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 Clear
Latest News Stories
New Lenox 122 Eyes Future Budget Cuts to Offset Full-Day Kindergarten Costs, Approves Quad Plus Tax Abatement
Minooka Blasts Five Home Runs to Overpower Lincoln-Way Central 12-2
New Lenox Seeks $2.5 Million State Loan for Water Main Replacements, Sets $1.2 Million in Sureties for Spencer Meadows
Board Approves $1.04 Million in New Curriculum for New Lenox District 122
Meeting Summary and Briefs: New Lenox Community Park District Board of Commissioners for February 18, 2026
Meeting Summary and Briefs: New Lenox Township Board of Trustees for February 12, 2026
Tingley’s Perfect 5-for-5 Day, Shutdown Bullpen Rally Lincoln-Way Central Past Joliet Catholic 13-6
New Lenox Mayor Slams Springfield Affordable Housing Proposal as “Garbage,” Board Passes Opposing Resolution
Frankfort Man Arrested by State Police for Threatening Governor Pritzker
St. Charles East Blanks Lincoln-Way Central 10-0 Behind Dominant Pitching and Majkszak’s Power
Meeting Summary and Briefs: Capital Improvements & IT Committee for March 3, 2026
New Lenox District 122 Approves Full-Day Kindergarten for 2027-2028, Extends Teacher Contract
New Lenox Park District Set to Launch Massive ADA Audits Across Dozens of Local Parks
