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
Report: Teachers’ unions give millions to progressive causes
Illinois quick hits: Record hotel tax revenues reported; grocer sentenced for SNAP, WIC fraud
Trump goes on attack over digital services taxes, threatens tariffs
WATCH: Policy questions loom as Pritzker announces ag investment, tax credits
Report: Claims that preserving coal plants will cost $6B based on unlikely assumptions
Federal officials confirm case of New World screwworm
Colorado committed to increasing housing supply
Stock market weathers Fed governor’s attempted firing well
WATCH: Police officer, legislator: Seize opportunity to reform Illinois’ cashless bail
Trump proposes returning death penalty to D.C.
WATCH: IL Hospital Association: $50B rural hospital fund ‘woefully inadequate’
Arizona, Nevada pay less at the pump than California
EEOC celebrates 200 days of protecting religious freedom under Trump
U.S. mining operations discarding rare minerals at center of trade talks
