The Latest Breaking News from Michael Madigan

CHICAGO — In his nearly four decades atop Illinois’ political power structure, former House Speaker Michael Madigan was well-known for his aversion to talking on the phone.

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

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.

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…

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 — The long-awaited racketeering indictment of Michael Madigan runs some 106 pages, but anyone looking for a quote directly from the former House speaker’s mouth will have to wade through more than half the document before finding one.

The swagger that Illinois’ Democrats have displayed since taking full control of Springfield three years ago had already been tamped down by the political realities of confronting crime and COVID when corruption reared up as one more daunting campaign issue heading into this year’s elections.

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.

At its core, the alleged bribery scheme involving ex-Speaker Michael Madigan and utility giant Commonwealth Edison is an alarmingly familiar lesson on how often-cozy relationships between business leaders and politicians can catch the attention of federal prosecutors.

Mayor Lori Lightfoot could use the Madigan indictment to finally deliver on her campaign promise to eliminate aldermanic prerogative. But even the mayor’s staunchest allies are warning Lightfoot not to even try.

“I don’t like crooks — even if it benefits the neighborhood,” said one resident after the longtime powerful pol was hit with federal charges.