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 Rain Showers then Partly Sunny
Latest News Stories
Florida to crack down on H-1B visas, following Trump’s lead
Expert: Arizona’s 2026 budget faces Big Beautiful Bill impact
Research institute to Congress: Prioritize American healthcare over noncitizens
Illinois beef producers say Trump’s Argentina beef plan hurts farmers
Illinois quick hits: Bailey family announces memorial services; digital currency scam losses
WATCH: Expect tax and fee increases for veto; Democrats want more sanctuary policies
Will County Health Department Pleads for $1 Million to Avert ‘Weakened Public Health System’
Judge: Benefits of feeding babies beat risk claims in NEC lawsuits
Illinois quick hits: Raoul joins SNAP benefits lawsuit; disaster declaration denial appealed
WATCH: Democratic attorneys general sue feds to release food benefits
WATCH: GOP lawmaker: Pritzker-backed energy omnibus will lead to higher bills
Illegal border crossings in September historically low
