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

Will County Board Graphic.01

Meeting Summary and Briefs: Will County Public Health & Safety Committee for April 2, 2026

Will County Public Health & Safety Committee Meeting | April 2, 2026 The Will County Board Public Health and Safety Committee met on Thursday, April 2, 2026, to review comprehensive...
law and authority lawyer concept, judgment gavel hammer in court courtroom for crime judgement legislation and judicial decision, judge having justice of punishment guilt and criminal verdict legal

Indiana Man Faces Federal Indictment, Potential Death Penalty for Momence Bar Owner’s Murder

Article Summary: State prosecutors have officially transferred the first-degree murder case against Julius Burkes to the U.S. Department of Justice. The 47-year-old Indiana man now faces federal charges, including the...
Will County Board Graphic.01

Ad-Hoc Committee: New State Laws Force Shift in How Police Handle Student Cannabis and Tobacco Violations

Will County Board Ad-Hoc Ordinance Review Committee Meeting | April 14, 2026 Article Summary: As Will County updates its drug offense ordinances to align with changing state cannabis laws, officials...
Will County P&Z Logo Planning Zoning.2

Peotone Township Homeowner Secures Porch P&Z Variance Despite Local Objection

Will County Planning and Zoning Commission Meeting | April 7, 2026 Article Summary: The Will County Planning and Zoning Commission unanimously approved a street yard setback variance for an unpermitted...
Will County P&Z Logo Planning Zoning.2

Manhattan Township Property Owners Secure Zoning P&Z Approvals for Pole Barn Addition, Parcel Consolidation

Will County Planning and Zoning Commission Meeting | April 7, 2026 Article Summary: The Will County Planning and Zoning Commission unanimously approved two separate zoning requests in Manhattan Township, granting...
washington township graphic.2

Washington Township Board Stands Firm in Opposition to 2,400-Acre Earthrise Energy Solar Farm

Washington Township Board of Trustees Meeting | March 2, 2026 Article Summary: The Washington Township Board of Trustees strongly reiterated its opposition to a proposed 2,400-acre solar energy facility during...
FTC takes action against ad giants for avoiding certain sites

FTC takes action against ad giants for avoiding certain sites

By Jay Brown | Legal NewslineThe Center Square WASHINGTON - The Federal Trade Commission and eight states have sued three of the country’s largest advertising agencies for allegedly conspiring not...
Illinois Quick Hits: Feds put card swipe fees prohibition on hold

Illinois Quick Hits: Feds put card swipe fees prohibition on hold

By Jim Talamonti | The Center SquareThe Center Square (The Center Square) – The U.S. Treasury Department’s Office of the Comptroller of the Currency has released notice of a pending...
Calif. climate change lawsuits paused during SCOTUS review

Calif. climate change lawsuits paused during SCOTUS review

By John O’Brien | Legal NewslineThe Center Square Lawsuits over climate change in California will be on hold while the U.S. Supreme Court decides whether they can be pursued. San...
U.S. will strike Iran infrastructure with no deal, Hegseth warns

U.S. will strike Iran infrastructure with no deal, Hegseth warns

By Andrew RiceThe Center Square The U.S. military is prepared to strike Iran's energy infrastructure if it does not agree to a peace deal, War Secretary Pete Hegseth said on...
Beecher Village Graphic.1

Will County, IDOT to Install Four-Way Stop at Route 1 Intersection Ahead of Roundabout Project

Village of Beecher Meeting | April 13, 2026 Article Summary: The Village of Beecher announced that a temporary four-way stop and flashing red light will be installed at the intersection...
New North Carolina law, question on facts pivotal to Mosley appeal

New North Carolina law, question on facts pivotal to Mosley appeal

By Alan WootenThe Center Square Action by North Carolina’s General Assembly has changed the timing for medical malpractice, and enough evidence to ask a jury to resolve contested facts favor...
Will County Board Graphic.02

Meeting Summary and Briefs: Will County Board Legislative Committee for April 7, 2026

Will County Board Legislative Committee Meeting | April 7, 2026 The Will County Board Legislative Committee met on Tuesday, April 7, 2026, to review a packed agenda of state and...

Illinois lawmakers grill diversity commission over lack of progress

By Jared Strong | The Center SquareThe Center Square (The Center Square) -- State lawmakers expressed public, bipartisan concern again Wednesday over an Illinois commission's efforts to increase access to...
U.S. House vote on spy powers extension delayed due to bipartisan pushback

U.S. House vote on spy powers extension delayed due to bipartisan pushback

By Thérèse BoudreauxThe Center Square U.S. House Speaker Mike Johnson, R-La., is postponing a vote on a clean extension of the federal government’s electronic surveillance powers due to member pushback....