The Latest Breaking News from Michael McClain

CHICAGO — Mayoral challenger Jesús “Chuy” Garcia is an unidentified member of Congress referenced in federal court filings detailing an alleged scheme by then-Illinois House Speaker Michael Madigan to appoint one of Garcia’s political associates to a lucrative position on Commonwealth Edison’s board of directors, the Chicago Tribune has learned.

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

Madigan is accused of leading a “criminal enterprise” for nearly a decade designed to enhance his political power and generate income for his allies and associates. He ended his record-breaking tenure as Illinois’ House speaker amid the burgeoning scandal two years ago.

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 — Former Illinois House Speaker Michael Madigan didn’t say a word during his first arraignment on federal racketeering charges in March.

U.S. Magistrate Judge Jeffrey Cole last week gave Madigan permission to skip the arraignment, held by telephone, after Madigan signed a waiver that said he pleaded not guilty “to each and every charge.”

The hearing came one week after federal prosecutors expanded their case against Michael Madigan and his longtime confidant, Michael McClain, to include an alleged illegal attempt by AT&T Illinois to sway Madigan.

CHICAGO — Telephone giant AT&T Illinois has agreed to pay a $23 million fine as part of a federal criminal investigation into the company’s illegal efforts to influence former House Speaker Michael Madigan, according to court records made public Friday.

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

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.

The four are accused of arranging for then-Illinois House Speaker Michael Madigan’s associates and allies to get jobs, contracts and money in order to influence Madigan as key legislation worked its way through Springfield.