Illinois Quick Hits: Springfield plan detached from megaprojects

Illinois Quick Hits: Springfield plan detached from megaprojects

Spread the love

(The Center Square) – A proposal to create the Capital Area Tourism Authority and Capital City Downtown Medical District in Springfield may be passed on its own after it was previously included in megaprojects legislation.

State Sen. Doris Turner, D-Springfield, filed the amendment to SB 2829 on Wednesday and said she is exploring all avenues to get the bill over the finish line.

Sean Reed contributed to this story.

U.S. ATTORNEY ANNOUNCES GRAND JURY CHANGES

U.S. Attorney for the Northern District of Illinois Andrew Boutros has announced internal reforms to grand jury practices and disclosures, days after his office dismissed charges against protesters who were arrested outside the U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement facility in Broadview last year.

Boutros said his office moved to dismiss the indictment after learning of “certain conduct” by the government in the grand jury.

Boutros said the new process will be more transparent and effective while greatly reducing the likelihood of mistakes.

MAN SENTENCED FOR TRANSPORTING CASH FOR DRUG TRAFFICKERS

A Texas man has been sentenced to six years in federal prison for transporting $9 million in illicit cash proceeds for a Mexico-based drug trafficking organization.

Prosecutors say Ricardo Tello, 39, delivered the money by plane or car in the Chicago area.

Tello pleaded guilty to drug distribution and money laundering charges in September 2025.

PUBLIC DEFENDER COMMISSION TO FORM

The Illinois Supreme Court is inviting applications from individuals interested in serving as appointed members of the Illinois State Public Defender Commission.

The court said people appointed to the commission must have significant experience defending indigent clients in criminal or juvenile proceedings and must demonstrate a commitment to public service and understanding of the legal system.

The commission was created by the Funded Advocacy and Independent Representation Act in 2025 and is scheduled to take effect on Jan. 1.

Leave a Comment





Latest News Stories

Evers vetoes 9 bills, including block on illlegal BadgerCare enrollment

Evers vetoes 9 bills, including block on illlegal BadgerCare enrollment

By Jon StyfThe Center Square Wisconsin Gov. Tony Evers vetoed nine bills Friday, including a much-debated bill that would prevent tax money from going toward the health care of undocumented...
Bull Moose Project criticizes Sen. Lummis over stalled crypto legislation

Bull Moose Project criticizes Sen. Lummis over stalled crypto legislation

By Tom JoyceThe Center Square A conservative advocacy group is pressuring U.S. Sen. Cynthia Lummis, R-Wyo., over her handling of a major digital asset bill, arguing that she slowed progress...
beecher illinois public library graphic.1

Beecher Library Board Approves $392,000 Tax Levy, Appoints Two New Trustees

Beecher Public Library District Meeting | October 2025 Article Summary: The Beecher Public Library District Board of Trustees appointed two new members to the board and established the property tax...

IL Sec of State criticizes TSA fee option, extends REAL ID facility lease

By Jim Talamonti | The Center SquareThe Center Square (The Center Square) – Illinois Secretary of State Alexi Giannoulias is criticizing the federal government’s plan to offer travelers without proper...
Illinois quick hits: US Steel reopening Granite City furnace; unemployment down slightly

Illinois quick hits: US Steel reopening Granite City furnace; unemployment down slightly

By Jim Talamonti | The Center SquareThe Center Square US Steel reopening Granite City furnace U.S. Steel says customer demand has driven the company to begin the process of restarting...
WATCH: Gun ban with SCOTUS; ICE enforcement pushback; End of life options bill with gov

WATCH: Gun ban with SCOTUS; ICE enforcement pushback; End of life options bill with gov

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 reviews the status...
Screenshot 2025-12-05 at 11.56.48 AM

Tensions Flare as Board Members Clash Over Budget Process and Protocol

Will County Board Meeting | December 4, 2025 Article Summary: A special meeting intended to fix a budget error turned contentious as board members traded accusations regarding transparency, meeting conduct,...
Screenshot 2025-12-05 at 11.57.25 AM

Will County Board Approves $2.7 Million Reserve Draw to Finalize 0% Tax Levy

Will County Board Meeting | December 4, 2025 Article Summary: The Will County Board unanimously voted to transfer approximately $2.78 million from cash reserves to balance the fiscal year 2026...
Beecher Fire Protection District graphic.1

Beecher Fire District Reports Full Staffing, Discusses Tax Levy Cap

Beecher Fire Protection District Meeting | October 2025 Article Summary: The Beecher Fire Protection District Board of Trustees announced the hiring of five new candidates, bringing the department’s contract to...
Beecher Elementary school Graphic

School Facilities Committee Reviews Elementary School Window and Roof Repairs

Beecher School District Facilities Committee Meeting | December 2025 Article Summary: The Beecher School District 200-U Facilities Committee reviewed competing assessments for water intrusion at Beecher Elementary, favoring a comprehensive...
Illinois quick hits: Another attack on CTA passenger; plaintiffs move to dismiss their ICE use of force case

Illinois quick hits: Another attack on CTA passenger; plaintiffs move to dismiss their ICE use of force case

By Jim Talamonti | The Center SquareThe Center Square Another attack on CTA passenger Illinois House Republicans say the SAFE-T Act continues to fail Illinois residents after a suspect with...

WATCH: Pritzker: ‘No’ to state taxpayer-funded guaranteed income

By Jim Talamonti | The Center SquareThe Center Square (The Center Square) – Gov. J.B. Pritzker says he is not planning to follow Cook County by implementing a guaranteed income...

WATCH: IL congresswoman willing to withhold highway dollars over CDL issues

By Greg Bishop | The Center SquareThe Center Square (The Center Square) – A Republican congresswoman from Illinois is looking to enforce federal Commercial Drivers License requirements by withholding federal...
Disability group, coroners press governor ahead of assisted suicide decision

Disability group, coroners press governor ahead of assisted suicide decision

By Catrina Barker | The Center Square contributorThe Center Square (The Center Square) – A Chicago-based disability-rights organization is seeking a meeting with Gov. J.B. Pritzker’s office as Illinois prepares...
Meeting-Briefs

Meeting Summary and Briefs: Village of Beecher for November 24, 2025

Village of Beecher Meeting | November 24, 2025 The Beecher Village Board met on Monday, November 24, 2025, to address routine financial business and discuss seasonal community issues. While much...