Illinois quick hits: Judge denies Madigan’s motion; legislator urges action on DCFS interns

August 11, 2025/

By Jim Talamonti | The Center Square
The Center Square

Judge denies Madigan’s motion

U.S. District Court Judge John Robert Blakey has denied former Illinois House Speaker Michael Madigan’s motion to remain free from prison while he appeals his conviction on ten counts of corruption.

Blakey wrote in a 44-page document that Madigan failed to meet his burden to show that his appeal would raise a substantial question of law or fact.

The former speaker is scheduled to report to prison on Oct. 13.

Legislator urges action on DCFS interns

State Rep. Jed Davis says the Illinois Department of Children and Family Services broke the law by allowing uncertified interns to investigate families, leading to the removal of children from homes.

Davis said DCFS violated state statute for years by conducting formal child-abuse investigations with uncertified interns.

Davis called on Gov. J.B. Pritzker to act immediately.

Offshore gaming concerns

Illinois Attorney General Kwame Raoul is one of 50 attorneys general urging the U.S. Department of Justice to address the spread of illegal offshore gaming operations across the country.

Raoul said illegal online sports betting and gaming operations are largely operated by foreign-based companies that routinely operate without proper licensure and evade tax obligations.

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