Illinois Quick Hits: State gaming board renew Rockford casino license
(The Center Square) – The Illinois Gaming Board has renewed Hard Rock Casino Rockford’s license for four years, retroactive to January 2026.
The Rockford casino’s license was the first to be authorized by the state’s gaming expansion law in 2019.
At its meeting Thursday, the board also issued a number of casino supplier renewals, video gaming licenses and sports wagering approvals.
ALLEGED GANG MEMBER FACES FIREARMS CHARGE
An alleged Chicago gang member is being held on a federal firearms charge after a U.S. District Court judge reversed a federal magistrate judge’s order to release the suspect on bond.
Prosecutors say Alexander Martinez Quiroz, 35, recorded himself firing shots from a handgun while standing in front of a Chicago building in December 2025.
As a previously convicted felon, Martinez Quiroz was legally prohibited from possessing a firearm.
INDIVIDUAL TAKEN INTO CUSTODY AFTER BARRICADE SITUATION IN JACKSONVILLE
No injuries have been reported after a reported domestic disturbance and barricade situation in Jacksonville.
Local officers responded to a home around 1 a.m. Friday and reported that an armed subject was alone and uncooperative.
After Illinois State Police crisis negotiators and SWAT officers arrived, the individual exited the residence around 11:30 a.m. and was taken into custody for medical evaluation.
FORMER STATE POLICE OFFICER ORDERED TO PAY RESTITUTION FOR LOAN FRAUD
A former Illinois State Police officer has been sentenced to two years of probation and 30 hours of public service and ordered to pay $41,664 in restitution after he was convicted of loan fraud.
Illinois Attorney General Kwame Raoul said John Sievers, 52, of Chicago fraudulently received two loans through the federal Paycheck Protection Program in 2021.
NEW TROOPERS WELCOMED
Twenty new troopers have graduated from Cadet Class 152 at the Illinois State Police Academy in Springfield.
Following a graduation ceremony Friday, the new troopers were scheduled to report to three ISP locations around the state on Sunday.
ELDERLY MAN FACES CHILD SEXUAL ABUSE MATERIALS CHARGES
An 88-year-old man is charged with possession and dissemination of child sexual abuse materials in Morgan County. Illinois State Police arrested Robert Crowe of Jacksonville on Thursday.
Anonymous tips of child sexual abuse materials can be reported through the National Center for Missing and Exploited Children’s cyber tip line at www.cybertipline.com.
Mostly Sunny
Latest News Stories
Altadena residents upset about multiple homes on lots
WATCH: GOP lawmaker voices opposition to gas tax increase
Experts comment on bill banning U.S. lawmakers from insider prediction bidding
GOP reacts to Los Angeles proposal for noncitizen voters
Will County Committee Pulls Single-Member District Referendum
Cook County taxpayers face projected $550.7 million deficit
Further Middle East unrest dominates tense delay of peace deal signing
Illinois Quick Hits: Economic development summit set for next week
California legislator accuses Newsom of violating state code
Op-Ed: What is the Declaration of Independence?
Illinois sees biggest drop in gas prices nationwide, still above $4 average
Democrats run against DeGette in Denver congressional race
