(CHICAGO) A U.S. Appellate Court has ordered two defendants in the ComEd Four case to be released pending a new trial. Hours after oral arguments began yesterday in Chicago, the Seventh Circuit Court of Appeals directed the federal government to release former ComEd CEO Anne Pramaggiore on bond pending a new trial and also ruled that codefendant Michael McClain should be released as well. Both were convicted of conspiracy, bribery, and falsifying records at the ComEd Four trial back in 2023. The two were accused of being engaged in a scheme to bribe former Illinois House Speaker Michael Madigan. No word as to when a new trial will be held.
(SPRINGFIELD) The Illinois State Police is reporting that grant funding from the Secretary of State’s Council on Vehicle Hijacking and Motor Vehicle Theft Prevention and Insurance Verification has led to 316 vehicle recoveries and 34 arrests during the first quarter of 2026. After an initial $10 million grant, the Illinois State Police was awarded another $677,000 in June 2024 and another $637,500 in July a year ago in 2025. No doubt, the grant funding has paid off.
(SPRINGFIELD) State Representative Adam Niemerg and several other downstate lawmakers are raising concerns about a proposal in Springfield that would expand access to in-state tuition for illegal immigrants in Illinois, calling the measure a “workaround” to existing eligibility rules. While House Bill 1593 does not explicitly reference immigration status, the bill would adjust residency requirements tied to in-state tuition at public colleges and universities with Niemerg arguing that the bill’s practical effect would be to make it easier for undocumented individuals to qualify. The bill passed in the State House last week with the Democrats outvoting the GOP lawmakers along party lines. It now awaits a committee assignment in the State Senate.