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

Illinois quick hits: Bailey to stay in governor's race

Illinois quick hits: Bailey to stay in governor’s race

By Jim Talamonti | The Center SquareThe Center Square Bailey to stay in governor's race Republican candidate Darren Bailey has decided to stay in the race for Illinois governor. In...
Report: Less than half of CPS students performing at grade level

Report: Less than half of CPS students performing at grade level

By Glenn Minnis | The Center Square contributorThe Center Square (The Center Square) – Illinois Policy Institute policy analyst Hannah Schmid is sounding the alarm about the state’s dimming prospects...

WATCH: IL comptroller candidates focus on transparency, timely reporting

By Jim Talamonti | The Center SquareThe Center Square (The Center Square) – Transparency is a key talking point for Illinois comptroller candidates. One Republican and five Democrats have filed...
Democratic senators under fire explain why they supported GOP bill to end shutdown

Democratic senators under fire explain why they supported GOP bill to end shutdown

By Thérèse Boudreaux | The Center SquareThe Center Square (The Center Square) – After breaking from the rest of the Democratic Caucus to help Republicans advance a deal that would...
Giannoulias ramps up campaign for state regulation of auto premiums

Giannoulias ramps up campaign for state regulation of auto premiums

By Jim Talamonti | The Center SquareThe Center Square (The Center Square) – Illinois Secretary of State Alexi Giannoulias has expanded his campaign to regulate auto insurance rates. Giannoulias visited...
Illinois quick hits: Illinois U.S. senators split on shutdown vote

Illinois quick hits: Illinois U.S. senators split on shutdown vote

By Jim Talamonti | The Center SquareThe Center Square Illinois U.S. senators split on shutdown vote Illinois U.S. Senators Dick Durbin and Tammy Duckworth differed as the Senate voted to...
Joliet-Junior-college.-Graphic-Logo.3

Meeting Summary and Briefs: Joliet Junior College Board of Trustees for October 2025

Joliet Junior College Board of Trustees Meeting | October 15, 2025 The Joliet Junior College Board of Trustees took major steps on two significant, long-term projects during its October 15...
Screenshot 2025-11-06 at 3.37.51 PM

Will County Saves Nearly $5.74 Million in Bond Refinancing, Explores Future Borrowing Options

Will County Capital Improvements & IT Committee Meeting | November 4, 2025 Article Summary: The Will County Board’s Capital Improvements & IT Committee learned that the county has successfully saved nearly...
Black and white speed limit 25 sign

Will County Board Advances New Speed Limits in Green Garden and Frankfort Townships

Will County Public Works & Transportation Committee Meeting | November 2025 Article Summary: The Will County Board approved new speed limits for a section of Stuenkel Road in Green Garden...
Will County Logo Graphic

New Lenox Garage Variance Denied After Neighbor Cites ‘Massive’ Scale and Neighborhood Impact

Will County Planning and Zoning Commission Meeting | November 4, 2025 Article Summary: The Will County Planning and Zoning Commission unanimously denied a New Lenox Township homeowner's request for a variance...
manhattan elwood library graphic.2

Library Board Adopts New Cell Phone Stipend Policy for Employees

Manhattan-Elwood Public Library District Board Meeting | September 2025 Article SummaryThe Manhattan-Elwood Public Library District Board of Trustees has approved a new policy to provide a cell phone stipend for...
Screenshot 2025-11-05 at 3.24.09 PM

Manhattan Announces Proposed 6% Property Tax Levy Increase

Manhattan Village Board Meeting | November 4, 2025 Article Summary: The Manhattan Village Board has announced a proposed 2025 property tax levy of $3,828,252, which represents an approximate 6.09% increase...
Joliet-Junior-college.-Graphic-Logo.5

JJC Celebrates “Future Wolves” Partnerships with Joliet and Troy School Districts

Joliet Junior College Board of Trustees Meeting | October 15, 2025 Article SummaryJoliet Junior College celebrated its "Future Wolves" initiative by issuing proclamations honoring its inaugural partnerships with Joliet Public...
Screenshot 2025-11-06 at 4.17.20 PM

State Veto Session Passes Energy Bill Limiting County Zoning, Approves Toll Hike for Mass Transit

Meeting Summary and Briefs: Will County Legislative Committee for November 4, 2025 Article Summary: A state lobbyist reported to Will County that the Illinois General Assembly passed a major energy bill...
will county board graphic

Commission Approves Peotone-Area Farmhouse Split, Overruling Staff’s “Spot Zoning” Concerns

Will County Planning and Zoning Commission Meeting | November 4, 2025 Article Summary: The Will County Planning and Zoning Commission approved a request to rezone a 1.75-acre portion of a larger...