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

January 20, 2026/

Spread the love

By Jim Talamonti | The Center Square
The Center Square

Bovino bounty trial to begin

Jury selection is complete for the trial of a man accused of putting a bounty on U.S. Border Patrol Commander Gregory Bovino. Juan Espinoza Martinez, 37, was charged last fall with soliciting the murder of a senior law enforcement official. Opening statements are scheduled to begin Wednesday morning at the Everett McKinley Dirksen U.S. Courthouse in Chicago.

Judge sentences Kentucky man to 15 years in drugs case

A southern Illinois district judge has sentenced a Kentucky man to 15 years in federal prison for possessing more than 150 grams of meth and a firearm as a felon. James W. Towery, 45, of Salem, Kentucky, pleaded guilty to one count of possession with intent to distribute meth and one count of felon in possession of a firearm. Prosecutors say law enforcement found a handgun along with the drugs during a traffic stop in Massac County on March 11, 2024.

Pritzker criticizes Trump’s first year as Trump marks accomplishments

Gov. J.B. Pritzker held a roundtable discussion in Chicago on Tuesday to discuss the impact of federal government actions on Illinoisans. Pritzker said manufacturers feel it when tariffs go up and farmers pay the price for trade wars. President Donald Trump held a White House briefing Tuesday afternoon and said Democrats created the affordability problem and his administration is solving it.

Latest News Stories

Frankfort Establishes New Zoning Rules to Attract Data Centers

The Village of Frankfort has amended its zoning ordinance to create a specific use category for data centers, a move designed to regulate and attract high-tech development. The Village Board...

Fiber Internet Provider Pavlov Media Details Plans to Expand into Mokena

Mokena residents may soon have another choice for high-speed internet service, as Champaign-based Pavlov Media has announced its intent to build a fiber optic network throughout the village. Mark Sheldon,...

Currie Motors Expansion Gets Approval with Site Modifications

Currie Motors on Lincoln Highway received approval from the Frankfort Village Board on Monday for a major change to its site plan, allowing for the construction of seven new parking...

Mokena Celebrates Successful July 4th Events, Honors Parade Winners

A celebratory atmosphere filled the Mokena Village Board meeting on July 14, as officials and community leaders recounted the success of the village's Independence Day festivities and honored the winners...

Frankfort Approves $134,531 Maintenance Contract for Wastewater Plant Filters

The Frankfort Village Board has approved a $134,531.17 agreement with Veolia Water Technologies, Inc. for critical preventative maintenance at the Regional Wastewater Treatment Plant. The contract is for the complete...

Meeting Briefs: Mokena Village Board for July 14, 2025

The Mokena Village Board on July 14 approved a major overhaul of its zoning code, awarded a contract for a significant storm sewer project, and heard plans for a new...

Meeting Briefs: Frankfort Village Board for July 14, 2025

'Whisk & Flame' Culinary Studio Approved: The board approved "Whisk & Flame," an experiential culinary studio, for 10-12 Elwood Street. The project includes four special use permits for entertainment, liquor sales,...

County Approves School Resource Officer, Multi-Year Planning Requirements

Will County approved hiring an additional sheriff's deputy for a school resource officer position that will be fully funded by Summit Hill School District 161, while also passing new transparency...

County Addresses Senior Tax Exemption Processing Error

A processing error that cost County Board member Julie Berkowicz $600 in senior tax exemptions has prompted discussions about improving verification systems for property tax breaks. Will County Chief Assessment...

Executive Committee Meeting July 10 Meeting Briefs

Liquor License Expansion: The county approved increasing Class C1 liquor licenses from eight to nine to accommodate Lockport Gas and Food LLC at 14747 W. 159th Street in Homer Glen....

Meeting Briefs: Frankfort Park District Board for June 10, 2025

The Frankfort Park District Board of Commissioners discussed a legal dispute with the Five Oaks homeowners association over park development rules at its Tuesday meeting. Executive Director Gina Hassett reported...

Committee Rejects Troy Township Solar Projects Amid Strong Local Opposition

The Will County Land Use and Development Committee recommended denial for two controversial commercial solar energy projects in Troy Township on Thursday, following a wave of opposition from local municipalities,...

Controversial DuPage Township Rezoning for Outdoor Storage Advances

A contentious proposal to rezone a 20-acre parcel in DuPage Township from agricultural (A-1) to heavy industrial (I-3) for an outdoor vehicle storage facility narrowly passed the Will County Land...

Residents Allege Health Crises, Violations from Peotone Grain Facility

Two residents of unincorporated Peotone delivered emotional testimony to the Will County Land Use and Development Committee Thursday, alleging that a neighboring grain facility is causing severe health problems and...

Will-County-Public-Health-Safety-Committee-Meeting-July-3-2025

Health Department May Seek Property Tax Increase to Maintain Critical Services

The Will County Health Department is grappling with significant budget shortfalls as multiple federal grants have been terminated or reduced, potentially forcing the agency to seek additional property tax revenue...

« Previous
1
…
121
122
123
124
125
…
134
Next »