Madigan Trial Nears as Jury Selection Begins

Jury selection recently began in the long-awaited trial of former Illinois House Speaker Michael Madigan, who now faces 23 counts of racketeering, bribery, and official misconduct charges.  

The former Speaker, who was once one of the most influential political figures in Illinois, was indicted in March 2022 with charges stemming from Madigan’s alleged involvement in a years-long bribery scheme with the state’s largest utility, Commonwealth Edison (ComEd).

Madigan, who served in the Illinois House from 1971 until his resignation in 2021, held the speakership for much of his tenure and was also the chairman of the Democratic Party of Illinois.

As Madigan’s trial begins, Senate Republicans are once again highlighting the need for sweeping ethics reforms to prevent future abuses of power. Republican lawmakers have introduced several bills aimed at closing loopholes and increasing accountability for public officials, including stronger revolving door prohibitions, banning elected officials from working as paid lobbyists, and campaign finance reforms.

With Veto Session scheduled to take place in November, Republican lawmakers are urging immediate action, arguing that without substantive ethics reforms, the state remains vulnerable to further corruption at the highest levels of government.

IDFPR Warns of Increased Scams Targeting Students

The Illinois Department of Financial and Professional Regulation (IDFPR) is making families with children who are currently attending or have attended college aware of an uptick in scams targeting those who have taken on student loans.

Due to recent challenges to federal relief programs, scammers have taken this opportunity to attempt to scam students by promising lower rates, loan forgiveness, and requests to sign over power-of-attorney. Most often, there will be a request for immediate action, which is a red flag. Students should also be wary of claims that the servicer has ties to the government.

Scammers commonly communicate through the use of telephone calls, text, email, or physical mail.

Those who believe they may have been a target of a student loan scam should immediately contact the Illinois Attorney General's Student Loan Hotline by calling 1-800-455-2456. The Attorney General's website can also be a valuable resource to file a complaint for those who believe they have been targeted.  

Senator Fowler seeks family photos and stories of veterans to be showcased at Illinois Capitol

To help pay tribute to veterans and honor their legacies and sacrifices, State Senator Dale Fowler is encouraging constituents to submit a photo and story of their loved one who served our nation so it can be displayed in the rotunda of the Illinois Capitol from November 11 through November 25 in honor of Veterans Day.

“The ‘Honoring All Who Served’ Veterans Day Display is an annual recognition to the brave men and women who have defended our country and sacrificed so much for our freedoms,” said Sen. Fowler. “This tribute is a great opportunity to help honor the names, faces, and stories of those who selflessly protected the freedoms we hold dear today and to come together to recognize the impact of our veteran community.”

Families are asked to submit a photo and written story (max: 250 words) along with the following information: name, military branch (Air Force, Army, Coast Guard, Marine Corps, National Guard, Navy) and conflict served (Afghanistan, Iraq, September 11, Gulf War, Vietnam, Korea, WWII, WWI, Peacetime, other). Military photos are preferred but not necessary.

Please email submissions to veteransday@sgop.ilga.gov by November 8, 2024, to be included in the Veterans Day Display at the Illinois State Capitol. Submissions can also be mailed to Veterans Day Wall, 110 D Statehouse, Springfield, IL 62706. For questions, please call (217) 782-1154.

Celebrating Women-Owned Businesses

The Illinois Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity (DCEO) is celebrating National Women's Business Month by highlighting the valuable impact of women-owned businesses throughout the state.

With more than 450,000 women-owned businesses in Illinois, this month is focused on empowering women entrepreneurs and supporting their continued growth and success.

Throughout October, DCEO will offer free events to highlight the various resources, opportunities, and tools available to help women-owned businesses thrive. For more information on resources and events offered from DCEO, click here. 

Return of Illinois Deer Season

Illinois deer hunting season is officially underway, with archery season starting on October 1 and running through January 19 for counties east of Route 47. In counties west of Route 47, the archery season will also run during this period, with breaks for firearm seasons beginning in mid-November.

General firearm deer season for those with the appropriate tags and accompanying license takes place from November 22 to 24 and from December 5 to 8. A separate muzzleloader-only season will occur from December 13 to 15. The lottery drawings for firearm season tags are complete, and over-the-counter sales will begin on October 15, available on a first-come, first-served basis.

To ensure safety and avoid legal issues during deer hunting season, hunters should keep the following in mind:

• Have a valid Illinois Hunting, Sportsmen, Youth or Apprentice License in addition to a deer permit.

• Hunting hours are one-half hour before sunrise to one-half hour after sunset.

• When in the field, be sure to wear pink or orange outer garments to make yourself more visible.

• Drive with caution in areas where deer crossing signs are posted, as hunting season can cause deer to be more active.

For more information on safe hunting in Illinois, visit: https://dnr.illinois.gov/hunting.html.