April 24, 2026/

Illinois Quick Hits: State gaming board renew Rockford casino license

Spread the love

By Jim Talamonti | The Center Square
The Center Square

(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.

Leave a Comment





Latest News Stories

Everyday Economics: Falling gas prices helped keep consumers spending

By Orphe DivounguyThe Center Square Inflation fell more than expected in June. That gave consumers some breathing room, and they kept spending – even if they became more selective about...
Illinois may bring early warning of toll costs ahead of proposed rate hike

Illinois may bring early warning of toll costs ahead of proposed rate hike

By Sean Reed | The Center SquareThe Center Square (The Center Square) – While Illinois contemplates raising prices on tollways across the state, one state lawmaker wants increased transparency for...
Illinois senator says True Value move highlights business climate concerns

Illinois senator says True Value move highlights business climate concerns

By Catrina Barker | The Center Square contributorThe Center Square (The Center Square) – Illinois state Sen. Chris Balkema said True Value’s decision to move its headquarters from Chicago to...
Casey Westfield School Board.1

Casey-Westfield Adopts Amended FY 2026 Budget After Hearing Draws No Comment

Casey-Westfield CUSD C-4 Board of Education Meeting | June 22, 2026 Article Summary: The Casey-Westfield Board of Education adopted the district's amended fiscal year 2026 budget on Monday, June 22,...
Casey Council Meeting Graphic.2

Casey’s Fourth of July Draws Thousands Despite Storm Cancellations

Casey City Council Meeting | July 6, 2026 Article Summary: City officials recapped a largely successful Fourth of July weekend celebrating the nation's 250th birthday, with a smooth parade, a...
Two services members killed, one missing in Iranian strike

Two services members killed, one missing in Iranian strike

By Sarah Roderick-FitchThe Center Square Two U.S. service members have been killed in action, and one remains missing following an Iranian missile strike in Jordan, U.S. Central Command announced Saturday...
U.S. Coast Guard monitors Chinese ships off Alaska coast

U.S. Coast Guard monitors Chinese ships off Alaska coast

By Bethany BlankleyThe Center Square The U.S. Coast Guard is actively engaged in Arctic defense, monitoring and dealing with potential national security threats posed by Chinese ships. Last summer, the...
Millions celebrate America 250, Sail250 events in key ports

Millions celebrate America 250, Sail250 events in key ports

By Bethany BlankleyThe Center Square Millions of Americans celebrated America 250, Sail250 events in key ports, boarding scores of ships that sailed thousands of nautical miles to celebrate the 250th...
Chicago delays vote on parking meter sale, risks litigation

Chicago delays vote on parking meter sale, risks litigation

By Sean Reed | The Center SquareThe Center Square (The Center Square) – A long-awaited vote from the Chicago City Council to move forward with approving the sale of the...
Hegseth's 'High-T' troop screening mandate comes without cost estimate

Hegseth’s ‘High-T’ troop screening mandate comes without cost estimate

By Brett RowlandThe Center Square The Department of War is mandating annual testosterone screening for every active-duty and reserve service member age 30 and older, a mandate affecting about 2...
Congressional candidates tackle housing, immigration

Congressional candidates tackle housing, immigration

By Andrew RiceThe Center Square Immigration and housing policies will be at the top of voters’ minds in Arizona’s 6th and 9th congressional districts, races that could determine control of...
Senators to examine hospital price transparency legislation

Senators to examine hospital price transparency legislation

By Andrew RiceThe Center Square A bipartisan coalition of lawmakers is set to examine a bill next week to require hospitals and insurance companies to display prices for provided services....
Transit bill sponsor ok with recycled board appointments

Transit bill sponsor ok with recycled board appointments

By Jim Talamonti | The Center SquareThe Center Square (The Center Square) – Although recent appointees to the new Northern Illinois Transit Authority already hold seats on current transit boards...
U.S. adds 3.5M businesses despite shaky economy

U.S. adds 3.5M businesses despite shaky economy

By Andrew RiceThe Center Square The United States added nearly 3.5 million new businesses in the first half of 2026, breaking previous expectations, according to a new report. Registered Agents...
Casey Council Meeting Graphic.1

Casey to Activate 22 Park Security Cameras After Vandalism

Casey City Council Meeting | July 6, 2026 Article Summary: Mayor Mike Nichols announced roughly 22 security cameras will be placed to cover the entire city park after repeated vandalism,...