State Representative Tony McCombie (IL) | Representative Tony M. McCombie (R) 89th District
State Representative Tony McCombie (IL) | Representative Tony M. McCombie (R) 89th District
On Thursday, the third annual Sweet Corn Day event will be hosted. The event celebrates legislation passed in 2022 that made August 1st the official Sweet Corn Appreciation Day.
A defendant in the upcoming federal prosecution of former Illinois House Speaker Michael Madigan is seeking a separate trial. Michael McClain, a former state lawmaker and ComEd lobbyist, has filed a request to sever his trial from Madigan’s due to concerns over prejudice. “McClain respectfully seeks severance of his case from Co-Defendant Michael Madigan because a joint trial will result in such prejudice to Mr. McClain that his fundamental due process right to a fair trial will be denied,” defense attorneys wrote in a motion before Judge John Blakey.
In an 11-page motion, McClain’s defense attorney, Patrick Cotter, indicated that Madigan’s defense plans could harm McClain's case. “The Madigan Second Prosecutors’ defense theory logically precludes and excludes Mr. McClain’s theory of defense,” Cotter wrote. He added that there is a serious danger the jury might choose between the two defenses rather than assessing whether the government has proven its case beyond reasonable doubt.
Madigan served in the Illinois House from 1971 to 2021 and faces 23 counts of racketeering, bribery, and official misconduct as part of a federal indictment. He has pleaded not guilty.
Madigan was initially charged along with McClain in March 2022 with 22 counts related to improper dealings with ComEd. Prosecutors also alleged he used his political power to steer business to his private law firm. In October 2022, prosecutors filed additional charges involving AT&T Illinois.
To date, Madigan has used campaign funds for his legal defense. Legislation aimed at preventing this practice has stalled due to opposition from Democratic lawmakers.
The Illinois Commission on Government Forecasting and Accountability (CGFA) recently released a report criticizing Illinois' economic performance using four key metrics: Real Gross Domestic Product (GDP), total nonfarm payroll employment, unemployment rate, and total personal income growth.
Illinois' GDP growth post-COVID-19 shutdowns stands at 2.8%, ranking it 46th among states. Job creation has also lagged; while national job growth is at 4.1%, Illinois’ growth is only at 0.2%. The state's unemployment rate remains high at 4.9%, ranking it 47th among states and D.C., with personal income growth trailing national trends at 3.7%.
The CGFA operates under a bipartisan commission of twelve legislators tasked with performing economic research for the Illinois General Assembly.
The Paris Summer Olympic Games began on July 26 and will conclude on August 11, featuring athletes competing in various sports including representation from Illinois by both Olympic and Paralympic athletes.
The eighth annual summer reading program concluded successfully with students celebrating their achievements over ice cream.
Residents are encouraged to nominate local businesses making significant contributions to their communities in northwest Illinois.
Upcoming county fairs include:
- Ogle County: July 31 – August 4
- Jo Daviess: August 1 – 4
- Boone County: August 6 –11
- Carroll County: August 6 –10
- Winnebago County: August14 –18
- Sandwich Fair: September4 –8
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