By HANNAH MEISEL Capitol News Illinois hmeisel@capitolnewsillinois.com CHICAGO – In April 2017, a top staffer in then-Illinois House Speaker Michael Madigan’s office was looking to leave his job after a combined nearly 18 years working for the speaker’s office and as his political director. Will Cousineau applied for a high-level job with electric utility Commonwealth […]
Category: State News
Posted in1-Draft, State News
House passes bill prohibiting book bans
By PETER HANCOCK Capitol News Illinois phancock@capitolnewsillinois.com SPRINGFIELD – The Illinois House passed a bill Wednesday that would prohibit libraries from banning books or other material because of partisan or doctrinal pressure, prompting strong opposition from Republicans who called it an assault on local control. House Bill 2789 is an initiative of Democratic Secretary of […]
Posted in1-Draft, State News
ComEd’s former top lawyer paints Madigan confidant as ‘double agent’ in testimony
By HANNAH MEISEL Capitol News Illinois hmeisel@capitolnewsillinois.com CHICAGO – Being the longtime friend of longtime Illinois House Speaker Michael Madigan granted Mike McClain certain privileges not afforded to other lobbyists in Springfield, jurors heard Tuesday in a federal corruption trial that, in part, centers around the relationship between the two. McClain “had pretty free access” […]
Posted in1-Draft, State News
House sends 41 bills to Senate as Friday legislative deadline looms
By Capitol News Illinois news@capitolnewsillinois.com The Illinois House passed 41 bills to the Senate Tuesday ahead of a scheduled Friday deadline. The measures, among others, included a ban on polystyrene food containers, bills focusing on gender inclusivity in state law and a requirement that expectant parents have a “duty” to split pregnancy-related costs, including for […]
Posted in1-Draft, State News
‘You’re a street fighter,’ Madigan confidant counseled former speaker: wiretapped call
By HANNAH MEISEL Capitol News Illinois hmeisel@capitolnewsillinois.com CHICAGO – Facing a perceived betrayal during a make-or-break election season in 2018, former Illinois House Speaker Michael Madigan called the person he often sought counsel from: longtime friend and confidant Mike McClain. Several Democratic candidates running for the state Senate were using lines in their campaign ads […]
Posted inBourbonnais, Bradley, Grant Park, Kankakee, Manteno, Manteno Vedette Mayhem, Manteno Vedette New News, State News, Vedette Mayhem, Vedette New News
Resolution Honoring Fallen Bradley Sgt. Rittmanic Passes House Transportation Committee
To honor the life of fallen Bradley Police Sergeant Marlene Rittmanic (End of Watch: December 30, 2021), House Assistant Minority Leader Jackie Haas introduced House Joint Resolution 15 to designate the 315 overpass on I-57 as the “Sergeant Marlene R. Rittmanic Memorial Highway.” Sgt. Rittmanic was killed in the line of duty on December 30, […]
Posted inBourbonnais, Bradley, Crete, Kankakee, Manteno, Manteno Vedette New News, Monee, State News, Steger, Vedette New News
Vaughn’s Kitchen 79th District’s March Local Business Spotlight
For the March Local Business Spotlight, State Rep. Jackie Haas recognized a local Bourbonnais business. She presented a certificate to owners Joshua Vaughn and Catherine Hilgeman to recognize this small business’ importance in the community. “Nothing says home like good food made by our neighbors,” said Rep. Haas. “Vaughn’s Kitchen serves famous Alfredo and Alfredo […]
Posted inState News, Vedette College
Rep. Ford Calls for Free Exam Prep for Illinois Public University Students
Aim is to improve access and equity for better opportunities. State Rep. La Shawn K. Ford, chairman of the Illinois House Appropriations Higher Education Committee, announced his proposal to provide Illinois public university students with free access to classes that prepare them for graduate school tests and professional licensing exams. Ford, D-Chicago, a former Chicago […]
Posted inState News
Wiretaps show Madigan, through McClain, Forced Ally Out of Legislature to Protect Himself
Government uses recordings, witnesses to portray ex-speaker as all-powerful in Springfield. By Hannah Meisel Capitol News Illinois hmeisel@capitolnewsillinois.com CHICAGO – In fall 2018, longtime former State Rep. Lou Lang, D-Skokie, received a phone call from Mike McClain, who had spent decades lobbying for electric utility Commonwealth Edison after 10 years in the General Assembly. McClain […]
Posted in1-Draft, State News
Lawmakers advance measure to regulate ride-shares as ‘common carriers’
By NIKA SCHOONOVER Capitol News Illinois nschoonover@capitolnewsillinois.com SPRINGFIELD – Lawmakers are considering a bill that would treat ride-share companies such as Uber and Lyft as “common carriers,” opening them up to the same level of liability as other forms of public transportation. House Bill 2231 passed on the House floor this week with a 73-36 […]