Podcast appearances and mentions of mike madigan

Fran Spielman interviews Illinois Comptroller Susana Mendoza about her renewed bid for Chicago mayor, revisiting her 2019 loss and associations with Ed Burke and Mike Madigan, which she says she condemned. Mendoza calls Mayor Brandon Johnson's tenure a “blizzard of incompetence,” citing credit downgrades, heavy borrowing, TIF “raids,” staffing vacancies, and strained Springfield relations, and says she'd impose fiscal discipline, consider workforce reductions, stop using TIFs for operations, hire more police, restore ShotSpotter, and improve police-community trust. 

Karen Conti, Chicago trial attorney, joins Bob Sirott to discuss what the arguments are for Mike Madigan’s corruption conviction appeal and what the allegations are concerning the Broadview detention center conditions. She also explains why the Sun-Times sent a cease and desist to Homeland Security and the right to die law passed by Illinois lawmakers.

Karen Conti, Chicago trial attorney, joins Wendy Snyder (in for Bob Sirott) to share details about Mike Madigan’s report to prison and why that facility was chosen, as well as whether or not it’s legal for Chicago business owners to refuse service to ICE agents. She also discusses if airports can refuse to play the […]

Former Illinois House Speaker Michael Madigan reports to federal prison to serve time for corruption charges.

Former Illinois House Speaker Michael Madigan reports to federal prison to serve time for corruption charges.

Former Illinois House Speaker Michael Madigan reports to federal prison to serve time for corruption charges.

This week on Kankakee Podcast News, Drew Raisor covers a busy week across the county. A Kankakee County Sheriff's deputy is injured during a traffic stop gone wrong in Bourbonnais. Anne Pramaggiore, former CEO of ComEd, is sentenced in the state's high-profile bribery scandal involving Mike Madigan. Plus, the Greater Kankakee Airport is temporarily shut down after an unauthorized entry, and Bradley explores a 5% amusement tax that could impact venues like 315 Sports Park and future attractions.We also preview the upcoming National Night Out celebration at Perry Farm Park, including music, food, giveaways, and fireworks. Sponsored by Stefari Coffeehouse and the Alkebulan History Center.Send us a textSupport the show

Ray Long, former Chicago Tribune investigative reporter, joins Rick Kogan to talk about his retirement from the Tribune and what drew him to journalism in the first place. Ray discusses his early years in journalism and also comments on what he thinks will happen with the Mike Madigan case.

Dylan Sharkey of the Illinois Policy Institute lays out a stark warning about Gov. JB Pritzker's aggressive political future, including a likely third term bid and potential 2028 presidential run. Sharkey highlights Illinois' unique lack of gubernatorial term limits and the historic precedent of third terms only for Republicans—not Democrats—until now. He points to Pritzker's controversial policies like allowing noncitizens to become police officers and misleading claims about eliminating the grocery tax, which mostly shifted the burden to local towns. Sharkey also exposes Illinois lawmakers' outsized salaries—over $120,000 for just 70 days of legislative work—and draws parallels to the corruption of Mike Madigan, urging Illinois residents to remember that legacy. The conversation paints a grim picture of entrenched Democratic control and financial mismanagement threatening the state's future, with serious implications if Pritzker pursues national ambitions.

Eric Zorn, Publisher of The Picayune Sentinel, joins John Williams to talk about Trump’s impact on the economy, the upcoming Major League Baseball All-Star Game, and Mike Madigan’s conviction.

Eric Zorn, Publisher of The Picayune Sentinel, joins John Williams to talk about Trump’s impact on the economy, the upcoming Major League Baseball All-Star Game, and Mike Madigan’s conviction.

Eric Zorn, Publisher of The Picayune Sentinel, joins John Williams to talk about Trump’s impact on the economy, the upcoming Major League Baseball All-Star Game, and Mike Madigan’s conviction.

