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.
Mostly Clear
Latest News Stories
Don’t count on lower electricity prices in 2026
District 122 Authorizes $8 Million in Bonds for HVAC; Partners with Park District on Playgrounds
Lincoln-Way Board Approves $731,000 Freshman Laptop Purchase
Monee Solar Farm Projects Granted Extensions
WATCH: Report: Americans are still paying off credit debt from last Christmas
Congressional Conflicts: Curb on lawmakers’ stock trades draws fire for being weak
Wyoming’s year in review: Education savings, contentious spending
U.S. House advances GOP-backed energy reliability bill
Illinois’ safe gun storage law goes into effect Jan. 1
New Lenox School Board Approves “Balloon” Tax Levy; Actual Increase Expected at 4.7%
New Lenox Township Sets Preliminary Tax Levies; No Public Hearing Required
Frankfort Man Arrested in Gas Station Robbery Found Hiding in McDonald’s Restroom
