After the Madigan charges, Democrats lack an appetite for new ethics reform this spring
Democratic Gov. JB Pritzker and legislative Democratic leadership say progress has already been made. But some reform groups and GOP members say it’s not enough.
WBEZ Investigations
Power Players
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.
Latest
![]()
![]()
Mike Madigan is accused by feds of hitting up Ald. Solis to help Madigan’s son win business
When Illinois House Speaker Michael Madigan promised to help Ald. Solis obtain a state board appointment, he followed up with his own request.
![]()
The Madigan indictment puts a new focus on how Chicago aldermen govern
With some focus in the indictment on how one alderman allegedly abused his power on the Zoning Committee, Mayor Lori Lightfoot says that power should be curbed.
![]()
Michael Madigan pleads not guilty to federal racketeering charges
Unlike generations of high-profile indicted politicians before him, Madigan did not have to force his way through a media horde.
![]()
In a now-disavowed memo, Democrats were urged to criticize the feds’ Madigan case
Madigan’s successor distanced himself from the “talking points” criticizing prosecutors for pursuing “unfair, partisan accusations.”
![]()
Ex-Illinois House Speaker Michael Madigan is indicted on federal racketeering charges
Federal prosecutors alleged the longtime Springfield power broker and former state Democratic Party leader ran a criminal enterprise dubbed “The Madigan Enterprise.” And Gov. JB Pritzker was …
![]()
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.
![]()
Former top aide to ex-Speaker Michael Madigan is indicted for lying to the feds
Tim Mapes, once the chief of staff to the state’s most powerful politician, faces federal perjury and obstruction of justice charges.
![]()
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.
![]()
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.
