(CHICAGO) Former Illinois House Speaker Michael Madigan’s corruption trial is now approaching the four month mark as jurors are scheduled to resume deliberations today at the bribery and racketeering trail of Madigan and codefendant Michael McClain. While Madigan pleaded not guilty to the 23 corruption-related counts, McClain was charged with six counts and also pleaded not guilty. The trial in Chicago with jury selection last October.
(SPRINGFIELD) It’s not likely that Illinois bankers will have any success in blocking a new state law that bans swipe fees on taxes and tips paid with credit or debit cards. That’s according to a federal judge’s mixed ruling made yesterday. While the judge granted a motion to block the law as the case continues, in respect to out-of-state banks, the ruling denied a preliminary injunction requested by federal credit unions. Promoted by Governor J.B. Pritzker and statewide Democrats, the law is scheduled to take effect on July 1st, 2025.
(SPRINGFEILD) Critics contend that legislation moving through the Illinois General Assembly could set a dangerous precedent if approved and enacted. The Illinois Food Safety Act, in Senate Bill 93, would ban specific food additives from being used in the manufacturing, delivering, distributing, holding, or selling of food products. The Illinois based Institute of Food Technologists says a state enacting food safety legislation that conflicts with U.S. Food & Drug Administration regulations is a dicey proposition.
(TAYLORVILLE) The former CEO of the Taylorville Chamber of Commerce, up in nearby Christian County, will avoid jail time after pleading guilty to theft, greater than $500 but less than $10,000, while a separate charge of $100,000 to $500,000 was dismissed. Patty Hornbuckle, who was arrested in March 2023, was sentenced this week to 24 months of probation and a $1,000 fine. The chamber contacted authorities several months before her arrest alleging theft and misconduct by the CEO. Hornbuckle served from 2012 to 2021.