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Award-winning investigative journalist Ray Long joins Cole Preston for a deep dive into the political legacy of former Illinois House Speaker Michael Madigan—arguably the most powerful figure in the state's modern political history. Read full show notes here: https://thecolememo.com/2025/04/19/e188/
(The Center Square) – According to a professor who has studied public corruption, it might be a good thing that prosecutors are seeking $3.14 million in forfeiture proceeds from convicted former Illinois House Speaker Michael Madigan. Connie Mixon, professor of political science and director of the Urban Studies Program at Elmhurst University, said convictions and prison sentences have not kept many of the state's elected officials from committing crimes up to this point. “We keep having these guilty corruption cases over and over and over again, but corruption persists,” Mixon told The Center Square.
Greg Bishop talks with The Center Square reporter Jim Talamonti about his coverage of the historic corruption trial of former Illinois House Speaker Michael Madigan resulting in 10 convictions.Support this podcast: https://secure.anedot.com/franklin-news-foundation/ce052532-b1e4-41c4-945c-d7ce2f52c38a?source_code=xxxxxx
Earlier this week, former Illinois House Speaker Michael Madigan, once the most influential politician in the state, was found guilty of bribery, conspiracy, and other corruption charges following a four-month trial and two weeks of deliberation. We've got WCIU TV host Brandon Pope and Block Club Chicago's Jamie Nesbit Golden reacting to this historic conviction, including the juror's split verdict. Plus, the city prepares to lose community clinics in Uptown and Englewood, Beyonce adds a third Chicago tour date, and we're loving one North Lawndale neighbor's ice cream dreams. Want some more City Cast Chicago news? Then make sure to sign up for our Hey Chicago newsletter. Follow us @citycastchicago You can also text us or leave a voicemail at: 773 780-0246 Learn more about the sponsors of this Feb. 14 episode: The Newberry - Use code CITYCAST for 10% off your class TimeLine Theatre Company Become a member of City Cast Chicago. Interested in advertising with City Cast? Find more info HERE
We discuss the federal trial of former Illinois House Speaker Michael Madigan wrapping up and President Trump's decision to issue a pardon to Rod Blagojevich.
Crain's political columnist Greg Hinz and host Amy Guth unpack the saga of former Illinois House Speaker Michael Madigan's career, trial and verdict.Plus: Mayor Johnson begins housecleaning with aviation, emergency management, police accountability chiefs; Civic Federation says state should extend sales tax to services; Deere shares fall on farm slump as tariffs threaten demand; and Ravinia Festival to undergo a $75 million renovation.
(The Center Square) – Longtime former Illinois House Speaker Michael Madigan was convicted Wednesday on 10 corruption-related charges, but the jury could not reach a unanimous decision on an overarching racketeering conspiracy. The jury also deadlocked on all six counts that Madigan's codefendant, Michael McClain, was charged with. Madigan, 82, was charged in March 2022 with 23 counts of bribery, racketeering and official misconduct in connection with a scheme that federal prosecutors referred to as "Madigan Enterprise." Codefendant Michael McClain was charged in six of those counts.
Jon Seidel, Federal Courts Reporter, Chicago Sun-Times, returns to KMOX following the conviction of former Illinois House Speaker Michael Madigan on corruption charges. Credit: © Justin L. Fowler via Imagn Content Services, LLC
The guys cover a variety of topics, including the conviction of former Illinois House Speaker Michael Madigan and a crash that killed a star high school basketball player. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Crain's political columnist Greg Hinz and host Amy Guth recap the trial of former Illinois House Speaker Michael Madigan after his partial conviction on bribery conspiracy, bribery and wire fraud charges.Plus: Crain's residential real estate reporter Dennis Rodkin talks with host Amy Guth about local housing news, including a legislative agenda unveiled by Illinois Realtors aimed at easing the housing shortage; West Loop apartment tower sells for $94 million; Heartland Alliance Health shutters less than a year after parent breakup; and Northwestern, Kellogg School land $25 million for new institute.
