Capitol News Illinois

Longtime Springfield lobbyist Mike McClain has been sentenced to two years in prison for his role in the “ComEd Four” bribery scheme aimed at his former close friend, ex-Illinois House Speaker Michael Madigan. @hannahmeisel reports: loom.ly/obk6iCM

A survey of Illinois educators reveals a significant disparity in how they interpret a three-year-old state law’s requirement to teach high school students a “unit of instruction” on media literacy. From @uisedu. loom.ly/tUEOCdM

The state bet big to make Illinois a hub for quantum computing. Another company is moving into the state’s quantum research park. @drewjayadams reports loom.ly/D-4kktk

Gov. JB Pritzker says Texas is “cheating” by redrawing legislative maps, while Illinois Republicans say the governor’s thoughts are ironic. @BenSzalinski reports. loom.ly/YyUD0cE

The Justice Department is weighing in on a federal lawsuit that accuses the Illinois State Board of Elections of failing to properly maintain its voter rolls. Story by @peterqhancock. loom.ly/JQCZIck

More than 30,000 affordable homes could be built in Illinois with expanded funding for a federal tax credit program. @BenSzalinski reports. loom.ly/Qrfj1As

Former ComEd CEO Anne Pramaggiore has been sentenced to two years in prison for her role in bribing ex-Illinois House Speaker Michael Madigan via jobs and contracts for the Democratic power broker’s political allies. @hannahmeisel reports: loom.ly/9WsrGu4

Property owners no longer have to go through the eviction process to remove squatters under a bill signed by Gov. JB Pritzker. @BenSzalinski reports. loom.ly/H5NzSZU

It’s been more than a year since Mackenzi Felmlee died in a Fairview Heights foster home, and DCFS has released no report. Beth Hundsdorfer has more. loom.ly/rAbrzRc

Sarah Cashdollar, associate director of the Illinois Workforce and Education Research Collaborative, talks with CNI about a recent report that suggests upward mobility is more difficult in Illinois than many would think. loom.ly/zdGZFRk

Cook County Democrats have endorsed state Rep. Margaret Croke for state comptroller in the 2026 Democratic Primary. They won’t endorse a candidate for U.S. Senate, the other open statewide office. @drewjayadams reports. loom.ly/etFwv84

Study finds education matters for economic mobility, but so does the class into which we’re born. Story by @peterqhancock. loom.ly/zxUE3J0

As the Illinois Democratic Primary for U.S. Senate shapes up to be an expensive contest, U.S. Representative Robin Kelly believes she doesn’t need the most money to win. Get the full story: loom.ly/C71xB60

State Farm rate hike for homeowners prompts calls for greater state regulatory authority. @peterqhancock reports. loom.ly/Ed16AVI

U.S. Representative Raja Krishnamoorthi is the top fundraiser in the Illinois U.S. Senate race. He says his mission, to make sure people can achieve the American Dream, is what helps bring in donors. Get the full story: loom.ly/C71xB60

Illinois Comptroller Susana Mendoza, who oversaw state finances in the wake of the budget impasse and the pandemic, will not seek reelection. She is “leaving the door open” to a run for Chicago mayor. @drewjayadams has the story. loom.ly/pQADZZ0

Who is contributing to Illinois’ U.S. Senate campaigns? Donors include top political figures, lobbyists and even sports team owners. CNI digs into the latest fundraising reports. loom.ly/C71xB60

For three years, Illinois lawmakers have failed to regulate intoxicating hemp, even despite Gov. JB Pritzker’s backing. @MedillSchool looks at the latest failed effort. Isabella Schoonover and Simon Carr report. loom.ly/ITO9uEc

Congress’ budget sent shockwaves through the renewable energy industry. Despite Illinois having significant incentives to boost it, some are concerned that electricity prices will rise faster than they already are. @drewjayadams reports. loom.ly/_Dq0Arw

This month marks the 60th anniversary of LBJ signing Medicare and Medicaid into law and now it's about to be cut back dramatically under President Trump's recently passed domestic policy legislation. How did we get from there to here? loom.ly/Rq-WOO4