The Latest Breaking News from Rod Blagojevich

Judge James Zagel, judge in Blagojevich case, dead at 82

The federal judge also was a prosecutor in the Richard Speck case. Zagel died Saturday after a long illness.

Chicago Sun-Times · Jul 16, 2023

‘I will keep pressing’: Jurors hear ComEd CEO taking orders after key witness explains appointment to utility’s board

The testimony capped the fourth week in the ComEd bribery trial. Prosecutors have presented nearly all of their evidence and predict they will rest their case by Tuesday.

Chicago Sun-Times · Apr 7, 2023

Mug shot as a political boost? Some politicians have tried

Donald Trump is the first former president ever to be indicted, but he’s not the first politician who will have a mug shot taken

The Independent UK · Mar 31, 2023

Unidentified congressman in Commonwealth Edison conspiracy documents is US Rep. Jesus ‘Chuy’ Garcia, sources say

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.

Chicago Tribune · Jan 20, 2023

Greatest slips? Madigan’s ‘bandits’ remark could join list of ‘golden’ oldies caught spilling from pols’ loose lips

“Some of these guys have made out like bandits,” the former Illinois House Speaker was allegedly recorded saying of associates who benefited from what prosecutors describe as a scheme for jobs and contracts. He’s far from the first Chicago pol to trip over a federal wire.

Chicago Sun-Times · Jan 12, 2023

Multibillionaire Pritzker takes 2nd oath as Illinois gov

A multibillionaire Democrat whose actions in the past year have suggested a possible interest in running for president has been sworn in as Illinois governor for the second time

The Independent UK · Jan 9, 2023

Retiring Illinois Secretary of State Jesse White reveals the racism that shaped his legacy

White’s life has also been shaped immeasurably by his race and by the racism of others. Democratic Sen. Dick Durbin calls White a “legend in Illinois politics.”

Chicago Sun-Times · Dec 28, 2022

Former Gov. Pat Quinn announces he will not run for Chicago mayor

Former Illinois Gov. Pat Quinn will pass on a run for Chicago mayor, closing the door on a long-shot bid for City Hall’s top job, he said Thursday.

Chicago Tribune · Nov 17, 2022

Man in the middle: Departing state House GOP Leader Durkin says Trump so ‘harmful’ to nation that RINO tag is ‘badge of honor’

In a no-holds barred interview with the Sun-Times — the 13th interview he gave on Thursday — Durkin rated the state’s last five governors, bashed former President Donald Trump and railed on the current climate of the state’s Republican Party.

Chicago Sun-Times · Nov 11, 2022

Illinois governors in their own words

Sneed provides remembrances of interviews with chief executives going back to Richard Ogilvie.

Chicago Sun-Times · Nov 4, 2022