DARK SECRETS: 3 - The Real Truth

Former state Rep. Eddie Acevedo gets 6 months in prison for cheating on taxes in case tied to Madigan probe

Court records connect Acevedo’s indictment to the investigation of former Speaker Michael Madigan and ComEd. His name appeared in a subpoena sent to Madigan’s office in July 2020, the same day prosecutors accused ComEd of a bribery scheme.

Chicago Sun-Times · Mar 23, 2022

Did McClain speak for the House speaker? A legal battle to watch for in Madigan case

Former Speaker Michael Madigan’s indictment says he “directed the activities of his close friend and associate, [Michael] McClain, who carried out illegal activity at Madigan’s direction.” And the feds have portrayed McClain as a Madigan surrogate.

Chicago Sun-Times · Mar 13, 2022

Madigan comes off as common grifter in indictment

The venality of the former House speaker was one of the primary focuses of the Ken Griffin-backed slate of statewide Republican candidates that began its public rollout last week.

Chicago Sun-Times · Mar 11, 2022

Ex-Speaker Michael Madigan, once the most powerful politician in Illinois, to be arraigned Wednesday on federal racketeering charges

CHICAGO — A little over a year ago, Michael Madigan was still clinging to his spot at the apex of the Illinois political power structure, the longest-serving House leader in the nation’s history, head of the Illinois Democratic Party, and controller of all the spoils that went with it.

Chicago Tribune · Mar 9, 2022

No walk of shame for Michael Madigan as his lawyers say ‘not guilty’ by phone — and he stays silent

Madigan’s arraignment came two years after the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic, which disrupted the federal courts along with the rest of daily life. It also largely put a halt to a ritual faced by scores of politicians before Madigan: The stroll through the lobby of the Dirksen Federal Courthouse…

Chicago Sun-Times · Mar 9, 2022

Illinois lawmakers ditch rule requiring their faces be covered — but Republicans shift focus to Madigan

The resolution passed 104 to 1, with the no vote cast by state Rep. Lakesia Collins — who sponsored all three previous resolutions to remove mask scofflaws. Republicans welcomed the vote but spent more time talking about Mike Madigan.

Chicago Sun-Times · Mar 9, 2022

Lightfoot to renew push to eliminate aldermanic prerogative over zoning despite resounding Council opposition

Zoning Committee Chairman Tom Tunney (44th) and Education Chairman Michael Scott Jr. (24th) are among Lightfoot’s staunchest City Council supporters. Both men have warned the mayor to back off from a vote

Chicago Sun-Times · Mar 4, 2022

Madigan’s Chinatown ‘scheme’

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.

Chicago Sun-Times · Mar 4, 2022

Former Rauner challenger Jeanne Ives backs Darren Bailey for governor, taking jabs at primary rival Richard Irvin

Former state Rep. Jeanne Ives, who ran against former Gov. Bruce Rauner in the Republican primary in 2018, endorsed Darren Bailey for “his courage and experience” and warned rivals Richard Irvin and Avery Bourne “cannot be trusted.”

Chicago Sun-Times · Mar 4, 2022

Former Illinois House Speaker Michael Madigan indicted on federal racketeering 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.

Chicago Tribune · Mar 3, 2022