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Former Illinois House Speaker Michael Madigan leaves the Dirksen Federal Courthouse in Chicago on Wednesday, Feb. 12, 2025,. (Andrew Adams / Capitol News Illinois)
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Michael Madigan, once the state of Illinois’ most powerful politician during his decades-long run as House Speaker and leader of the Democratic Party of Illinois, has now joined the long list of local and state powerbrokers convicted on federal corruption charges. But Madigan dodged the top count — racketeering conspiracy — and several other charges. That deadlock extended to each of the six charges faced by Madigan’s codefendant and longtime confidant Michael McClain.
Here's the scene from yesterday:
Morris Pasqual, the acting U.S. Attorney for the Northern District of Illinois, said Wednesday’s convictions “rank high in the annals of criminal cases tried in this court.”
“The citizens of Illinois have a right to honest, clean government,” he said. “They have a right to have the decisions of their elected officials made based on what is good for the public, what is in the common good. They have a right to trust and expect that from their public officials. Michael Madigan breached and violated that trust over and over again.”
Some context:
The two men were charged in a 23-count indictment, but Madigan and McClain were both charged together on six of those counts, bringing the total number of charges to 29. Madigan was found guilty on 10 counts and not guilty on seven counts. Both sides chose to accept the partial verdict.
Illinois' most powerful politician for decades, Madigan represented the 22nd District on Chicago’s Southwest Side for 50 years and led the Democratic Party of Illinois for 20 years before he was forced from power amid corruption rumors. Madigan was first hit with a sweeping indictment back in 2022 in which he was accused of orchestrating five separate corruption schemes.
Illinois politicians and government groups were quick to react to the verdict.
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The Illinois State Capitol is pictured in Springfield. (Capitol News Illinois file photo)
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Illinois should extend its sales tax to services like haircuts, dry cleaning and plumbing, the nonpartisan Civic Federation recommended in a report out Wednesday — a week before Gov. J.B. Pritzker is set to share his much-anticipated budget proposal. The report said despite marked improvements in recent years, the state has a long road to get on sound fiscal footing.
Expanding the sales tax base beyond goods to services, therefore updating it to match the modern economy given that roughly half of consumer spending is on services, is one way to course-correct, according to the report dubbed the “State of Illinois FY2026 Budget Roadmap.”
What that would do:
The primary benefit of levying a sales tax on services would be an estimated $2 billion in annual revenue. It’s not an insignificant figure given the fiscal challenges Illinois is immediately facing: a projected deficit nearing $3.3 billion next year — not including big-ticket additional spending pressures like helping Chicago-area transit agencies come up with $750 million to prevent massive service cuts and layoffs, increasing pension benefits for state employees and teachers hired after 2011, and a $1 billion ask from Chicago Public Schools.
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A screenshot of the video of the room in the mayor's office at City Hall where he stores gifts he has accepted on behalf of the city of Chicago. (Chicago's Mayor's Office)
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A video released Wednesday by Mayor Brandon Johnson’s office of a small City Hall room crammed with gifts his office accepted on behalf of the city raises “more questions than answers,” Inspector General Deborah Witzburg told WTTW News.
The 21-second video, posted to the mayor’s YouTube page, slowly pans around a small room stuffed with artwork, coffee mugs, shoes, baseball caps, T-shirts, awards, plaques and books on shelves lining three walls. But the video makes it impossible to identify all but the largest items, including what appears to be the NASCAR tracksuit Johnson wore when he kicked off the NASCAR Chicago Street Race in July.
Some backstory:
Witzburg released an audit two weeks ago revealing that Johnson’s office accepted pricey items on behalf of the city without properly reporting them as required. Neither Witzburg nor members of the news media, including WTTW News, have been allowed to inspect the gift room, as Witzburg said is required by city ordinance.
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Back in the Day: February 13, 1970 - White Sox Pitcher Paul Edmondson Dies In Crash
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Paul Edmonson was a tall 6-foot-5 right-handed pitcher for the Chicago White Sox. In his first major league start on June 20, 1969, he threw a complete game, two-hit performance that resulted in his team beating the then-California Angels 9-1. Though his win-loss record was a misleading 1-6, he was unlucky with a lack of run support on an impressive 3.70 ERA. On this day 55 years ago, the promising prospect's career was tragically cut short. The day after his 27th birthday—Feb. 13, 1970— Edmondson and his girlfriend were killed in a car accident near Santa Barbara on U.S. Highway 101. The car had skidded on a rainy highway and merged into oncoming traffic.
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This Week’s Arts and Culture Events
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Each Thursday, WTTW News arts correspondent Marc Vitali highlights Chicago’s must-see cultural events.
The Super Bowl is over, and we are now in the 40th year since the Chicago Bears won the big game. Meanwhile, the arts and culture scene in Chicago just keeps winning. So… go Bears! But let’s not forget to support our other teams. Here are a few favorites and underdogs to place your bets on:
“A Concert Celebrating the Life of Sir Andrew Davis” – Lyric Opera
Revel in the artistry of the late Sir Andrew Davis, Lyric’s principal conductor for more than 20 years. Vivid voices join the Lyric Opera Orchestra and Chorus in a program of significant works in Sir Andrew’s life – and a new orchestral tribute to him composed by his son, Ed Frazier Davis. Sat. Feb. 15
“How to Be Cool” – The Neo-Futurist Theater
A member of the Neo-Futurist ensemble (Neil Bhandari) literally unpacks his baggage in this provocative solo show. Monologue, dance and live music take turns in the spotlight as Bhandari explores themes of identity and masculinity. Haven’t seen this yet, but the advance word is that it’s way cool. Through March 1
“White Cities – A Musical Tribute to Charles White” – Logan Center
Jazz pianist Gerald Clayton leads a quintet honoring American artist Charles White – you may recall a marvelous exhibition of his work at the Art Institute in 2018. This performance draws inspiration from White’s mural “Five Great American Negroes” and delves into themes of oppression and resilience. Sat. Feb. 14.
“Hubbard Street Dance Chicago: Winter Series” – Harris Theater
Dance companies exist for 47 years for a reason. Chicago’s Hubbard Street builds on their sold-out fall program with a physically demanding series that promises to push boundaries. It’s all part of their ongoing mission to awaken the human spirit through a landscape of dance. Through Feb. 16.
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It’s Valentine’s Day Friday. What’s the most romantic place in Chicago?
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Email DailyChicagoan@wttw.com with your responses and your answers might be published.
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Newsletter Producer: Josh Terry |
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