Unlocking the Jury’s Role: Inside the Courtroom for the Michael Madigan Trial

Chicago, Illinois – The trial of Michael Madigan, a key figure in Illinois politics, has been capturing not only local but national attention, raising questions about accountability, power, and the legal challenges that face prominent political figures today. Madigan, former Speaker of the Illinois House of Representatives, has been a towering presence in state politics for decades. His tenure as speaker, which stretched over nearly 36 years, made him one of the longest-serving leaders of any state legislature in U.S. history. This position allowed Madigan significant sway over legislative processes and state political outcomes. The … Read more

Madigan Jury Concludes Third Day of Deliberations With No Verdict Reached

CHICAGO — The trial of Michael Madigan, former Illinois House speaker, has yet to reach a conclusion as the jury deliberated for a third consecutive day without arriving at a verdict. Madigan, a dominant figure in Illinois politics for decades, faces charges of racketeering, bribery, and extortion, among others. The former speaker, who served for nearly 50 years, is accused of orchestrating a series of schemes to enrich himself and bolster his political machine. At the heart of the trial is the accusation that Madigan, now 80, leveraged his power to illicitly gain personal and … Read more

Michael Madigan Meticulously Maneuvers Jury Selection in High-Stakes Racketeering Trial

CHICAGO — The once indomitable Michael Madigan, whose strategic acumen and relentless focus on detail once defined Illinois politics, finds himself meticulously battling not for political supremacy but for his freedom. At 82, the former Democratic powerhouse, known for wielding tremendous influence as the longest-serving leader of any state or federal legislative body in U.S. history, continues to apply his tactical mind, this time at his own racketeering trial which began on Oct. 8. Accused of operating his political and state offices as a criminal enterprise, Madigan is charged with aligning with utilities like ComEd … Read more

Jury Selected in High-Stakes Trial of Former Illinois Speaker Madigan After Intensive Vetting Process

CHICAGO — After a meticulous week of jury selection, the trial of former Illinois House Speaker Michael Madigan has secured its 12 jurors, though six alternates are yet to be decided. The landmark case, which is drawing wide attention, involves allegations of racketeering against Madigan who is accused of using his political influence for personal and political gain. The panel, comprising eight women and four men, mirrors a broad cross-section of northern Illinois, from a Chicago hospital worker with limited political knowledge to a former kindergarten teacher and a Southwest Side insurance underwriter. This diverse … Read more