl Vinson and Carrier Strike Group One returned to Naval Base San Diego on Thursday afternoon, with...
Under pressure, RFK Jr. brings back childhood vaccine safety committee

Under pressure, RFK Jr. brings back childhood vaccine safety committee

By Brett RowlandThe Center Square U.S. Secretary of Health and Human Services Robert F. Kennedy Jr. announced Thursday the reinstatement of the Task Force on Safer Childhood Vaccines, the day...
Illinois quick hits: Search continues for Gibson City suspect; manufacturing declines since 2000

Illinois quick hits: Search continues for Gibson City suspect; manufacturing declines since 2000

By Jim Talamonti | The Center SquareThe Center Square Search continues for Gibson City suspect Illinois State Police continue their search for a suspect wanted in connection with a Gibson...