Illinois Quick Hits: Feds say Ammons charges shouldn't be dismissed
(The Center Square) – In response to a motion filed by the lawyers of state Rep. Carol Ammons, D-Urbana, calling for the dismissal of her charges related to an alleged kickback scheme siphoning taxpayer funds directed to nonprofits in her district employing her daughter, alongside improper use of campaign funds, government lawyers say the charges should stand. In their 29-page response, the U.S. Attorney for the Central District of Illinois argued lawyers misinterpreted her charges and made an argument that doesn't disprove portions of what they say was still illegal conduct. In plain language, their response began by saying the motion to dismiss "the charges that she wished she faced, rather than the charges contained in the indictment.” Sean Reed contributed to this story Cook County expands 'shop talk' mental health programming Cook County officials have announced a $475,000 investment of taxpayer funds to expand community-based mental health programming for people from age 12 to 24 in four suburban Cook County communities. A statement from Cook County Board President Toni Preckwinkle’s office said municipal governments in Bellwood, Maywood, Park Forest and Calumet City will each receive $118,750 to implement the 12-month Cook County Shop Talk project. The initiative is funded
