Explore

Rapid Read Rapid Read
U.S. Attorney Urged to Retry Anne Pramaggiore and Michael McClain Following Appeals Court Decision

U.S. Attorney Urged to Retry Anne Pramaggiore and Michael McClain Following Appeals Court Decision

The 7th Circuit U.S. Court of Appeals has ordered the release of former Commonwealth Edison CEO Anne Pramaggiore and lobbyist Michael McClain from prison, where they were serving two-year sentences. This decision follows their appeal against convictions related to a bribery scheme involving former Illinois House Speaker Michael Madigan. The appellate court's decision was influenced by a 2024 U.S. Supreme Court ruling that altered the legal standards for bribery convictions, requiring explicit quid-pro-quo arrangements. The ruling has prompted calls for U.S. Attorney Andrew Boutros to pursue a retrial under the new legal framework. The case centers on allegations that ComEd provided jobs and contracts to Madigan's associates in exchange for favorable legislation, benefiting ComEd and its parent company, Exelon.
Rapid Read Rapid Read
Former ComEd CEO and Lobbyist Released After Appeals Court Ruling

Former ComEd CEO and Lobbyist Released After Appeals Court Ruling

Former ComEd CEO Anne Pramaggiore and lobbyist Michael McClain have been released from federal prison following an appeals court decision to reverse their convictions in the 'ComEd Four' conspiracy case. The court ordered their immediate release, citing issues with the original conviction related to influencing then-House Speaker Michael Madigan. Pramaggiore and McClain were previously sentenced to two years in prison for their roles in the scheme, which involved funneling payments to subcontractors to influence Madigan. The appeals court has yet to issue a formal opinion, and the U.S. attorney's office must decide whether to retry the case, negotiate a deal, or drop the charges.
Rapid Read Rapid Read
Barbara Flynn Currie, Illinois' First Female House Majority Leader, Passes Away at 85

Barbara Flynn Currie, Illinois' First Female House Majority Leader, Passes Away at 85

Barbara Flynn Currie, a prominent figure in Illinois politics and the state's first female House majority leader, has died at the age of 85. Currie served in the Illinois House from 1979 to 2019, representing Chicago's South Side. She was known for her advocacy of progressive causes, including the legalization of same-sex marriage and the abolition of the death penalty. Currie was a key player in Illinois politics, serving as the top deputy to House Speaker Michael Madigan for 20 years. Her leadership was instrumental during challenging times, such as the impeachment investigation of Governor Rod Blagojevich and a budget impasse under Governor Bruce Rauner. Currie's legacy includes significant contributions to public education funding reform and criminal justice system improvements.
Rapid Read Rapid Read
UIS Faculty Strike Deemed 'Unnecessary' by State Higher Education Budget Chair

UIS Faculty Strike Deemed 'Unnecessary' by State Higher Education Budget Chair

The ongoing faculty strike at the University of Illinois Springfield (UIS) has been labeled 'unnecessary' by Rep. La Shawn Ford, Chairman of the Illinois House Higher Education Appropriations Committee. The strike, which began on April 3, involves tenured and tenure-track faculty demanding a 3% pay raise, while the administration offers 1%. Ford has urged Chancellor Janet Gooch to engage directly with union members to resolve the dispute. The strike has disrupted classes, although some continue as not all professors are union members. The university faces a projected $19 million deficit, complicating negotiations. The strike is the longest in UIS history, surpassing a previous five-day stoppage in 2017.
Rapid Read Rapid Read
Governor Pritzker's BUILD Initiative Targets Illinois Housing Crisis Amid Voter Concerns

Governor Pritzker's BUILD Initiative Targets Illinois Housing Crisis Amid Voter Concerns

Illinois is currently facing a severe housing crisis, with a recent poll indicating that a significant majority of voters perceive housing affordability as declining. This has led over a third of the population to consider relocating out of the state. In response to these concerns, Governor JB Pritzker has introduced the 'Building Up IL Developments' (BUILD) initiative. This ambitious plan aims to tackle the rising housing costs by streamlining regulations and increasing the housing supply across Illinois. Key components of the BUILD initiative include loosening restrictive zoning regulations to allow for more diverse housing types, such as duplexes and accessory dwelling units (ADUs), eliminating parking mandates, standardizing permit processes, and investing $250 million in capital funds for construction and first-time homebuyer assistance. The initiative has garnered substantial public support, with 86% of survey respondents backing ADUs and 65% favoring higher-density housing.
AP News AP News
‘Credit card chaos’? Financial institutions bet big on repeal of first-of-its-kind Illinois law

‘Credit card chaos’? Financial institutions bet big on repeal of first-of-its-kind Illinois law

