Illinois quick hits: McClain reports to prison
McClain reports to prison
Former Illinois House Speaker Michael Madigan’s longtime associate has begun serving a two-year prison sentence at a federal medical facility and minimum security camp in Lexington, Kentucky.
Michael McClain, a former lobbyist and Illinois state lawmaker, was convicted of conspiracy, bribery and falsifying records at the ComEd Four trial in 2023. McClain reported to FMC Lexington on Monday.
Madigan was convicted on 10 counts of corruption earlier this year and began serving a 7.5-year prison sentence in Morgantown, West Virginia Oct. 13.
House GOP leader disputes Pritzker’s accomplishments
After Gov. J.B. Pritzker released a statement celebrating what he referred to as his administration’s accomplishments in 2025, Illinois House Minority Leader Tony McCombie, R-Savanna, said the governor had a bad year.
Pritzker touted the state’s $15-per-hour minimum wage, signing a $1.5 billion funding package for public transportation and standing up to what he called, “The Trump Administration’s attacks on freedom.”
McCombie said Pritzker raised taxes on Illinois families, denied federal relief through “No Tax on Tips and Overtime,” doubled down on sanctuary state policies and avoided what she called “tragic failures” at the Illinois Department of Children and Family Services (DCFS) and the 1,200 children who died under DCFS care during his tenure.
New air national Guard general named
Gov. J.B. Pritzker has named Illinois Air National Guard Director of Staff Colonel Steven B. Rice of Morrison, Illinois, as the next Assistant Adjutant General – Air of the Illinois National Guard.
With the selection, Rice will be promoted to Brigadier General and will serve as one of two governor-appointed deputies to Major General Rodney Boyd, the Adjutant General of Illinois and Commander of the Illinois National Guard. Col. Rice replaces Major General Dan McDonough, who is retiring after nearly 38 years of military service.
Chance Showers And Thunderstorms
Latest News Stories
Proposed federal funding bill doles out nearly $16M for electric, hydrogen buses
WATCH: Democrats ‘hate’ Trump more than they ‘love’ their communities, Homan says
Bipartisan group of lawmakers aim to increase migrant physician jobs
WATCH: Border czar Homan considered turning Trump’s offer down
WATCH: DeSantis addresses State Freedom Caucus Foundation
Higher ed spending up as enrollment plummets at Illinois universities
World’s largest retailer struggles to keep costs down as tariffs hit
Northwestern president steps down amid federal funding cuts
Push to ban stock trading by Congress follows IL rep’s reported violations
Illinois quick hits: Giannoulias orders village to stop sharing data with CBP
Legislation to end cashless bail in D.C., nationwide introduced in Senate
Chicago ranks near bottom in survey of best and worst run cities
