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
Will County Lowers Cedar Road Speed Limit Amid Debate Over Curve Safety and Fatalities
Nine Will County Municipalities Face Expired License Plate Reader Agreements; Crest Hill Opts Out
Judge Orders Will County Board to Approve Previously Denied Solar Farm Permits
Lincoln-Way West Powers Past Cross-Town Rival Lincoln-Way Central in 11-1 Run-Rule Victory
Lincoln-Way East Pitching Shuts Down Lincoln-Way West in 4-0 Conference Victory
Manhattan Receives $10,000 JADA Grant, Approves Patriotic Route 52 Decorations
WATCH: California probe ends $267M in alleged hospice fraud
Ex-Blago attorney: Quid pro quo is key to Madigan appeal
Illinois Quick Hits: House GOP says no Bears deal without property tax reform
WATCH: More than $600 million stolen from SNAP in 2025
Melania Trump denies any relationship with Jeffrey Epstein
War Powers Resolution halting Trump’s Iran ambitions fails in U.S. House