Illinois Republican Urge Trump To Not Pardon Madigan
(Chicago, IL) — Illinois’ Republican Congress members are asking President Trump to not pardon former Illinois House Speaker Michael Madigan. In a letter this week to Trump, U.S. Representative Mike Bost, Darin LaHood, and Mary Miller said pardoning the Chicago Democrat “would send a dangerous message that public officials can betray the public trust with impunity.” Madigan filed a clemency petition with the Office of the Pardon Attorney. He is currently serving a seven-and-a-half-year sentence in federal prison after being convicted earlier this year on charges of conspiracy, wire fraud, and bribery.
Bears Expanding Search For New Stadium
(Chicago, IL) — The Bears are expanding their search for a new stadium site. In a letter sent out to fans, Team President and CEO Kevin Warren said despite all the benefits to Illinois, including thousands of union jobs, year-round attractions and global events, and long-term revenue for the state, state leadership told them the stadium project won’t be a priority in 2026. As a result, the Bears will be expanding their search beyond Arlington Park and evaluate opportunities throughout the Chicagoland region, including Northwest Indiana. The team previously said it was moving forward with plans to build a new stadium on the old Arlington Park site in Arlington Heights. However, the club has requested state help for infrastructure needs.
IDNR Invites Residents To Participate In First Day Hike
(Springfield, IL) — The Illinois Department of Natural Resources is inviting residents to take part in the First Day Hike at an Illinois state park on New Year’s Day. The IDNR is hosting self-guided hikes at 17 state parks across Illinois on January 1st. The First Day Hike program is an initiative in partnership with America’s State Parks Foundation.