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

Federal judge blocks Trump's 100K visa fee

Federal judge blocks Trump’s 100K visa fee

By Andrew RiceThe Center Square A federal judge in Massachusetts on Monday blocked President Donald Trump's policy seeking to implement a $100,000 fee on visas for highly skilled foreign workers....
U.S. House report: Minnesota officials failed to stop fraud

U.S. House report: Minnesota officials failed to stop fraud

By Elyse ApelThe Center Square A new U.S. House oversight report alleges Minnesota officials were aware of "rampant" fraud risks in taxpayer-funded social programs for years but failed to act,...
Senator says disability service workers’ raise falls short

Senator says disability service workers’ raise falls short

By Jim Talamonti | The Center SquareThe Center Square (The Center Square) – An Illinois state senator says wages for direct support professionals who provide services for people with developmental...
Illinois Quick Hits: Cyber attack shuts down Evanston High School

Illinois Quick Hits: Cyber attack shuts down Evanston High School

By Jim Talamonti | The Center SquareThe Center Square (The Center Square) – Evanston Township High School officials say they are cooperating with the FBI after a ransomware attack on...
DC schools use sex ed curriculum that avoids using ‘male,’ ‘female,’ promotes abortion

DC schools use sex ed curriculum that avoids using ‘male,’ ‘female,’ promotes abortion

By Tate RosentreterThe Center Square An education defense group is exposing what it says is the District of Columbia Public Schools “extreme” and “inappropriate” sexual education curriculum, where the terms...
U.S. Supreme Court slaps down Biden administration energy ruling

U.S. Supreme Court slaps down Biden administration energy ruling

By Andrew RiceThe Center Square The U.S. Supreme Court on Monday slapped down a decision from the Biden administration that regulated efficiency standards for furnaces and water heaters. Justices on...
Trump calls on Iran, Israel to 'stop shooting,' return to talks

Trump calls on Iran, Israel to ‘stop shooting,’ return to talks

By Sarah Roderick-FitchThe Center Square The ceasefire and a potential Iranian deal could be in shambles as Israel and Iran exchanged missile attacks early Monday. President Donald Trump, still seeking...
Everyday Economics: A stable labor market is not enough

Everyday Economics: A stable labor market is not enough

By Orphe DivounguyThe Center Square The May jobs report offered a measure of reassurance: the labor market is stable. Employers are still adding jobs, layoffs remain contained, and the economy...
Fishermen advocate begins campaign against offshore wind, ‘industrializing’ of the ocean

Fishermen advocate begins campaign against offshore wind, ‘industrializing’ of the ocean

By Tate RosentreterThe Center Square (The Center Square ) – The New England Fishermen’s Stewardship Association began a campaign to bring attention to what it says is a radical climate...
Sorensen drug-pricing bill draws criticism from former FDA official

Sorensen drug-pricing bill draws criticism from former FDA official

By Catrina Barker | The Center Square contributorThe Center Square (The Center Square) – U.S. Rep. Eric Sorensen, D-Illinois, is backing legislation he says would lower prescription drug costs by...
Supporters, critics clash over future of taxpayer funding for Rx Kids

Supporters, critics clash over future of taxpayer funding for Rx Kids

By Elyse ApelThe Center Square Michigan lawmakers remain divided over the future of the state's Rx Kids program as House Republicans continue scrutinizing the initiative. The first-in-the-nation cash assistance program,...
U.S. Senate race headlines Maine primaries as voters head to polls Tuesday

U.S. Senate race headlines Maine primaries as voters head to polls Tuesday

By Andrew RiceThe Center Square Voters in Maine will head to the polls Tuesday in high profile primary races that could help determine control of Congress. The races have garnered...
Bessent backs 3% deficit goal despite 5% budget forecasts

Bessent backs 3% deficit goal despite 5% budget forecasts

By Brett RowlandThe Center Square U.S. Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent pledged in two congressional hearings this week to cut the federal deficit to 3% of GDP, a target the government's...
Constables hope to find missing children in immigration search effort

Constables hope to find missing children in immigration search effort

By Bethany BlankleyThe Center Square After months of Congress stalling on funding for U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement and administrative changes, Pennsylvania state constables who’ve signed agreements to support federal...
Lawmaker blasts reports of ‘equitable assessments’ at medical school

Lawmaker blasts reports of ‘equitable assessments’ at medical school

By Catrina Barker | The Center Square contributorThe Center Square (The Center Square) – Illinois State Rep. Bill Hauter, a Republican physician and graduate of the University of Illinois College...