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: Downtown Chicago office vacancies hit another record high

Illinois Quick Hits: Downtown Chicago office vacancies hit another record high

By Jim Talamonti | The Center SquareThe Center Square (The Center Square) – Downtown Chicago’s office vacancy rate has risen to a record high for the 15th consecutive quarter. Crain’s...
Trump issues dire warning to Iran as deadline looms

Trump issues dire warning to Iran as deadline looms

By Sarah Roderick-FitchThe Center Square “A whole civilization will die tonight, never to be brought back again,” President Donald Trump warned the Iranian regime as the clock ticks toward the...
Report: Iran, inflation concern small businesses

Report: Iran, inflation concern small businesses

By Andrew RiceThe Center Square U.S. small businesses reported reduced spending and hiring amid concerns over military strikes against Iran and looming inflation data, according to a new report. The...
U.S.-Israel-Iranian conflict escalating global energy, supply chain crisis

U.S.-Israel-Iranian conflict escalating global energy, supply chain crisis

By Bethany BlankleyThe Center Square The U.S.-Israel led attack against Iran continues to impact the global oil supply by cutting off Persian Gulf crude production and distribution. It’s not only...
Will County Board Land Use Committee Graphic.1

Meeting Summary and Briefs: Will County Board Land Use & Development Committee for March 26, 2026

Will County Board Land Use & Development Committee Meeting | March 26, 2026 The Will County Board Land Use & Development Committee held a special workshop meeting on Thursday, March...
Will County Board Graphic.01

Green Garden and New Lenox Road Projects Approved in $2.5 Million Public Works Package

Will County Board Meeting | March 19, 2026 Article Summary: The Will County Board approved a series of heavy infrastructure contracts, highlighted by a nearly $1.6 million bridge replacement in...
lincoln way school district 210 logo.1

Meeting Summary and Briefs: Lincoln-Way Community High School District 210 for March 19, 2026

Lincoln-Way Community High School District 210 Meeting | March 19, 2026 The Lincoln-Way Community High School District 210 Board of Education met on Thursday, March 19, 2026, to advance several...
Trump endorses Hilton in California gubernatorial primary

Trump endorses Hilton in California gubernatorial primary

By Dave MasonThe Center Square President Donald Trump has endorsed former Fox News anchor Steve Hilton in California’s Republican gubernatorial primary. Trump picked Hilton over the other prominent GOP candidate...
Feds award $1M for Rose Bowl upgrade ahead of Olympics

Feds award $1M for Rose Bowl upgrade ahead of Olympics

By Chris WoodwardThe Center Square The Rose Bowl is getting infrastructure upgrades ahead of the 2028 Summer Olympics. Just over $1 million in federal funds will go toward water and...
Trump defends Section 122 in latest tariff legal challenge

Trump defends Section 122 in latest tariff legal challenge

By Brett RowlandThe Center Square President Donald Trump's administration defended his newest 10% global entry tariffs against a legal challenge in a trade court. The administration said that Trump acted...
Education department rescinds Title IX resolution agreements

Education department rescinds Title IX resolution agreements

By Esther WickhamThe Center Square The U.S. Department of Education’s Office for Civil Rights on Monday rescinded portions of multiple resolution agreements, alleging that previous administrations expanded the interpretation of...
Illinois gun owners plan rally in wake of Supreme Court order

Illinois gun owners plan rally in wake of Supreme Court order

By Greg Bishop | The Center SquareThe Center Square (The Center Square) – The Illinois State Rifle Association says gun owners have run out of options in a case challenging...
Artemis II mission breaks records Monday as astronauts observe far side of the moon

Artemis II mission breaks records Monday as astronauts observe far side of the moon

By Morgan SweeneyThe Center Square The astronauts of the Artemis II NASA mission made history just before 2 p.m. Eastern Monday when they traveled farther in their Orion spacecraft from...
Illinois quick hits: Illinois House speaker's son to attend private school; AFSCME workers set strike date at Illinois State University; IDOT urges public to avoid distracted driving

Illinois quick hits: Illinois House speaker’s son to attend private school; AFSCME workers set strike date at Illinois State University; IDOT urges public to avoid distracted driving

By Jim Talamonti | The Center SquareThe Center Square Illinois House speaker's son to attend private school Illinois House Speaker Emanuel “Chris” Welch, D-Hillside, says his son will attend a...
Federal-state showdown looms over regulation of prediction markets

Federal-state showdown looms over regulation of prediction markets

By Brett Rowland and Jon StyfThe Center Square The federal government is telling states to back off attempts to regulate prediction markets after several states took legal action to block...