In this episode, Fran Spielman welcomes Ray Long, a recently retired investigative reporter for the Chicago Tribune with over 45 years in journalism. Long discusses his career journey, including his early days covering City Hall with Spielman, memorable stories from his stint as a reporter, and significant events like the turbulent tenure of Mayor Richard M. Daley. They also touch on Long's moderate upbringing, his transition from aspiring radio personality to print journalism, and his experience writing a book on political heavyweight Mike Madigan without direct interviews. 

YUP, BOTH PARTIES SUCK!Pat Brady joins me and we have an actual balanced conversation about politics. We talk about justice and karma finally catching up to Mike Madigan for his crimes. We talk about the mess that is the Democrats who keep shooting themselves in their own feet. And we talk about Orange Julius Caesar and the crisis of America- courtesy of the Trumplicans.It's a new episode of LIVE FROM MY OFFICE sponsored by ABT Electronics!SHOW NOTESUse the promo code 'cochran25' for a discount in store and at ABT.COM.Let's Survive 2025 Together. With a cool new shirt and hat! Get yours here.Thanks to our sponsor, ABT Electronics. Get $25 off your next purchase of $150 or more by using the promo code COCHRAN2025 online or in person!Watch This Episode on our Live From My Office YouTube ChannelFollow me on Substack.With each new episode, the first three listeners thatemail me“SURVIVE 2025!” will be eligible to win a $25 ABT Giftcard as long as you include your mailing address and that phrase!Don't forget to subscribe to listen to “Live From My Office” wherever you get your podcasts, and e-mail the show with any questions, comments, or plugs for your favorite charity!

Eric Zorn, Publisher of The Picayune Sentinel, joins John Williams to talk about the sentencing of former Illinois Speaker of the House Mike Madigan, his thoughts on Saturday’s ‘No Kings’ protests across the country, why he thinks waving a flag of another country at a protest sends the wrong message, the controversy surrounding Nezza singing the […]

Eric Zorn, Publisher of The Picayune Sentinel, joins John Williams to talk about the sentencing of former Illinois Speaker of the House Mike Madigan, his thoughts on Saturday’s ‘No Kings’ protests across the country, why he thinks waving a flag of another country at a protest sends the wrong message, the controversy surrounding Nezza singing the […]

Eric Zorn, Publisher of The Picayune Sentinel, joins John Williams to talk about the sentencing of former Illinois Speaker of the House Mike Madigan, his thoughts on Saturday’s ‘No Kings’ protests across the country, why he thinks waving a flag of another country at a protest sends the wrong message, the controversy surrounding Nezza singing the […]

Ray Long, the great investigative reporter at the Chicago Tribune, and author of the book, ‘The House that Madigan Built,’ joins John Williams to talk about former Illinois Speaker of the House Mike Madigan being sentenced to over 7 years in prison. Was Ray surprised by the severity of the sentence?

Ray Long, the great investigative reporter at the Chicago Tribune, and author of the book, ‘The House that Madigan Built,’ joins John Williams to talk about former Illinois Speaker of the House Mike Madigan being sentenced to over 7 years in prison. Was Ray surprised by the severity of the sentence?

While John was busy saving democracy Alyssa recaps Madigan's sentencing for Morgan with a few digressions including the writing styles of SCOTUS justices and is someone trying to kill R. Kelly.   Socials:Twitter, BlueSky, Instagram Show Notes: Chicago Sun-Times: R. Kelly News Chicago Sun-Times: USA V Michael Madigan Chicago Tribune: An expert at rounding up support, ex-Speaker Michael Madigan leaning on letters at corruption sentencing Chicago Tribune: Here's who wrote a letter of support for former House Speaker Michael Madigan Chicago Tribune: After six decades on Illinois' public stage, Michael Madigan's likely last act will be his sentencing in a courtroom FridayChicago Tribune: Ex-House Speaker Michael Madigan sentenced to 7 1/2 years in prison after judge excoriates him for lying on witness stand Chicago Tribune: Madigan attorneys say feds' call for 12.5-year sentence is ‘draconian'; prosecutors say he's worth $40 million in new court filings Politico: Meet the judge overseeing the Trump National Guard case: Justice Breyer's brother Chicago Tribune: Republicans, some Democrats and even ex-Gov. Rod Blagojevich weigh in on ex-Speaker Michael Madigan's sentence Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Ray Long, the great investigative reporter at the Chicago Tribune, and author of the book, ‘The House that Madigan Built,’ joins John Williams to talk about former Illinois Speaker of the House Mike Madigan being sentenced to over 7 years in prison. Was Ray surprised by the severity of the sentence?

