Illinois Quick Hits: State gaming board renew Rockford casino license

Illinois Quick Hits: State gaming board renew Rockford casino license

Spread the love

(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

Michael Farrell

Homer Glen Man Charged with Reckless Discharge, Battery to Deputy Following Standoff

Article Summary: Michael Farrell, 52, was arrested after firing over a dozen shots from his home, triggering a SWAT response and a shelter-in-place order for neighbors on December 28. Deputies...
Monee Township Graphic.3

Township Board Approves $445,358 for Food Pantry Construction

Monee Township Board Meeting | Nov. 20, 2025 Article Summary:The Monee Township Board approved a significant capital expenditure to fund the construction of a new food pantry. The decision follows...
CTA must pay $3M to woman convicted of killing, dismembering landlord

CTA must pay $3M to woman convicted of killing, dismembering landlord

By Jonathan Bilyk | Legal NewslineThe Center Square The Chicago Transit Authority must pay nearly $3 million to a woman who was struck by a bus, even though jurors were...
Trump: 'Illinois is worse' as HHS enforces verification for child care funding

Trump: ‘Illinois is worse’ as HHS enforces verification for child care funding

By Jim Talamonti | The Center SquareThe Center Square (The Center Square) - The U.S. Department of Health and Human Services says states will not receive matching child-care funds until...
Illinois quick hits: 700,000 customers' health information potentially exposed

Illinois quick hits: 700,000 customers’ health information potentially exposed

By The Center SquareThe Center Square IDHS announces health information potentially exposed Protected health information for more than 700,000 customers of rehabilitation services and Medicaid and Medicare savings programs may...
As Illinois ends grocery tax locals can replace, food inflation debate continues

As Illinois ends grocery tax locals can replace, food inflation debate continues

By Catrina Barker | The Center Square contributorThe Center Square (The Center Square) – An Illinois congressman’s warning that Americans are paying more for groceries is drawing pushback from economists...
Chief Lemming

Beecher bids farewell to Chief Lemming following retirement

BEECHER – The Village of Beecher is officially bidding farewell to Police Chief Lemming, who retired effective New Year’s Eve following four and a half years of service to the community....
Monee Truck Damaged

Monee Fire Truck Damaged

The Monee Fire Protection District was working at a rollover accident on I-57 on January 1st about 1:30 pm. The fire engine was positioned at an angle to provide protection...
Monee Township Logo.1

Monee Township Approves 2025 Tax Levies Following Truth in Taxation Hearing

Monee Township Board Meeting | Nov. 20, 2025 Article Summary:The Monee Township Board of Trustees adopted tax levies for both the township and the road district following a public hearing....
Will County Board Graphic.03

Homer Glen Landscape Business Granted Extension Due to Utility Delays

Will County Board Meeting | December 18, 2025 Article Summary: The Will County Board approved a second extension for a special use permit for a landscaping business in Homer Glen....
Will County Board Graphic.01

New Lenox Used Car Dealership Approved with Conditions

Will County Board Meeting | December 18, 2025 Article Summary: The Will County Board approved a special use permit allowing a used car dealership to operate in an industrial park...
Will County Board Graphic.02

County Board Approves Women’s Residential Treatment Center in Joliet

Will County Board Meeting | December 18, 2025 Article Summary: The Will County Board unanimously approved zoning changes to allow the Existential Counselor Society to open a women’s residential treatment...
Everyday Economics: Housing takes center stage as we ring in the new year

Everyday Economics: Housing takes center stage as we ring in the new year

By Orphe DivounguyThe Center Square As we step into a new year, housing data takes center stage. After the Christmas holiday, markets are shifting from reflection to recalibration – and...
White business owners are biggest share of Illinois' diversity-preferred contract group

White business owners are biggest share of Illinois’ diversity-preferred contract group

By Jared Strong | The Center SquareThe Center Square (The Center Square) – Illinois' initiative to boost the amount of state contract money it awards to businesses owned by racial...
Illegal entries into Arizona plummet, 60% fewer gotaways than in Biden years

Illegal entries into Arizona plummet, 60% fewer gotaways than in Biden years

By Bethany BlankleyThe Center Square In President Donald Trump’s first year in office, illegal border crossings in Arizona plummeted to record lows. They represent roughly a 92% drop from illegal...