(The Center Square) – Jurors started deliberating at the public corruption trial of former Illinois House Speaker Michael Madigan in Chicago. Judge John Robert Blakey handed the case to the jury shortly after 3 p.m. Wednesday at the Everett McKinley Dirksen U.S. Courthouse. The judge first provided a few final instructions about communications and asked jurors to choose a foreperson once they were in the jury room. He also displayed the verdict forms each juror would receive and said the verdict must be unanimous. St. Xavier University Professor David Parker said it's hard to say what the jury will do.
(The Center Square) – Closing arguments are scheduled to begin next Wednesday at the corruption trial of former Illinois House Speaker Michael Madigan and codefendant Michael McClain. U.S. government attorneys wrapped up their rebuttal about 30 minutes after the Madigan defense team rested its case Thursday at the Everett McKinley Dirksen U.S. Courthouse in Chicago. FBI Special Agent Ryan McDonald reported to the witness stand for a fourth time during the trial. Before testifying during the rebuttal case, McDonald had previously been called twice by the government and once by Madigan's defense team.
Starting Tuesday, former Illinois House Speaker Michael Madigan took the stand in his own corruption trial. Madigan is accused of bribery, racketeering, and various other charges. We ask Axios Chicago's Justin Kaufmann and the Tribune's Jake Sheridan what we've learned from Madigan's testimony so far. Plus, we discuss a growing rift between Mayor Brandon Johnson and Gov. JB Pritzker, South Side developments we're watching in 2025, and the Kennedy express lanes reopening next week. Want some more City Cast Chicago news? Then make sure to sign up for our Hey Chicago newsletter. Follow us @citycastchicago You can also text us or leave a voicemail at: 773 780-0246 Become a member of City Cast Chicago. Interested in advertising with City Cast? Find more info HERE
In 2024, Missouri voters got rid of the state's near total ban on abortion yet overwhelmingly voted for Republicans who were opposed to doing so. St. Louis County Prosecuting Attorney Wesley Bell defeated Rep. Cori Bush in the Democratic primary. And, former Illinois House Speaker Michael Madigan went on trial for public corruption. On this episode of the Politically Speaking Hour on St. Louis on the Air, STLPR reporters discuss the top Missouri and Illinois political stories in 2024.
The prosecution rested its case in the federal corruption trial of former Illinois House Speaker Michael Madigan. That case includes a sweeping 117-page indictment, detailing multiple alleged schemes by Madigan. Now, the defense gets its turn. Reset gets a roundup of highlights from the historic trial so far and what to watch out for next from Jon Seidel, Chicago Sun-Times federal courts reporter. For a full archive of Reset interviews, head over to wbez.org/reset.
The Illinois State Board of Elections has certified the final results of the 2024 election. And the corruption trial of former Illinois House Speaker Michael Madigan continues in Chicago following testimony this week from former city Alderman Danny Solis. Peter Hancock discusses those stories with CNI reporters Andrew Adams, Ben Szalinski and Hannah Meisel.