Austin Berg, Executive Director of the Chicago Policy Center and Vice President of Marketing, Illinois Policy Institute, joins John Williams to talk about former Speaker of the House Michael Madigan being sentenced today for corruption convictions. Check out Austin’s news substack, ‘The Last Ward.’

Austin Berg, Executive Director of the Chicago Policy Center and Vice President of Marketing, Illinois Policy Institute, joins John Williams to talk about former Speaker of the House Michael Madigan being sentenced today for corruption convictions. Check out Austin’s news substack, ‘The Last Ward.’

Austin Berg, Executive Director of the Chicago Policy Center and Vice President of Marketing, Illinois Policy Institute, joins John Williams to talk about former Speaker of the House Michael Madigan being sentenced today for corruption convictions. Check out Austin’s news substack, ‘The Last Ward.’

The Mincing Rascals this week are John Williams of WGN Radio, Eric Zorn, Publisher of The Picayune Sentinel, Brandon Pope, of WCIU, and longtime Chicago journalist Cate Plys! The Rascals start off the podcast talking about the protests in Los Angeles against the Trump administration’s immigration policies. What are the major takeaways from the protests? ABC News didn’t renew the contract […]

0:00 - Chicago ICE protestor: we're not going back 10:59 - Tom Homan on ICE raids in LA...public safety threats 33:53 - CAMPUS BEAT 51:45 - SPORTS & POLITICS 01:06:46 - Scott Wilder, spokesman for PreBorn, offers an opportunity to provide ultrasounds for mothers with crisis pregnancies.Research shows when pregnant girls, or young women, see their child on an ultrasound they are far more likely to choose life. To make a one-time donation of $140 - to provide a free ultrasound for 5 women and their babies - go to 560TheAnswer.com/preborn or call 833-850-BABY (2229) 01:24:40 - Noted economist Stephen Moore remains confident the Big Beautiful Bill will pass - "self survival is a huge motivator" Check out Steve’s newest book The Trump Economic Miracle: And the Plan to Unleash Prosperity Again – co authored with Art Laffer 01:38:59 - Director of the National Golf Series for Tunnel to Towers,Tom McDonough, previews next week’s AM 560 Golf Outing raising money for T2T and their mission of helping America’s heroes by providing mortgage-free homes to the families of fallen first responders. For more on Tunnel to Towers t2t.org. To sign up for the AM 560 Golf Outing 560theAnswer.com/golf 01:50:36 - Thank you, Mike Madigan 01:57:10 - Senior Pastor of New Beginnings Church of Chicago, founder and CEO of Project H.O.O.D., Corey Brooks: The power of building always beats the power of politics. For more from Pastor Corey Brooks projecthood.org and on X @CoreyBBrooksSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The Mincing Rascals this week are John Williams of WGN Radio, Eric Zorn, Publisher of The Picayune Sentinel, Brandon Pope, of WCIU, and longtime Chicago journalist Cate Plys! The Rascals start off the podcast talking about the protests in Los Angeles against the Trump administration’s immigration policies. What are the major takeaways from the protests? ABC News didn’t renew the contract […]

The Mincing Rascals this week are John Williams of WGN Radio, Eric Zorn, Publisher of The Picayune Sentinel, Brandon Pope, of WCIU, and longtime Chicago journalist Cate Plys! The Rascals start off the podcast talking about the protests in Los Angeles against the Trump administration’s immigration policies. What are the major takeaways from the protests? ABC News didn’t renew the contract […]

Karen Conti, Chicago trial attorney, joins Bob Sirott to discuss the state of California’s lawsuit against President Trump and why Mike Madigan was denied a new trial. She also shares details about talk of jury misconduct in Harvey Weinstein’s trial and the new ruling concerning payments to college athletes.

