The Latest Breaking News from Michael Madigan

The swagger that Illinois’ Democrats have displayed since taking full control of Springfield three years ago had already been tamped down by the political realities of confronting crime and COVID when corruption reared up as one more daunting campaign issue heading into this year’s elections.

Since the former Illinois House speaker was indicted under a law that’s been used to go after mob bosses, the charges involving ComEd have gotten the most attention. But there’s another big piece of the case.

At its core, the alleged bribery scheme involving ex-Speaker Michael Madigan and utility giant Commonwealth Edison is an alarmingly familiar lesson on how often-cozy relationships between business leaders and politicians can catch the attention of federal prosecutors.

Mayor Lori Lightfoot could use the Madigan indictment to finally deliver on her campaign promise to eliminate aldermanic prerogative. But even the mayor’s staunchest allies are warning Lightfoot not to even try.

“I don’t like crooks — even if it benefits the neighborhood,” said one resident after the longtime powerful pol was hit with federal charges.

CHICAGO — Former Illinois House Speaker Michael Madigan, for decades the most powerful politician in the state, was indicted Wednesday on federal racketeering charges alleging his elected office and political operation were a criminal enterprise that provided personal financial rewards for him and his associates.

Gov. J.B. Pritzker called the allegations “a stark violation of the public’s trust” and said “Michael Madigan must be held accountable to the fullest extent of the law.” But House Republican Leader Jim Durkin argued it’s “not just an indictment against Michael Madigan. It’s an indictment against…

It was a sweeping indictment that rolls up so much of what we recognize as longstanding, everyday Illinois politics (of the corrupt variety) and packages it into a racketeering conspiracy.

Illinois has a history of corruption and also reforms admired and emulated by other states.

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

Madigan is now one of the most significant politicians in Illinois history ever to face criminal charges, despite having left office more than a year ago.