Greg Bishop reviews the latest in the corruption trial of former Illinois House Speaker Michael Madigan. Support this podcast: https://secure.anedot.com/franklin-news-foundation/ce052532-b1e4-41c4-945c-d7ce2f52c38a?source_code=xxxxxxRead more: https://www.thecentersquare.com/illinois/article_85bf34ba-b28c-11ef-aca3-eb1762df4e38.html
At the corruption trial of former Illinois House Speaker Michael Madigan, former Chicago Alderman Daniel Solis has testified that he was able to steer real estate tax business to Madigan's private law firm. Prosecutor Diane MacArthur played a recording of Madigan calling Solis to ask about a development called Peoria Park in Chicago's West Loop. Solis testified that he knew Madigan was interested in an introduction with the developers to get business for his private firm, Madigan and Getzendanner.Support this podcast: https://secure.anedot.com/franklin-news-foundation/ce052532-b1e4-41c4-945c-d7ce2f52c38a?source_code=xxxxxx
Greg Bishop reviews some of the latest undercover video and phone wiretap conversations federal prosecutors revealed in the corruption trial of former Illinois House Speaker Michael Madigan.Support this podcast: https://secure.anedot.com/franklin-news-foundation/ce052532-b1e4-41c4-945c-d7ce2f52c38a?source_code=xxxxxx
Greg Bishop talks with The Center Square reporter Jim Talamonti about the latest in the corruption case against former Illinois House Speaker Michael Madigan.Support this podcast: https://secure.anedot.com/franklin-news-foundation/ce052532-b1e4-41c4-945c-d7ce2f52c38a?source_code=xxxxxx
Greg Bishop talks with Jim Talamonti about this past week's testimony in the case charging former Illinois House Speaker Michael Madigan and codefendant Michael McClain with corruption.Support this podcast: https://secure.anedot.com/franklin-news-foundation/ce052532-b1e4-41c4-945c-d7ce2f52c38a?source_code=xxxxxx
Lou Chukman is seeing one of his most lucrative years on record thanks to a slew of high-profile Chicago trials from former Ald. Ed Burke to El Chapo's son — and now former Illinois House Speaker Michael Madigan.Host - Jon HansenReporter - Mack LiedermanRead More Here Want to donate to our non-profit newsroom? CLICK HEREWho we areBlock Club Chicago is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit news organization dedicated to delivering reliable, relevant and nonpartisan coverage of Chicago's diverse neighborhoods. We believe all neighborhoods deserve to be covered in a meaningful way.We amplify positive stories, cover development and local school council meetings and serve as watchdogs in neighborhoods often ostracized by traditional news media.Ground-level coverageOur neighborhood-based reporters don't parachute in once to cover a story. They are in the neighborhoods they cover every day building relationships over time with neighbors. We believe this ground-level approach not only builds community but leads to a more accurate portrayal of a neighborhood.Stories that matter to you — every daySince our launch five years ago, we've published more than 25,000 stories from the neighborhoods, covered hundreds of community meetings and send daily and neighborhood newsletters to more than 130,000 Chicagoans. We've built this loyalty by proving to folks we are not only covering their neighborhoods, we are a part of them. Some of us have internalized the national media's narrative of a broken Chicago. We aim to change that by celebrating our neighborhoods and chronicling the resilience of the people who fight every day to make Chicago a better place for all.
Greg Bishop reviews some of the recently released audio at the center of the corruption trial against former Illinois House Speaker Michael Madigan and codefendant Michael McClain.Support this podcast: https://secure.anedot.com/franklin-news-foundation/ce052532-b1e4-41c4-945c-d7ce2f52c38a?source_code=xxxxxx
Wiretapped conversations have taken center stage at the corruption trial of former Illinois House Speaker Michael Madigan and co-defendant Michael McClain. Prosecutors played a series of recordings during testimony from FBI Special Agent Ryan McDonald Thursday afternoon. McDonald said he had been working on the Madigan investigation since 2014. He also said that the COVID-19 pandemic caused delays for investigators.
Greg Bishop talks with The Center Square reporter Jim Talamonti about his coverage of the corruption trial of former Illinois House Speaker Michael Madigan and co-defendant Michael McClain.Support this podcast: https://secure.anedot.com/franklin-news-foundation/ce052532-b1e4-41c4-945c-d7ce2f52c38a?source_code=xxxxxx
Witness testimony has resumed in the bribery and racketeering trial of former Illinois House Speaker Michael Madigan and co-defendant Michael McClain. Former State Rep. Scott Drury, D-Highwood, returned to the stand for additional cross-examination Wednesday morning after beginning his testimony on Tuesday. Drury and Madigan defense attorney Todd Pugh had several combative exchanges over a variety of issues. U.S. government prosecutor Amarjeet Bhachu said the prosecution planned to call utility company executive Scott Vogt next, followed by former State Rep, Lou Lang, D-Skokie. Lang was on Madigan's leadership team before stepping down in 2019 amid harassment allegations.
Prosecutors and defense attorneys selected a jury along with six alternates on Monday before breaking for lunch, making way for opening arguments to begin this afternoon in the high-profile corruption trial of former Illinois House Speaker Michael Madigan. Madigan appeared in court Monday with his legal team. He also had some supporters in the gallery. His daughter, former Illinois Attorney General Lisa Madigan, and wife, Shirley.
