The Latest Breaking News from Michael Madigan

Judge grants defense until next year to file motions in racketeering case against former Illinois Speaker Michael Madigan

CHICAGO — The racketeering case against former Illinois House Speaker Michael Madigan and his longtime confidant will likely not see any significant court action until next year after a judge Tuesday granted the defense a lengthy extension to review the massive pile of evidence turned over by prosecutors.

Chicago Tribune · Aug 2, 2022

Chicago Democrats pitching 2024 convention present picture of unity to national party despite tension over leadership battle

CHICAGO — Illinois’ top Democrats gathered on a Fulton Market venue stage Tuesday in an attempt to present a unified front to national party officials reviewing Chicago’s 2024 presidential convention bid, masking an intensifying battle over control of the state Democratic Party.

Chicago Tribune · Jul 27, 2022

The feds sue the Cubs, Chicago astronomers get to use the James Webb Space Telescope and more in your Chicago news roundup

Today’s update is a 5-minute read that will brief you on the day’s biggest stories.

Chicago Sun-Times · Jul 14, 2022

Nicholas Kantas, who married into powerhouse lobbyist family, runs for judge with help from lobbyists

Also among those who’ve helped his campaign in the contested June 28 Democratic primary: a lawyer who was a campaign fundraiser for ex-Illinois House Speaker Michael Madigan.

Chicago Sun-Times · Jun 17, 2022

Mike Madigan has left the building — but the former House speaker’s shadow clouds the 2022 election

Attacks on Madigan’s influence over state government have been part of the Republican campaign playbook going at least as far back as Bruce Rauner’s election in 2014. There’s no reason to think that’s going to let up now that Madigan has been charged with racketeering and bribery.

Chicago Sun-Times · Jun 12, 2022

Mike Madigan ally Michael McClain complained to ex-speaker’s son about people ‘offended’ by favors, new filing reveals

Michael Madigan’s son Andrew has not been accused of wrongdoing. But his name was made public Thursday as allegedly taking part in a conversation tied to his father’s bribery charges.

Chicago Sun-Times · Jun 10, 2022

Sam Yingling ‘lets loose’ on governor after failing to get endorsement

Gov. J.B. Pritzker’s “offense” was endorsing Yingling’s Democratic primary opponent Mary Edly-Allen in the race to replace retiring state Sen. Melinda Bush, D-Grayslake.

Chicago Sun-Times · Jun 3, 2022

Mike Madigan quipped ‘maybe I’ll take the appointment’ while pushing for ally to join ComEd board

Madigan’s comments may not exactly find a place in the Chicago corruption lexicon, but most of the words previously attributed by the feds to Madigan are far more flat.

Chicago Sun-Times · May 23, 2022

Feds recorded Mike Madigan learning about secret payments to controversial ex-political aide, court records show

The ex-Illinois House Speaker was recorded on a wiretapped phone call in 2018 discussing with lobbyist confidant Michael McClain a plan to arrange secret payments to a close political ally who had been implicated in a sexual harassment scandal, newly released court documents show. Madigan has…

Chicago Sun-Times · May 23, 2022

Chicago Mayor Lori Lightfoot swept into office as an avowed reformer. Three years later, critics see ‘missed opportunities’ and a mixed record

CHICAGO — As a candidate for mayor, Lori Lightfoot promised to transform Chicago’s often corrupt political culture, in part by taking away the near-total power aldermen have over matters in their own wards and by leading a transparent government.

Chicago Tribune · May 22, 2022