November 21, 2025/

Illinois quick hits: Madigan disbarred; taxpayers subsidize medical debt relief

Spread the love

By Jim Talamonti | The Center Square
The Center Square

Madigan disbarred

Former Illinois House Speaker Michael Madigan is no longer licensed to practice law in the Land of Lincoln.

The Illinois Supreme Court ruled Wednesday in favor of a motion to strike Madigan’s name from the state’s roll of licensed attorneys.

Last month, the longtime speaker and former Democratic Party of Illinois chairman began serving a 7.5 year prison term for public corruption.

Taxpayers subsidize medical debt relief

Gov. J.B. Pritzker says the the Illinois Medical Debt Relief Program has erased nearly $430 million in medical debt during its first year.

The fiscal year 2026 state budget includes a $15 million reappropriation to acquire and forgive outstanding medical debt for those who qualify.

To be eligible, individuals must be Illinois residents with household incomes at or below 400% of the federal poverty level, or their medical debt must equal 5% or more of their annual household income.

Texas man convicted for crypto scam

A federal jury in Chicago has convicted a Houston, Texas man of orchestrating a cryptocurrency scheme that bilked nearly 1,000 investors out of at least $14 million.

Robert Dunlap, 54, was convicted of two counts of mail fraud and faces a maximum of 40 years in federal prison.

Sentencing is set for Feb. 17, 2026.

Leave a Comment





Latest News Stories

Casey Council Meeting Graphic.2

Economic Development Initiatives Gain Momentum in Casey

Casey's economic development efforts are expanding with multiple new programs and partnerships designed to boost the city's growth prospects, Economic Development Director Tom Daughhetee announced during Monday's council meeting. Daughhetee...
City Council Meeting Briefs.Blue

CITY MEETING BRIEFS

Founder's Day Parade Planned: A Founder's Day Parade is being organized for May 10th following a request by Patty Richards during the public forum. A resolution authorizing the parade will...
Casey Westfield School Board.1

Casey-Westfield Board Holds Hearing on $4.5 Million Safety Bond Issue

The Casey-Westfield School Board conducted a public hearing on a proposed $4.5 million bond issue for fire prevention and safety improvements, while also approving 4% administrative salary increases and addressing...
Casey Westfield School Board.2

Casey-Westfield Students Excel in Academics and Community Service

Casey-Westfield students demonstrated exceptional achievement across academic, artistic, and community service activities, according to administrator reports presented during Monday's board meeting. Monroe Elementary students celebrated multiple milestones, including the 100th...
Casey Westfield School Board.3

SCHOOL BOARD MEETING BRIEFS

Bond Issue Under Review: The $4.5 million fire prevention and safety bond proposal remains under consideration following public hearing input about property tax concerns and district bonding capacity. State Funding...
Casey Council Meeting Graphic.2

Casey Moves Forward with Utility Rate Study as Resident Questions City Processes

The City of Casey took the next step toward addressing its utility rate issues during Monday's council meeting, while a resident raised concerns about city transparency and bidding processes. Utility...
City Council Meeting Briefs.Purple

CITY MEETING BRIEFS

Utility Rate Study Advances: Water and sewer rate study information is ready for submission to the Illinois Rural Water Association for professional review, moving the city closer to addressing identified...
Casey Westfield School Board.1

Casey-Westfield Schools Earn Perfect Financial Rating, Approve Major Purchases

The Casey-Westfield School District received the highest possible financial profile rating and a clean audit for fiscal year 2024, while also approving significant equipment purchases and personnel changes during Monday's...
Casey Westfield School Board.2

Casey-Westfield Schools Focus on Student Activities and Community Engagement

Casey-Westfield schools are emphasizing hands-on learning and community connections through diverse programs spanning elementary through high school levels, according to administrator reports presented during Monday's board meeting. Elementary students at...
Casey Westfield School Board.3

SCHOOL BOARD MEETING BRIEFS

Waiver Renewal Approved: The board authorized renewal of the full-day School Improvement waiver, allowing continued use of four full professional development days instead of six half-days, based on staff and...
Casey Council Meeting Graphic.2

Casey Council Considers Utility Rate Increases After Audit Reveals Losses

The Casey City Council is moving toward potential utility rate increases after a recent audit revealed the city is losing money on its water and sewer operations, officials announced during...
City Council Meeting Briefs.Blue

CITY MEETING BRIEFS

Executive Session Held: The city council met in closed session for 23 minutes to discuss litigation matters, following proper legal procedures for confidential discussions. No action was announced following the...
Casey Council Meeting Graphic.2

Police Report Pharmacy Break-In Resolution

Casey Police Chief Adam Henderson announced that federal authorities have resolved the investigation into a break-in at the local Pharmacie Shoppe that occurred several months ago. Henderson reported during the...
Casey Council Meeting Graphic.1

Casey Council Approves Property Transfer, Reshuffles Committees

The Casey City Council approved the transfer of two downtown properties and reorganized council committees during their January 8 meeting, while Mayor Mike Nichols outlined an ambitious list of projects...
City Council Meeting Briefs.Purple

CITY MEETING BRIEFS

Christmas in the Park Success: The annual Christmas in the Park event attracted approximately 1,800 vehicles and raised around $6,600 in donations, according to organizer Shane Todd. Todd thanked the...