Illinois Quick Hits: Springfield plan detached from megaprojects
(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.
Showers And Thunderstorms Likely
Latest News Stories
Illinois business group warns of ‘backbreaking’ progressive income tax
Illinois tops U.S. in pumpkin production despite recent decline in value
Congress moves to restore federal union powers, critics warn of higher costs
Illinois quick hits: Chiropractor sentenced for fraud; fatal airport shooting investigation
Committee Grants Lenox Solar Farm Project Six-Month Variance Extension
Speed Limits Lowered in Green Garden and Frankfort Neighborhoods
Engineering Firm Hired for Gougar Road Bridge Replacement
Unpermitted Log Cabin and Stage Prompt Rezoning in Beecher
Federal court blocks Trump from dismantling four agencies
State reps: Pritzker turns ‘blind eye’ to Chicago’s public safety crisis
Illinois quick hits: Medicaid coverage for parental home visits; ‘Trouble in Toyland’ report
Potential data center in Illinois village raises local concerns
