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.
Mostly Sunny
Latest News Stories
Poll: Voters have unfavorable opinions of Owens, Shapiro, Kirk, Pratt
Illinois Quick Hits: Waukegan official charted with casting dead mother’s ballot
Top Illinois diversity commissioner did not disclose side pay
Meeting Summary and Briefs: Beecher Community Unit School District 200-U for May 13, 2026
Durbin warns of divisions in Illinois farewell speech
USMCA talks open as tariffs loom over North America
Los Angeles mayor’s campaign presents defense against Spencer Pratt’s allegations of illegal electioneering
Bill: Fee on medium-to-large scale housing investors advances in Senate
Poll reports Arizona approval of Trump hits new low
$1.1T Pentagon funding bill leaves room for White House spending spree
Trump’s pressure on Iran to strike a deal spills over on Gulf allies
Illinois Quick Hits: Springfield plan detached from megaprojects
