Acevedo required to testify at Madigan trial
A judge has ruled that former state Rep. Eddie Acevedo is required to testify at the public corruption trial of former Illinois House Speaker Michael Madigan and codefendant Michael McClain.
The judge denied defense attorneys’ motion to quash Acevedo’s subpoena Wednesday morning and instructed Acevedo to return to the Dirksen U.S. Courthouse in Chicago on Monday. In a separate case in 2022, Acevedo was sentenced to six months in prison for tax evasion.
New IDOT secretary named
There’s a new secretary for the Illinois Department of Transportation. Gov. J.B. Pritzker announced Gia Biagi will replace Omer Osman, who is retiring after 35 years at the agency.
Biagi takes the helm, pending approval by the Illinois Senate, after four years at the Chicago Department of Transportation. The position costs taxpayers $200,000 a year.
EPA to award energy grants
Illinois municipalities and counties looking for state tax funds to complete energy efficiency building audits or upgrades can apply with the Illinois Environmental Protection Agency.
The fourth notice of funding from the Energy Efficiency and Conservation Block Grant will award projects ranging from $50,000 to $250,000, for a total of $1 million. Applications are due by Feb. 3, 2025.
