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.
Latest News Stories
Three years later, Inflation Reduction Act blamed for higher Medicare costs
Illinois quick hits: Prosecutors charge two more in Tren de Aragua case; Senate Energy and Public Utilities Committee meets today; Illinois Little League team loses in World Series
Report: Human Rights Campaign pressures transgender procedures on minors
Kankakee Bridge Project Out for Bid at $1.6 Million, Baker Road Bridge Nears Completion
Everyday Economics: Housing market and Fed policy in focus in the week ahead
Meeting Summary and Briefs: Manhattan Fire Protection District Board of Trustees for July 11, 2025
Executive Committee Considers $12,000 Strategic Planning Initiative with University of St. Francis
Businesses brace for new tax challenges amid global tariff focus
Illinois takes over health insurance marketplace in 2026 amid skepticism
WATCH: IL state reps challenge IEMA-OHS responses to local agencies
Judge expands restraining order against ‘Beto’ O’Rourke, adds ActBlue
District to Issue Up to $8.75M in Bonds for New Fire Station