Greg Bishop talks with The Center Square's Jim Talamonti about the jury for former Illinois House Speaker Michael Madigan's corruption trial and the expectation for opening statements Monday afternoon.Support this podcast: https://secure.anedot.com/franklin-news-foundation/ce052532-b1e4-41c4-945c-d7ce2f52c38a?source_code=xxxxxx
Greg Bishop reviews the latest update from Wednesday's court session in the corruption trial against former Illinois House Speaker Michael Madigan where prosecutors and defense questioned potential jurors. Jury selection continues Thursday. Former Gov. Pat Quinn shared some of his thoughts on the ordeal.Support this podcast: https://secure.anedot.com/franklin-news-foundation/ce052532-b1e4-41c4-945c-d7ce2f52c38a?source_code=xxxxxx
Greg Bishop talks with The Center Square reporter Jim Talamonti about the first week of coverage of the corruption trial against former Illinois House Speaker Michael Madigan.Support this podcast: https://secure.anedot.com/franklin-news-foundation/ce052532-b1e4-41c4-945c-d7ce2f52c38a?source_code=xxxxxx
Jury selection is scheduled to begin Wednesday morning in the bribery and racketeering trial of former Illinois House Speaker Michael Madigan. Potential jurors reported to court Tuesday morning and filled out questionnaires. United States of America v. Madigan et al is being held at the Everett McKinley Dirksen United States Courthouse in Chicago. Attorneys appeared in Courtroom 1203 on Tuesday afternoon to discuss pretrial issues after a schedule change. Madigan and co-defendant Michael McClain did not appear in court Tuesday, but both are expected to be in Courtroom 1203 on Wednesday morning.
Tuesday is Day One of former Illinois House Speaker Michael Madigan's and co-defendant Michael McClain's trial on racketeering and bribery charges. U.S. Attorney for the Northern District of Illinois John Lausch announced a federal jury's indictment of Madigan on March 2, 2022. “The indictment accuses Madigan of leading, for nearly a decade, a criminal enterprise whose purpose was to enhance Madigan's political power and financial well-being while also generating income for his political allies and associates,” Lausch stated. Illinois state Sen. Andrew Chesney, R-Freeport, issued a statement before the upcoming trial.
A judge on Wednesday denied former Illinois House Speaker Michael Madigan's motion to dismiss some of the charges he faces before trial next week. Judge John Robert Blakey also denied a motion from Madigan's co-defendant in the case, Michael McClain, for a separate trial. McClain, a former state lawmaker, lobbyist and longtime Madigan ally, had asked for his own trial without Madigan because Madigan's defense team plans to blame McClain for the multi-year corruption scheme.
Greg Bishop reviews the history of charges against former Illinois House Speaker Michael Madigan who faces trail in Chicago starting next week.Support this podcast: https://secure.anedot.com/franklin-news-foundation/ce052532-b1e4-41c4-945c-d7ce2f52c38a?source_code=xxxxxx
CNI Broadcast Director Jennifer Fuller talks with Reporter Hannah Meisel about the upcoming corruption trial of former Illinois House Speaker Michael Madigan. Jury selection in the case begins October 8th.
