Capitol News Illinois

12/21/2024

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12/20/2024

The jury in Illinois House Speaker Michael Madigan’s federal corruption case left for a two-week holiday break after hearing glowing testimony from a defense witness – who happens to be a sitting judge. Hannah Meisel reports https://loom.ly/n4AvynA

Madigan trial highlights lobbying, real estate dealings, and testimony contradicting bribery and extortion allegations.bri

12/20/2024

After rejecting grid modernization plans from Ameren and ComEd last year, regulators approved – and applauded – revised versions this week. Andrew Adams reports. https://loom.ly/0ucfVYg

Illinois approves $1.8B in grid upgrades by ComEd and Ameren, raising rates but advancing clean energy and resilience goals.

12/20/2024

“There is no such thing as zero cost,” Sen. Rob Martwick said when discussing Tier 2 pension reform. “Not doing something doesn’t mean you’re spending zero money.” Ben Szalinski reports. https://loom.ly/nGzRyx4

Illinois lawmakers consider Tier 2 pension reforms to address Social Security compliance and improve public employee benefits.

12/20/2024

Experts including crafters of the state’s energy reform, current and former regulators, and many in the renewable industry are warning that energy prices will spike and rolling blackouts could follow if the state fails to act. Andrew Adams reports: https://loom.ly/HUolgjQ

Illinois grapples with energy grid reliability as demand surges and renewable energy goals lag, raising fears of future blackouts.

12/19/2024

Defense attorneys have begun calling witnesses in the trial of former Illinois House Speaker Michael Madigan and his confidant Mike McClain after prosecutors rested their case. Hannah Meisel reports https://loom.ly/XFdX1YI

Prosecutors rest in Madigan trial; defense calls former AT&T lobbyist who denies alleged no-work contract tied to bill's passage.

12/18/2024

Budget challenges face PreK-12 education in Illinois in the upcoming fiscal year. Peter Hancock reports. https://loom.ly/hIzcIJE

Illinois faces budget pressures as K-12 funding advocates push for increased education spending amid a $3.2B deficit.

12/18/2024

Prosecutors are set to rest their case today in the corruption trial of ex-Illinois House Speaker Michael Madigan and longtime Statehouse lobbyist Mike McClain. Former state Rep. Eddie Acevedo was one of the last government witnesses to take the stand. https://loom.ly/oX5fBCg

Eddie Acevedo’s emotional testimony in the Madigan trial reveals conflicting statements on no-work contracts with AT&T and ComEd.

12/17/2024

Illinois’ presidential electors met at the Statehouse in Springfield today and officially cast their 19 Electoral College votes for Democrats Kamala Harris and Tim Walz. Peter Hancock reports. https://loom.ly/zbK3RYU

Illinois' 19 electors formally cast votes for Kamala Harris and Tim Walz during the state’s Electoral College ceremony.

12/17/2024

Forced to testify in the corruption trial of ex-House Speaker Mike Madigan, former state Rep. Eddie Acevedo appeared to contradict previous statements to a grand jury and the FBI. Hannah Meisel reports: https://loom.ly/UCQ1vHg

Former Rep. Eddie Acevedo contradicted his past statements on alleged no-work contracts while testifying under an immunity order.

12/16/2024

Illinois’ presidential electors will meet at the Statehouse on Tuesday to cast their votes for president and vice president of the United States. Peter Hancock reports https://loom.ly/F9ZtYl0

Illinois' 19 electors will meet to cast votes for Kamala Harris in a key Electoral College step toward certification.

12/16/2024

The Illinois Supreme Court declined to issue an order to release former Sangamon County Sheriff’s Deputy Sean Grayson as it considers whether to hear an appeal regarding his pretrial detention. https://loom.ly/Td1QtPw

Illinois Supreme Court denies Sean Grayson's release while it considers appeal of his pretrial detention for first-degree murder.

12/14/2024

We're looking for 19 first-time donors to unlock an additional $1,000 bonus from NewsMatch. If you value CNI's news and in-depth reporting, now is the time to give. Any gift made by 12/31 will be tripled thanks to NewsMatch and The Joyce Foundation. Will you be one of the 19 who help us cross the finish line? GIVE: https://loom.ly/YhNsQxo

12/13/2024

Gov. JB Pritzker is supporting a bill that would regulate h**p-derived THC products. Peter Hancock reports. https://loom.ly/llodP9g

Gov. Pritzker supports tighter regulation of intoxicating h**p products to protect children and ensure industry compliance.

12/13/2024

Technology giant IBM will build a state-of-the-art quantum computer on Chicago’s South Side, with plans to join the state’s forthcoming quantum computing campus. Andrew Adams reports. https://loom.ly/F_IURiI

IBM to build a quantum computing hub on Chicago's South Side, part of Illinois' $700M push to lead quantum technology.

12/12/2024

A federal judge denied former AT&T Illinois pres. Paul La Schiazza’s bid for acquittal after a jury deadlocked in his trial in September. He was accused of bribing former House Speaker Mike Madigan, whose own corruption trial is drawing to a close. https://loom.ly/81MlIJQ

Former AT&T Illinois president Paul La Schiazza faces trial developments over bribery allegations tied to Speaker Madigan.

12/12/2024

Another longtime political director for ex-Illinois House Speaker Michael Madigan testified in his corruption trial on Wednesday, telling the jury about how he paid both a political aide ousted for sexual harassment and a caustic ally to the speaker. https://loom.ly/jnCTeNo

Tom Cullen testifies on payments to Madigan allies and AT&T's consulting arrangements as bribery trial nears conclusion.

12/11/2024

The secretary of state’s office says it put new security procedures in place at the Illinois Capitol due to an increasing number of threats. Peter Hancock reports. https://loom.ly/vDFTjqY

Statehouse security tightens with new screening measures amid rising threats; visitors may face longer lines during sessions.