The Latest Breaking News from Diane MacArthur

Former Ald. Ed Burke wielded power to ‘satisfy his own greed,’ prosecutor alleges in closing arguments

‘You have heard about a pattern of unlawful activity,’ prosecutor Diane MacArthur said. ‘Standing at the center of that steady drumbeat of unlawful activity is this man, Edward Burke.’

Chicago Sun-Times · Dec 14, 2023

Why Burger King did not hire Ed Burke’s law firm, despite alleged pressure from the powerful politician

Executive said the Klafter & Burke firm “seemed very disorganized.”

Chicago Sun-Times · Dec 5, 2023

Landing a ‘tuna,’ lobbing an F-bomb — Burke’s famous quotes played for jurors after defense mistrial denial

U.S. District Judge Virginia Kendall denied a request for mistrial over a remark about the ‘Chicago way of doing business’ being ‘very corrupt.’ That allowed prosecutors to proceed with recordings of Burke and witness testimony.

Chicago Sun-Times · Nov 30, 2023

Federal judge dismisses Madigan-related bribery charge against ComEd

The dismissal means ComEd no longer faces criminal charges and avoids conviction, while others have faced prison time as a result of the investigation that targeted former state House Speaker Michael Madigan.

Chicago Sun-Times · Jul 17, 2023

In closing arguments, feds hammer at ‘stunning’ stream of benefits to Madigan while defense calls bribery charges ‘collateral damage’

Four former political power players are accused of arranging for jobs, contracts and money for Madigan allies in an illegal bid to sway Madigan on legislation crucial to ComEd. Their trial is in its seventh week, and jurors could begin deliberating Tuesday.

Chicago Sun-Times · Apr 24, 2023

Son of ex-state Rep. Edward Acevedo pleads guilty to cheating on taxes

Michael Acevedo, his brother Alex and their father were indicted separately in February 2021 for alleged tax crimes. The charges resulted from the same investigation that led to this year’s indictment of former Illinois House Speaker Michael J. Madigan.

Chicago Sun-Times · Dec 12, 2022