The Mincing Rascals this week are John Williams of WGN Radio, Eric Zorn, Publisher of The Picayune Sentinel, Brandon Pope, of WCIU, and longtime Chicago journalist Cate Plys! The Rascals start off the podcast talking about the protests in Los Angeles against the Trump administration’s immigration policies. What are the major takeaways from the protests? ABC News didn’t renew the contract […]

Karen Conti, Chicago trial attorney, joins Bob Sirott to talk about how the court could decide Mike Madigan’s sentencing and an Illinois bill that would require gun owners to lock up their firearms when a minor is present. She also discusses Larry Hoover’s commuted sentence and why a Florida judge strikes a law banning kids […]

Karen Conti, Chicago trial attorney, joins Bob Sirott to talk about Mike Madigan’s lawyers filing to throw out his convictions and what tends to happen when a jury gets involved with a death penalty decision. She also explains what The U.S. Constitution says about presidential terms and a proposed law for homeschooling in Illinois.

After they reminisce about workplace email hijinks, Alyssa gives John an update on the Mike Madigan trial, the closing of the Hard Rock Cafe, and the takeover of the Kennedy Center then they take a trip to Zion, Illinois which was founded as a theocracy.  Subscribe, leave a five-star review, and tell all your friends.  Socials: Twitter, BlueSky, Instagram   Show Notes: AP: The Earth is Flat Cracked: 1920s Illinois Lived In Fear Of The Priest-King Of The Flat Earth New York Times: SURE EARTH IS FLAT, SAYS ZION'S OVERSEER; Voliva Declares He Can 'Down Any Modern Astronomer in Less Than Thirty Minutes.' Daily Beast: When a Flat Earther Refused to Concede and All Hell Broke Loose Chicago Reader: When Zion Ruled the Waves Chicago Reader: The Devil Inside People of Zion Only. Off the Edge: Flat Earthers, Conspiracy Culture, and Why People Will Believe Anything Reshaping Performance Spaces: Embracing Change at the Kennedy Center The Reach Expansion (Kennedy Center) Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Dave Zehner, jury consultant, joins Karen Conti to discuss the Mike Madigan jury deliberations and what this means for corruption prosecutions in Illinois.

We've had more than a week to digest the trial of former Illinois House speaker Michael Madigan. We're still processing. Who better to guide that thinking than the Chicago Tribune's investigative reporter Ray Long.    In this episode, Ray joins Lissa & Thom to explore the implications of Madigan's conviction on Illinois politics and the broader issues of corruption within Illinois' political system. We'll get into the challenges of ethical governance and the role of journalism in documenting political misbehavior.   Plus, we ponder the question of whether politicians are capable of policing themselves.    Ray Long is two-time Pulitzer Prize finalist, and author of The House That Madigan Built: The Record Run of Illinois' Velvet Hammer.

One of the last places you may think of for fixing corruption in politics... is Illinois.Think again!In a time where justice is something we can't count on anymore, a bad guy got his in a Chicago courtroom. Mike Madigan was the most powerful politician in Illinois for decades. He used that power to make himself rich. Those crimes and his history with the best political reporter in America, Rick Pearson, and the great Pat Brady too, on this new episode of LIVE FROM MY OFFICE!SHOW NOTESSubscribe to Live From My Office on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or wherever you get your podcasts.Follow me on Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, and LinkedIn.Win an ABT gift card by emailing me here. You can also Email the show with any questions, comments, or plugs for your favorite charity.

