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
Fitzpatrick says pro-union bill dealing with contracts will pass U.S. House
Feds investigate LA schools for sexual misconduct allegations
Advocates criticize bipartisan housing bill
Johnson, municipal leaders statewide clash with Pritzker over local funding cuts
WATCH: Report: Washington high schools rank near bottom in personal finance literacy
Citizen Voting Amendment may avoid partisan SAVE Act pitfalls
Democrats ‘Red to Blue’ targets 18 seats in 12 states in November
Illinois bill would force employers to pay employees regular wages for jury duty
VA suicide screening doubles after watchdog found mass failures
Trump says Iran agrees to no nuclear weapon, claims deal is close
Late-Inning Surge and Dominant Relief Lift Beecher Past Bloom 12-5
Democrats call on Lutnick to resign over Epstein ties
