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

Trump says $2,000 tariff rebate checks won't come before Christmas

Trump says $2,000 tariff rebate checks won’t come before Christmas

By Brett RowlandThe Center Square Americans won't get a $2,000 rebate check from the federal government before Christmas. President Donald Trump said Friday that the proposed checks will not be...
Chicago mayor threatens layoffs, property tax hikes if council rejects head tax

Chicago mayor threatens layoffs, property tax hikes if council rejects head tax

By Jim Talamonti | The Center SquareThe Center Square (The Center Square) – Chicago Mayor Brandon Johnson is threatening service cuts, layoffs and property tax hikes if aldermen reject his...
Goldwater Institute sues Arizona attorney general for records

Goldwater Institute sues Arizona attorney general for records

By Chris WoodwardThe Center Square A lawsuit has been filed against Arizona Attorney General Kris Mayes. Phoenix-based Goldwater Institute brought the lawsuit. Attorneys want Mayes to release alleged price-fixing complaint...
Illinois quick hits: Four officers injured during ICE protest

Illinois quick hits: Four officers injured during ICE protest

By Jim Talamonti | The Center SquareThe Center Square Four officers injured during ICE protest Four state and local law enforcement officers were injured and 21 people were arrested Friday...
California asks court to end federalization of National Guard

California asks court to end federalization of National Guard

By Dave MasonThe Center Square California officials Friday renewed their motion for a judge to end the federalized deployment of National Guard troops in Los Angeles. Attorney General Rob Bonta...
ICE, Florida officers arrest 230, including 150 sex offenders

ICE, Florida officers arrest 230, including 150 sex offenders

By Bethany BlankleyThe Center Square U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement and Florida Department of Law Enforcement officers arrested 230 foreign nationals in the U.S. illegally, many with extensive criminal histories....
With shutdown over, fight over Obamacare reform is on

With shutdown over, fight over Obamacare reform is on

By Thérèse BoudreauxThe Center Square With the record-long government shutdown finally over, Republicans are ramping up conversations about how to reform Obamacare and address the rising cost of insurance premiums....
Feds launch initiative to conduct welfare checks on unaccompanied minors

Feds launch initiative to conduct welfare checks on unaccompanied minors

By Bethany BlankleyThe Center Square U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement has launched an initiative with state and local law enforcement 287(g) partners to locate roughly 450,000 “unaccompanied alien children” (UACs)...
Judge: Biden-era decree deal requires release of 600+ from ICE detention

Judge: Biden-era decree deal requires release of 600+ from ICE detention

By Jonathan Bilyk | Legal NewslineThe Center Square A Chicago federal judge appointed by former President Joe Biden has ruled potentially hundreds of illegal immigrants must be released from federal...
Poll: Majority believe free speech in U.S. headed in wrong direction

Poll: Majority believe free speech in U.S. headed in wrong direction

By Sarah Roderick-FitchThe Center Square An overwhelming majority of Americans believe freedom of speech is headed in the wrong direction, according to a new poll. The Foundation for Individual Rights...
Illinois quick hits: Chicago treasurer to boycott U.S. securities to protest against Trump; Governor marks opening of new union training center; Illinois farms expected to lose $67.2 million a year

Illinois quick hits: Chicago treasurer to boycott U.S. securities to protest against Trump; Governor marks opening of new union training center; Illinois farms expected to lose $67.2 million a year

By Jim Talamonti | The Center SquareThe Center Square Treasurer to boycott U.S. Treasury securities to protest against Trump Chicago’s finances may take another hit after City Treasurer Melissa Conyears-Ervin...
Will County Board Land Use Committee Graphic.1

Will County Committee Denies Appeal for Crete Township ‘Tiny Home’ Permit

Will County Land Use & Development Committee Meeting | November 6, 2025 Article Summary: The Will County Land Use and Development Committee on Thursday upheld the denial of a temporary use...
Electric Scooters

Beecher Board Approves New Regulations for Electric Scooters, E-Bikes

Village of Beecher Meeting | November 10, 2025 Article Summary: The Village of Beecher has updated its municipal code to establish clear rules for operating low-speed electric scooters and has...
Trump signs executive order to improve foster care

Trump signs executive order to improve foster care

By Morgan SweeneyThe Center Square In line with First Lady Melania Trump’s efforts to improve the foster care system, the president signed an executive order Thursday to better support foster...
Hegseth announces Operation Southern Spear, targeting narco-terrorists

Hegseth announces Operation Southern Spear, targeting narco-terrorists

By Sarah Roderick-FitchThe Center Square Operation Southern Spear, the new title for the Trump administration’s targeting of narco-terrorists in and around Latin America, was announced Thursday by Secretary of War...