Fran Spielman interviews former Chicago alderman Dick Mell, focusing on recent history-making events in Chicago and Illinois politics. Mike Madigan, former Illinois House Speaker, has been convicted of federal corruption charges and faces significant prison time at 82. Meanwhile, former Illinois governor Rod Blagojevich, Mell's son-in-law, received a full pardon from President Trump. Mell shares insights on Madigan's career, reflects on historical political battles, and critiques the growing influence of unions, especially the Chicago Teachers Union. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Puppy of late K9 officer takes the job, and more.

Criminal defense attorney Michael Leonard joins Jon Hansen on Let’s Get Legal to discuss the Mike Madigan trial as the jury breaks for the weekend. Michael Leonard also explains how a closing argument works and gives his pre-trial rituals.

Ray Long, the great investigative reporter at the Chicago Tribune, joins John Williams to tell us everything we need to know about the Mike Madigan trial now that the jury has begun deliberations.

Ray Long, the great investigative reporter at the Chicago Tribune, joins John Williams to tell us everything we need to know about the Mike Madigan trial now that the jury has begun deliberations.

CTA president Dorval Carter resigns. Mike Madigan's defense rests its case. And Chicago's first-ever elected school board members are sworn in. Reset dives into these stories and more with WBEZ city politics reporter Mariah Woelfel, Economist Midwest correspondent Daniel Knowles and Chicago Tribune Cook County and Chicago government reporter A.D. Quig. For a full archive of Reset interviews, head over to wbez.org/reset.

Ray Long, the great investigative reporter at the Chicago Tribune, joins John Williams to give us all the details on the last couple days of the Mike Madigan corruption trial when Madigan took the stand in his defense.

Ray Long, the great investigative reporter at the Chicago Tribune, joins John Williams to give us all the details on the last couple days of the Mike Madigan corruption trial when Madigan took the stand in his defense.

Austin Berg, Vice President of Marketing, Illinois Policy Institute, joins John Williams to talk about former Speaker of the House Michael Madigan testifying in his corruption trial. Austin was ‘shocked’ that Madigan took the stand. Austin gives us some of the other key takeaways from Madigan’s first and second day on the stand.

Austin Berg, Vice President of Marketing, Illinois Policy Institute, joins John Williams to talk about former Speaker of the House Michael Madigan testifying in his corruption trial. Austin was ‘shocked’ that Madigan took the stand. Austin gives us some of the other key takeaways from Madigan’s first and second day on the stand.

The Mincing Rascals this week are John Williams of WGN Radio, Eric Zorn, Publisher of The Picayune Sentinel, Austin Berg of the Illinois Policy Institute, Brandon Pope, host of ‘On the Block‘ on WCIU, and political pundit Marj Halperin! This week, the Rascals start the podcast discussing the Mike Madigan trial. Why should people still be interested in the trial? Controversy continues to […]

There's a plot twist in the years-long Jussie Smollett case and we got a look at the “magic list” of former Illinois House speaker Mike Madigan. Reset breaks down those stories and more with CW-26 reporter and anchor Brandon Pope, WTTW Chicago politics reporter Heather Cherone, WBEZ criminal justice editor Patrick Smith and Chicago Sun-Times federal courts reporter Jon Seidel. For a full archive of Reset interviews, head over to wbez.org/reset.

Federal Defense Attorney Mike Leonard explains what former Illinois House Speaker Mike Madigan is charged with, and how a recent U.S. Supreme Court Case could make the case more difficult for federal prosecutors. Host - Jon HansenGuest - Mike Leonard, Leonard Trial Lawyers 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.

Chicago Mayor Brandon Johnson announces a hiring freeze to close a massive budget shortfall. The corruption trial of a former AT&T executive linked to Mike Madigan begins. Chicago's City Council prepares to issue as much as $15 million in payouts for police misconduct. Plus, a new flag for Illinois? Reset dives into these and other top local stories in our Weekly News Recap with City Cast Chicago executive producer Simone Alicea, Block Club Chicago reporter Quinn Myers and WBEZ investigative reporter Dan Mihalopoulos. For a full archive of Reset interviews, head over to wbez.org/reset.