January 20, 2026/

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

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.

Leave a Comment





Latest News Stories

Carr calls for fair telecom treatment in Europe amid trade talks

Carr calls for fair telecom treatment in Europe amid trade talks

By Brett RowlandThe Center Square U.S. officials are calling for fair treatment of American companies in Europe as broader trade negotiations continue. The calls for fairness come amid European Union...
Pritzker rolls out homebuyer aid; Republicans pitch other solutions

Pritzker rolls out homebuyer aid; Republicans pitch other solutions

By Sean Reed | The Center Square contributorThe Center Square (The Center Square) – Both sides of the aisle in the state legislature have agreed home affordability is an issue...
New health sharing program has seen 236% growth rate, with high hopes for 2026

New health sharing program has seen 236% growth rate, with high hopes for 2026

By Tate MillerThe Center Square Health sharing service America’s HealthShare has experienced a 236% growth rate since it began last year, with expectations for more growth as Americans grow tired...
Lawmaker, physician: Politicians are micromanaging medical education

Lawmaker, physician: Politicians are micromanaging medical education

By Catrina Barker | The Center Square contributorThe Center Square (The Center Square) – A new proposal, Senate Bill 3325, would allow health care professionals to count menopause education toward...
FBI probes Michigan synagogue attack as targeted violence, antisemitism

FBI probes Michigan synagogue attack as targeted violence, antisemitism

By Elyse ApelThe Center Square An armed attacker rammed a vehicle into a Michigan synagogue and school Thursday before being shot and killed by the temple’s security staff in what...
Iran to see ‘highest volume of strikes’ yet on Friday

Iran to see ‘highest volume of strikes’ yet on Friday

By Morgan SweeneyThe Center Square Friday’s strikes on Iran will exceed Tuesday’s, which were at that point in Operation Epic Fury, “the most intense day of strikes” thus far. “Today...
Illinois Quick Hits: One confirmed dead from Kankakee tornado

Illinois Quick Hits: One confirmed dead from Kankakee tornado

By Jim Talamonti | The Center SquareThe Center Square (The Center Square) – Kankakee County authorities have confirmed the death of one individual who was inside a storm-damaged home in...
Four service members killed in KC-135 crash

Four service members killed in KC-135 crash

By Morgan SweeneyThe Center Square Four of six crew members have been confirmed dead as a result of Thursday’s crash of an American refueling tanker. The details that have been...
U.S. military jet goes down over Iraq; incident not attributed to hostile fire

U.S. military jet goes down over Iraq; incident not attributed to hostile fire

By Sarah Roderick-FitchThe Center Square A U.S. Air Force refueling jet involved in Operation Epic Fury has gone down over Iraq, according to U.S. Central Command. The KC-135 was flying...
Casey Westfield Warriors logo graphic.3

Casey-Westfield Explodes for 12 Runs in Third Inning, Downs Neoga 17-5

The Casey-Westfield varsity softball team capitalized on a barrage of Neoga fielding errors, erupting for a massive 12-run third inning to secure a 17-5 non-conference road victory on Thursday. Casey-Westfield...
Pritzker: 'God was looking out for people' in storm-damaged Kankakee County

Pritzker: ‘God was looking out for people’ in storm-damaged Kankakee County

By Jim Talamonti | The Center SquareThe Center Square (The Center Square) – Gov. J.B. Pritzker says God was looking out for people in Kankakee County this week. The governor...
Illinois Quick Hits: Correctional officer charged with sexual misconduct

Illinois Quick Hits: Correctional officer charged with sexual misconduct

By Jim Talamonti | The Center SquareThe Center Square (The Center Square) – A correctional officer is charged with six counts of sexual misconduct and one count of official misconduct...
Costco faces lawsuit as consumers seek refunds from invalid tariffs

Costco faces lawsuit as consumers seek refunds from invalid tariffs

By Brett Rowland | The Center SquareThe Center Square (The Center Square) – A member is suing warehouse retailer Costco to recoup his tariff costs, the latest sign that refunding...
Insurer won’t back Gori defense vs asbestos lawsuit fraud claims

Insurer won’t back Gori defense vs asbestos lawsuit fraud claims

By Jonathan Bilyk | Legal NewslineThe Center Square The Gori Law Firm, America's most prolific filer of asbestos lawsuits, is facing a lawsuit accusing it of racketeering and fraud, and...
With teachers union support, committee approves charter school mandates

With teachers union support, committee approves charter school mandates

By Jim Talamonti | The Center SquareThe Center Square (The Center Square) – An Illinois lawmaker’s union-backed proposal to place new mandates on charter schools in the state is generating...