MANDATED REPORTERS: A Pastor Said Three Regional Churches Hid Child Molestation. Illinois Law Raises Another Question: Did He Report It?
In a 2020 sermon, Pastor Steve Cassell claimed children had been molested at three churches in the region—and that church leaders concealed what happened. Six years later, as Fighting4Freeport documents allegations involving more than a dozen girls concerning Cassell's own conduct toward them as children, his recorded words raise a critical question under Illinois' mandated-reporter law: Did he report what he knew?
DESIREE EWINGER: SHE QUESTIONED OUR CREDIBILITY. SO WE CHECKED HERS.
After Desiree Ewinger publicly defended Steve Cassell, questioned Fighting4Freeport’s credibility and attacked the motives of those investigating allegations involving girls, we decided to examine hers. What we found in the public court record includes an accepted guilty plea, court supervision, treatment requirements, random drug testing, civil judgments and foreclosure — along with important limits on what those records actually prove.
They’ve Been Asking for Your Vote. Who Showed Up to Ask You Face-to-Face?
A packed room of voters showed up at the Freeport Public Library ready to hear from candidates seeking their votes this November. But after invitations went out to candidates across Freeport and Stephenson County, many never appeared. F4F NEWS looks at who showed up, who didn't, and the Republican perspective on an entirely absent GOP field.
P.U.S.H.: A Little Love, a Little Action, and a Whole Lot of Community
What began as one woman's personal journey has grown into a community-based organization making a difference throughout northwestern Illinois. From supporting international college students to helping new mothers and families recovering from house fires, P.U.S.H. is proving that a little love and a little action can go a long way. Meet the people behind the organization and learn about their upcoming Colors of Hope Cancer Ball.
Libel. Slander. Defamation. What Do Those Words Actually Mean in Illinois?
Libel. Slander. Defamation. The words are being thrown around Freeport with increasing frequency—but what do they actually mean? Sarah Collins breaks down Illinois defamation law, the protections surrounding opinion and government criticism, and why saying something is “libel” doesn’t make it so.
After Nearly a Decade in Office, Does Mayor Miller Not Know Freeport’s Council Rules—or Does She Simply Ignore Them?
Mayor Jodi Miller repeatedly cited “council rules” while limiting public comment during a packed City Council meeting. But Freeport’s own ordinance says more than the mayor told the public—and her handling of written comments, in-person speakers and false accusations against Fighting4Freeport raises serious questions about whether the same rules apply to everyone at City Hall.
Freeport Could Put New Rules on Your Leaf Pile: What Residents Need to Know
Freeport could soon put new rules on how residents place leaves at the curb. Ordinance #2026-53 adds a seven-day placement limit, new storm-drain protections, contractor restrictions, enforcement powers and potential cleanup costs.
We Received Your Letters. Now We Need to Hear From You.
F4F NEWS has twice received anonymous correspondence raising concerns about a proposed athletic and learning facility at Highland Community College. We're sharing the latest letter in full — and asking the people behind it to contact our newsroom so we can take the next step.
FSD145's Multicultural Budget Has Exploded. Are the Students It's Supposed to Serve Getting the Benefit?
Freeport School District #145’s Multicultural and ESL budget has grown dramatically as the district’s student population continues to change. Fighting4Freeport reviewed hundreds of pages of financial records revealing increased staffing, major consultant authorizations, conferences, travel, hotels and professional development. Now comes the most important question: Are the students these programs were created to serve seeing the benefit?