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.
Chance Showers And Thunderstorms
Latest News Stories
Manhattan Fire Trustees Extend Chief Contracts Through 2029
Illinois House returns to session with plans for SAFE-T Act, Israel, taxes
Illinois quick hits: Bovino bounty trial to begin; Judge sentences Kentucky man to 15 years in drugs case; Pritzker criticizes Trump’s first year as Trump marks accomplishments
IL AG reviews battles vs. Trump administration: ‘365 days of chaos’
Largest U.S. band manufacturer plans to leave Ohio, send some production overseas
WATCH: Trump says he plans to send out $2,000 tariff checks without Congress
House to vote on last four govt. funding bills costing $1.2 trillion
Illinois House speaker, unions push millionaire’s tax as lawmakers return
Reports: Walz, Frey, Ellison among those issued subpoenas by U.S. Justice
Supreme Court hears arguments in ‘vampire rule’ gun case
Trump slams ‘stupid’ UK decision to give back key military base
Bill would block Arizona Guard from unauthorized U.S. wars
