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.
Showers And Thunderstorms Likely
Latest News Stories
TrumpRx expanding, offering generic prescription drugs
Trump pauses planned military strikes against Iran, cites further negotiations
Tennessee AG leads 23-state letter over climate chapter in federal judges’ manual
Consumer advocates say Nicor’s rate hike is unreasonable, profit-driven
Dominion, NextEra plan merger
China to buy $17B in US ag products, 200 Boeing jets
Johnson’s office counters Pritzker claim Chicago mayor ‘has no plan’ to keep Bears
Minnesota prosecutor charges second ICE agent wake of Operation Metro Surge
Pritzker: Trump war to blame for high gas prices
Proposed law would require women’s restroom on construction sites
Republicans scramble to preserve White House ballroom security funding
CBP seizes more than 100 million lethal doses of fentanyl at SW border in six months