A ruling from the U.S. Supreme Court about a federal bribery statute is expected to impact the high profile trial of former Illinois House Speaker Michael Madigan as a defense attorney for the ComEd Four found guilty last year expects a retrial. Madigan was charged with 22 counts of corruption in 2022 in a case federal authorities called “Madigan Enterprise.” They alleged over nearly a decade, Madigan used his position as House Speaker to steer contracts and no-show jobs from Commonwealth Edison to his associates in exchange for legislation favorable to the utility company. Support this podcast: https://secure.anedot.com/franklin-news-foundation/ce052532-b1e4-41c4-945c-d7ce2f52c38a?source_code=xxxxxx
The U.S. Supreme Court heard arguments in an Indiana case about what constitutes bribery. Prosecutors have used the law as a key part of cases against a group of past Commonwealth Edison employees and the former Illinois House Speaker Michael Madigan. The court could decide the closely watched case later this spring.We also discuss a change at the Illinois Prisoner Review Board and remember the late Lee Milner.Host Sean Crawford is joined by Professor Emeritus Charlie Wheeler and WBEZ reporter Dave McKinney.SCHEDULE - local time is Central timeSundays 4:30 p.m. Eastern/1:30 p.m. Pacific (3:30 p.m. local time)This podcast was originally recorded on April 19, 2024, and broadcast on April 21, 2024, on the Heartland Newsfeed Radio Network, online at heartlandnewsfeed.com, Spreaker, the Heartland Newsfeed Alexa radio app, and other platforms. Now available on Google Assistant speakers!Listen Live: https://www.heartlandnewsfeed.com/listenliveFollow us on social mediaFacebook: https://www.facebook.com/hlnfradionetworkTwitter: https://www.twitter.com/HLNF_BulletinInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/heartlandnewsfeedMastadon: https://liberdon.com/@heartlandnewsfeedTikTok: https://tiktok.com/@heartlandnewsfeedDiscord: https://discord.gg/6b6u6DTSupport us with your financial supportStreamlabs: https://streamlabs.com/heartlandmediaPayPal: https://www.paypal.me/heartlandmediaSquare Cash: https://cash.app/$heartlandnewsfeedPatreon: https://www.patreon.com/heartlandnewsfeedCrypto via 1UpCoin: https://1upcoin.com/donate/heartlandmediaBecome a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/heartland-newsfeed-radio-network--2904397/support.
A judge on Wednesday pushed back the start of the state's most high-profile public corruption case to October, citing a pending U.S. Supreme Court case focused on the federal bribery statute. U.S. District Judge John Robert Blakey set former Illinois House Speaker Michael Madigan's racketeering case for Oct. 8, a six-month delay from the initial April start date. Madigan's defense team had asked for a stay in the case after the U.S. Supreme Court agreed to review Snyder v. United States, which focuses on an Indiana mayor convicted of accepting a bribe. --- Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/illinois-in-focus/support
A federal judge wants to see all parties in his courtroom when he considers a motion to stay proceedings in the state's most high-profile corruption case. U.S. District Court Judge John Robert Blakey issued an order Wednesday for former Illinois House Speaker Michael Madigan to appear in court along with co-defendant Michael McClain, a former state lawmaker and close confidante of Madigan. The judge will consider the defendant's joint motion to stay proceedings at a hearing at 2 p.m. on Jan. 3 in Courtroom 1203. --- Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/illinois-in-focus/support
Prosecutors are seeking life sentences for four former Commonwealth Edison leaders convicted of conspiring to bribe former Illinois House Speaker Michael Madigan, a defense attorney said Wednesday. A federal judge on Wednesday denied a request from defense attorneys to delay sentencing. Defense attorneys had asked for more time to deal with what they said were complex issues regarding sentencing guidelines. At a hearing Wednesday, defense attorney Patrick Cotter said prosecutors would be seeking life sentences for the defendants. --- Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/illinois-in-focus/support
Last week, we saw the conclusion of yet another corruption trial with ties to former Illinois House Speaker Michael Madigan. Tim Mapes, Madigan's former chief of staff, was convicted of perjury and obstruction of justice. Lead producer Simone Alicea and host Jacoby Cochran break down the latest details. We are also listening your tips for making new connections in Chicago and mapping where the latest pickleball courts are popping up. Some news: Thursday night is final night of Uptown's 2023 Argyle Night Market Want some more City Cast Chicago news? Then make sure to sign up for our Hey Chicago newsletter. Follow us @citycastchicago You can also text us or leave a voicemail at: 773 780-0246 Interested in advertising with City Cast? Find more info HERE Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Tim Mapes, who was Chief of Staff to former Illinois House Speaker Michael Madigan, faces several years in prison. Listen to our panel discussion.
