The federal investigation into ComEd and Illinois politicians.
In March 2022, former Democratic House Speaker Michael Madigan, one of Illinois’ most powerful politicians, was indicted on federal charges of bribery and racketeering, part of a multiyear sprawling investigation into political corruption. At the heart of the investigation is Commonwealth Edison, the state’s largest utility. In July 2020, the company admitted it gave contracts to Madigan’s political allies in exchange for favorable government actions, including the passage of laws favorable to ComEd’s business interests. A handful of former top ComEd executives and lobbyists have been indicted in the scheme. The 22-count indictment against Madigan alleged that he ran “The Madigan Enterprise,” enriching himself and his associates through bribery and attempted extortion at the expense of taxpayers and public confidence in government. Madigan denies the charges.
Follow all of WBEZ’s groundbreaking coverage on the Madigan and ComEd scandal here and check back for updates.
The convictions could impact the bribery trial next year of one-time House Speaker Michael Madigan, but could also ignite new ethics reforms and questions about how politicians are lobbied.
Four former executives and lobbyists at ComEd were convicted on every count they faced related to a wide-ranging bribery scheme. WBEZ’s Dave McKinney recaps the scene.
Michael Madigan confidant Michael McClain, former ComEd CEO Anne Pramaggiore, ex-ComEd lobbyist John Hooker and onetime City Club President Jay Doherty were convicted of a bribery conspiracy to …
The “Magic Lobbyist List” included former House Speaker Michael Madigan’s preferred lobbyists. They still represent some big clients.
The suspension against McClain, a top confidant of former House Speaker Michael Madigan, may not hold, since his crimes occurred years after his time in office.
Four former executives and lobbyists at ComEd were convicted on every count they faced related to a wide-ranging bribery scheme. WBEZ’s Dave McKinney recaps the scene.
The convictions could impact the bribery trial next year of one-time House Speaker Michael Madigan, but could also ignite new ethics reforms and questions about how politicians are lobbied.
Michael Madigan confidant Michael McClain, former ComEd CEO Anne Pramaggiore, ex-ComEd lobbyist John Hooker and onetime City Club President Jay Doherty were convicted of a bribery conspiracy to …
After six weeks of trial, 12 jurors are considering the merits of the case that ended former House Speaker Michael Madigan’s record-breaking grip on power.
Assistant U.S. Attorney Diane MacArthur told jurors the bribery scheme “became so much, so that when Madigan said ‘jump,’ these defendants said ‘how high?’”
Jurors heard from about 50 witnesses over five weeks, saw piles of emails and heard a cache of secret FBI recordings that form the backbone of the feds’ case.
Anne Pramaggiore testifies in her defense that she was unaware that the contractors hired by the utility through Jay Doherty’s company had connections to the ex- speaker.
Prosecutors called three dozen witnesses over four weeks as they sought to prove four former political players conspired to bribe Madigan by arranging for jobs, contracts and money for his allies.
