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
Beecher Library Board Approves Budgets for Current and Upcoming Fiscal Years
Meeting Summary and Briefs: Beecher School District 200-U for September 10, 2025
Meeting Summary and Briefs: Village of Beecher Board of Trustees for September 22, 2025
Washington Township Overhauls Wage Structure, Boosts Bus Driver Pay
Beecher Library Board President Shirley Biery Announces Resignation
Beecher Creates New Adjudication Clerk Position to Manage Municipal Court
Beecher High School to Get New Look with Approved Window Wrap
State’s Attorney Donates Tint Meters to Beecher Police to Enhance Traffic Safety
Brad Shrader Appointed to Fill Vacant Beecher School Board Seat
Beecher School Board Approves FY26 Budget With Projected Surplus, Earmarks Funds for Major Projects
Persistent Leaks at New Beecher Public Safety Facility Prompt Calls for Third-Party Inspection
Illinois’ gun ban set for oral arguments in appeals court Monday