The state's highest court handed down a decision Friday that keeps the state's ban on the sale of assault weapons and large capacity magazines in place. But a federal challenge remains. Also, the trial for the one-time Chief of Staff to former Illinois House Speaker Michael Madigan began this week.
Motions continue back and forth between former Illinois House Speaker Michael Madigan's attorneys and federal prosecutors alleging Madigan ran a criminal enterprise from through the Illinois Statehouse. In the summer of 2020, federal prosecutors revealed a deferred prosecution agreement between utility ComEd and the government that had the utility agree to pay $200 million for bribing “Public Official A.” It was later revealed through indictments the official was Madigan. --- Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/illinois-in-focus/support
The “ComEd Four” trial ended earlier this week when four former executives and lobbyists for the utility company were found guilty on all corruption and bribery charges. The case was billed as the biggest Illinois corruption trial in more than a decade. Now, that title and focus is likely to shift to next year's corruption trial involving former Illinois House Speaker Michael Madigan, whose voice, shadow, and legacy loomed large over these proceedings. WTTW's Amanda Vinicky and WBEZ's Dan Mihalopoulos join host Jacoby Cochran to give their reactions on the trial's outcome. The trio also discuss unionization efforts among state government staffers, PPP fraud allegations against one of Chicago's most profitable restaurants, and some good news on the pitch and in the garden. Want some more City Cast Chicago news? Then make sure to sign up for our Hey Chicago newsletter. Follow us @citycastchicago You can also text us or leave a voicemail at: 773 780-0246 Interested in advertising with City Cast? Find more info HERE Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
The former CEO of Commonwealth Edison and three former lobbyists for the utility were found guilty this week in what prosecutors described as a bribery scheme to gain favor with ex-Illinois House Speaker Michael Madigan.
A federal jury on Tuesday convicted four top lobbyists and executives at a state-regulated utility in Illinois' highest-profile corruption case since former Gov. Rod Blagojevich was convicted 13 years ago. The jury convicted the defendants on all counts in the case in which prosecutors alleged former state lawmaker and lobbyist Michael McClain, former ComEd CEO Anne Pramaggiore, former ComEd lobbyist John Hooker and former contract lobbyist Jay Doherty were involved in a multi-year scheme to gain longtime former Illinois House Speaker Michael Madigan's support for legislation that would benefit the utility's bottom line. --- Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/illinois-in-focus/support
All four defendants in the “ComEd Four” trial have been found guilty on corruption charges, including a nearly decade-long scheme to bribe former Illinois House Speaker Michael Madigan in exchange for legislation favorable to the utility giant. When the trial began in March, WBEZ politics reporter Dave McKinney explained why it was Illinois' biggest corruption trial in over a decade and how the scheme affected anyone who gets an electricity bill. This conversation originally aired March 20, 2023. Want some more City Cast Chicago news? Then make sure to sign up for our Hey Chicago newsletter. Follow us @citycastchicago You can also text us or leave a voicemail at: 773 780-0246 Interested in advertising with City Cast? Find more info HERE Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Week two of “ComEd Four” trial gets underway today. That's the trial of four former executives and lobbyists who are accused of bribing lawmakers to pass legislation that was favorable to the utility giant. They are also connected to former Illinois House Speaker Michael Madigan, who was considered for decades as the most powerful politician in the state. But the trial should also be of interest to homeowners, renters — anyone who gets an electricity bill — because the alleged corruption affected rates. WBEZ politics reporter Dave McKinney tells host Jacoby Cochran what we've learned so far and why this trial matters. Some Good News: The Gene Siskel Film Center is celebrating composer John Williams this week. Want some more City Cast Chicago news? Then make sure to sign up for our Hey Chicago newsletter. Follow us @citycastchicago You can also text us or leave a voicemail at: 773 780-0246 Interested in advertising with City Cast? Find more info HERE Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
For the past five years, U.S. attorney John Lausch has led major corruption cases against Ald. Ed Burke and former Illinois House Speaker Michael Madigan. His last day as U.S attorney for the Northern Illinois District is March 11. Reset discusses his time in office and his impact on Chicago and Illinois politics with Jon Seidel, federal courts reporter for the Chicago Sun-Times.