Illinois Quick Hits: Chicago man arrested in connection with planned attack at White House
(The Center Square) – A Chicago man has been arrested in connection with a planned attack that allegedly targeted the Ultimate Fighting Championship event at the White House on June 14.
Government attorneys say Alexander Iniguez Mercado, 20, was an administrator and member of Signal messaging groups that appeared to communicate about the planned attack.
Mercado was charged with obstruction of justice after he allegedly uninstalled the Signal app, causing message data to become unavailable.
Seven other people from multiple states have been charged in connection with the plot.
ILLINOIS GROUP LAMENTS MONSANTO RULING
The Illinois Stewardship Alliance says it is a setback for transparency and accountability that the U.S. Supreme Court ruled to limit the ability of farmers and others to pursue state-level claims against pesticide manufacturers.
On Thursday, the high court reversed a Missouri Court of Appeals decision that allowed liability claims against Monsanto for failing to include a cancer warning on the label of Roundup herbicide.
ISA joined an amicus brief supporting Missouri farmer John Durnell, who alleged that his non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma resulted from exposure to Roundup.
Kyla Asbury contributed to this story.
PRITZKER ANNOUNCES IDNR LEADERSHIP CHANGE
Gov. J.B. Pritzker has announced that Illinois Department of Natural Resources Director Natalie Phelps Finnie will be replaced Wednesday by the agency’s general counsel, Renee Snow.
Finnie has served as IDNR director since January 2023. She previously served as an Illinois state rep from 2017 to 2019.
Snow has worked at IDNR since 2014.
CHICAGO FINALIZES DEAL WITH O’HARE CONCOURSE CONTRACTOR
Chicago officials say they have finalized an agreement that ensures the O’Hare International Airport Concourse D project will come in at least $21 million under budget.
A statement from Mayor Brandon Johnson’s office said the city aviation department’s deal with the lead contractor, AECOM Hunt Clayco Bowa, sets a guaranteed maximum price of $1.455 billion for the 19-gate facility.
The statement says the project is funded through airport-generated revenues and not with state or local tax dollars.
The concourse is set for completion in late 2028.
$5 MILLION RENOVATION PLANNED AT ILLINI BASEBALL FIELD
The University of Illinois says a $5 million gift by an anonymous donor is paving the way for the renovation of Illinois Field, home of the Fighting Illini baseball team.
Plans include new and additional seating down the lines, permanent seat backs and new, expanded dugouts with technology upgrades and bathrooms.
Mostly Sunny
Latest News Stories
War of words reignites with Trump, Pritzker, Bailey
Judge won’t let ConAgra off hook in class action over fish fillet brine
Meeting Summary and Briefs: Will County Board Legislative Committee for May 5, 2026
Meeting Summary and Briefs: Will County Board Executive Committee for May 14, 2026
Will County Executive Committee Splits on Whether to Ask Voters About Single-Member Districts
Will County Departments to Stop Accepting Pennies, Rounding Down Cash Transactions
Legislative Committee: Federal Update Highlights $79 Billion ICE Funding and DHS Reconciliation
Will County Executive Committee Backs Funding Pursuit for $2.33 Million Harris Drive Property Buyouts
Will County Division of Transportation Requests $1 Million Increase to Highway Levy to Combat Inflation
Will County Hears Proposal to Establish County-Focused Land Bank for Distressed Properties
Will County Executive Committee Recommends 600 MW Pride of the Prairie Solar Project in 6-5 Split Vote
Aging Systems and Judicial Mandates Drive Significant FY2027 Budget Requests for Will County Courts and Sheriff
