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 then Slight Chance Showers And Thunderstorms
Latest News Stories
Major nationwide Tren de Aragua crackdown, more than 80 firearms seized
Illinois Quick Hits: State taxpayers to cover student loan debt for civil engineers
WATCH: Ex-rep sues Pritzker, Illinois over race-based congressional map
Lawmakers tussle over impacts of ‘equitable’ school funding in Illinois
Illinois Quick Hits: $42.6M UIS student library on schedule
State Legislative Update: Housing Mandates, Mega Projects, and Data Centers Prompt Local Control Concerns
Data center regs proposed as $20 billion, 795-acre Joliet project advances
Labor stats offer mixed bag for Illinois
Lawsuit: IL state VRA unconstitutionally lets Dems divide voters by race
Illinois Quick Hits: State grants offered to tackle ‘challenging’ properties
Officers mourn fallen Chicago cop as policy debate grows
Trump accuses Schumer of election ‘interference’ with New York task force
