Illinois Quick Hits: State gaming board renew Rockford casino license
(The Center Square) – The Illinois Gaming Board has renewed Hard Rock Casino Rockford’s license for four years, retroactive to January 2026.
The Rockford casino’s license was the first to be authorized by the state’s gaming expansion law in 2019.
At its meeting Thursday, the board also issued a number of casino supplier renewals, video gaming licenses and sports wagering approvals.
ALLEGED GANG MEMBER FACES FIREARMS CHARGE
An alleged Chicago gang member is being held on a federal firearms charge after a U.S. District Court judge reversed a federal magistrate judge’s order to release the suspect on bond.
Prosecutors say Alexander Martinez Quiroz, 35, recorded himself firing shots from a handgun while standing in front of a Chicago building in December 2025.
As a previously convicted felon, Martinez Quiroz was legally prohibited from possessing a firearm.
INDIVIDUAL TAKEN INTO CUSTODY AFTER BARRICADE SITUATION IN JACKSONVILLE
No injuries have been reported after a reported domestic disturbance and barricade situation in Jacksonville.
Local officers responded to a home around 1 a.m. Friday and reported that an armed subject was alone and uncooperative.
After Illinois State Police crisis negotiators and SWAT officers arrived, the individual exited the residence around 11:30 a.m. and was taken into custody for medical evaluation.
FORMER STATE POLICE OFFICER ORDERED TO PAY RESTITUTION FOR LOAN FRAUD
A former Illinois State Police officer has been sentenced to two years of probation and 30 hours of public service and ordered to pay $41,664 in restitution after he was convicted of loan fraud.
Illinois Attorney General Kwame Raoul said John Sievers, 52, of Chicago fraudulently received two loans through the federal Paycheck Protection Program in 2021.
NEW TROOPERS WELCOMED
Twenty new troopers have graduated from Cadet Class 152 at the Illinois State Police Academy in Springfield.
Following a graduation ceremony Friday, the new troopers were scheduled to report to three ISP locations around the state on Sunday.
ELDERLY MAN FACES CHILD SEXUAL ABUSE MATERIALS CHARGES
An 88-year-old man is charged with possession and dissemination of child sexual abuse materials in Morgan County. Illinois State Police arrested Robert Crowe of Jacksonville on Thursday.
Anonymous tips of child sexual abuse materials can be reported through the National Center for Missing and Exploited Children’s cyber tip line at www.cybertipline.com.
Partly Sunny then Chance Showers And Thunderstorms
Latest News Stories
New Lenox Fire Board Denies Variance Over Extreme Hydrant Distance, Citing Safety
New Lenox Fire District Secures $35,000 Grant for UTV in Solar Farm Agreement
Meeting Summary: New Lenox Fire Protection District for June 16, 2025
Mokena Park District Approves $7.9 Million Budget, Eyes Major Park Upgrades
Mokena Park District Overhauls Safety Policies, Adopts Cyber Attack Response Plan
Mokena Park District Bids Farewell to 12-Year Fitness Manager Rachel Bauer
New HVAC, Bleachers, and Lighting Among Recent Park District Upgrades
Meeting Briefs: Mokena Park District Board of Commissioners for July 25, 2023
Will County Committee Forwards Overhauled Purchasing Code Amid Debate on Local Contractor Preference
Finance Officials Clarify How Will County Tracks Assets, From Vehicles to Desks
Will County Treasurer Confirms Free Online Tax Payment Option, Warns Against High Credit Card Fees
Committee Highlights ‘Lack of Teeth’ in County Code Enforcement Process
