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.
Slight Chance Rain Showers then Mostly Cloudy
Latest News Stories
Illinois Quick Hits: Chicago TV crew attacked near lakefront
California Assembly passes $350 billion budget
Fetterman and McCormick voted for bipartisan housing reform. Will Trump sign it?
U.S. Supreme Court to hear asylum, voting, pipeline cases next term
Illinois second in local fines and forfeitures
Report: Taxpayer dollars help nonprofit hospitals pad executive salaries, pay for lawsuits
Over 7 million student loan borrowers have 90 days to switch repayment plans
Pritzker signs 62 new laws, many not in effect until 2027
Federal workforce shrank by 256,000 in 2025. Deficit barely moved.
Illinois Quick Hits: Ruling supports Illinois mail-in ballot laws
Election 2026: Singular goal to win elections, different ideas to get there
Democratic group calls for U.S. social media ban for kids under 16
