Why The Talks To Renew ComEd’s Deal To Supply Power To Chicago Are Stalled
Mayor Lori Lightfoot’s administration still hasn’t struck a deal with the state’s largest utility that would allow it to continue providing power to Chicago.
WBEZ Investigations
Power Players
The federal investigation into ComEd and Illinois politicians.
Commonwealth Edison is at the center of a sprawling federal corruption investigation connected to one of Illinois’ most powerful politicians. In July 2020, the state’s largest utility admitted that it gave contracts to political allies of Democratic House Speaker Michael Madigan in exchange for favorable government actions, including the passage of laws favorable to ComEd’s business interests. Madigan himself has not been charged, but a handful of former top ComEd executives and lobbyists have been indicted.
Follow all of WBEZ’s ground-breaking coverage on the ComEd scandal here and check back for updates.
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Former Top Aide To Ex-Speaker Michael Madigan Is Indicted For Lying To Feds
Tim Mapes, once the chief of staff to the state’s most powerful politician, faces federal perjury and obstruction of justice charges.
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Multiple Charities Supported By ComEd Lobbied For Bills Favorable To The Utility Giant
A WBEZ analysis of the little-known angle to ComEd’s Springfield lobbying comes as Illinois weighs a ban on passing charitable costs to utility customers.
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Defense Lawyers Hint At More Federal Charges In ComEd Corruption Scandal
Federal prosecutors won’t say whether they’re planning to bring more charges in the already-sprawling political corruption case. But defense lawyers suggest they might.
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How Should Springfield Clean Up After The ComEd Scandal? Lawmakers’ Reform Plans Are Hazy
One representative says it’s a shame the state must “babysit” utilities following the power company’s bribery scandal. But Democrats still haven’t agreed on a list of ethics reforms.
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Ex-Lawmaker’s Indictment Stems Partly From Secret ComEd Payments, Source Says
Federal prosecutors are charging former Democratic state Rep Eddie Acevedo and his two sons with tax evasion.
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Feds Charge A Chicago Political Player With Bribery, Ex-Legislator And His Sons With Lying To Avoid Taxes
Prosecutors say Roberto Caldero bribed former Ald. Danny Solis and a public schools official in connection with a janitorial deal. Indictments also dropped on ex-Illinois legislator Eddie Acevedo …
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Michael Madigan Resigning As Chair Of The State’s Democratic Party
After losing the speaker’s gavel and giving up his Illinois house seat, Michael Madigan gives up his chairmanship of the state’s Democratic party.
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Michael Madigan, Decades-Long Titan Of Illinois Politics, Resigns After Losing His Role As House Speaker
After 50 years in office, the Democratic boss is resigning his Southwest Side seat amid the continued federal investigation into his potential ties to a ComEd bribery scheme.
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ComEd Critics Cast A Wary Eye Toward Illinois’ New House Speaker
The new Speaker, Democrat Emanuel “Chris” Welch, once wanted to lock in the highly lucrative way ComEd sets its rates but says that isn’t a focus “right now.”