Illinois lawmakers are facing pressure to repeal a law that would ban financial institutions from charging fees on the tax and tip portions of bills
Rapid Read Rapid Read
Federal Appeals Court Orders Release of 'ComEd Four' Defendants Amid Legal Uncertainty

Federal Appeals Court Orders Release of 'ComEd Four' Defendants Amid Legal Uncertainty

A federal appeals court in Chicago has ordered the release of former ComEd CEO Anne Pramaggiore and lobbyist Michael McClain, who were convicted in the 'ComEd Four' bribery case. This decision comes nearly three years after their conviction for allegedly conspiring to bribe then-House Speaker Michael Madigan. The 7th Circuit U.S. Court of Appeals announced that both Pramaggiore and McClain are entitled to new trials and must be released from federal custody. The court's decision follows a Supreme Court ruling that redefined the legal boundaries of bribery, impacting the validity of the original convictions. The appeals court's written opinion on the order for a new trial will be issued later, leaving the future of the case uncertain.
Rapid Read Rapid Read
Former ComEd CEO and Lobbyist Granted New Trial, Released from Prison

Former ComEd CEO and Lobbyist Granted New Trial, Released from Prison

Former ComEd CEO Anne Pramaggiore and lobbyist Michael McClain have been ordered released from prison on appeal bonds after a federal appeals court announced it will grant them new trials. The decision comes nearly three years after their conviction in the 'ComEd Four' case, which alleged a conspiracy to bribe then-House Speaker Michael Madigan. The appeals court's order for a new trial follows arguments questioning the validity of the conspiracy conviction after a Supreme Court ruling on related bribery charges.
Rapid Read Rapid Read
Former ComEd CEO and Lobbyist Released Following Appeals Court Decision

Former ComEd CEO and Lobbyist Released Following Appeals Court Decision

Former ComEd CEO Anne Pramaggiore and lobbyist Michael McClain were released from federal prison following a decision by the 7th Circuit U.S. Court of Appeals to reverse their convictions in the 'ComEd Four' conspiracy case. Pramaggiore was released from a federal prison camp in Florida, while McClain was freed from a medical facility in Kentucky. Both individuals are required to check in with federal pretrial services in Chicago and will remain free on bond pending further resolution of their case. The appeals court has yet to issue a formal opinion detailing the reversal of their 2023 convictions, which involved allegations of a conspiracy to influence former House Speaker Michael Madigan through payments to subcontractors. The U.S. attorney's office has not commented on whether they will retry the case, negotiate a deal, or drop the charges.
Rapid Read Rapid Read
Federal Appeals Court Orders New Trial for Former ComEd CEO and Lobbyist

Federal Appeals Court Orders New Trial for Former ComEd CEO and Lobbyist

A federal appeals court has ordered the release of former ComEd CEO Anne Pramaggiore and lobbyist Michael McClain from prison on appeal bonds. This decision comes after the court agreed to grant them new trials, following arguments presented in their case. Pramaggiore and McClain were previously convicted on charges related to a bribery scheme involving the utility company ComEd. The scheme allegedly involved efforts to influence Illinois lawmakers in exchange for favorable legislation. The appeals court's decision to grant new trials suggests that there may have been procedural or evidentiary issues in the original trial that warrant reconsideration.
Rapid Read Rapid Read
ACLU Criticizes Tinley Park Police for Potential TRUST Act Violation in Traffic Stop

ACLU Criticizes Tinley Park Police for Potential TRUST Act Violation in Traffic Stop

The American Civil Liberties Union (ACLU) of Illinois has raised concerns over a traffic stop conducted by Tinley Park police officer Jason L’Amas, which may have violated the Illinois TRUST Act. During a routine traffic stop, Officer L’Amas discovered a federal warrant for the driver, which led to the driver’s subsequent detention by U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE). The TRUST Act, initially signed into law in 2017 and amended in 2021, restricts local law enforcement from assisting federal immigration enforcement. The ACLU argues that the officer's actions, which included sharing the driver's personal information with federal agents, contravene the spirit of the TRUST Act. The incident has sparked debate over the clarity and application of the law, with some experts pointing out potential gray areas in its enforcement.
Rapid Read Rapid Read
Illinois Supreme Court Decision on Tort Law in Custodial Rights Cases Raises Legislative Questions

Illinois Supreme Court Decision on Tort Law in Custodial Rights Cases Raises Legislative Questions

Robert A. Clifford, a prominent attorney and columnist, has highlighted a significant ruling by the Illinois Supreme Court regarding tort law in custodial rights cases. The court recently addressed a case involving a father who allegedly abducted his children internationally, leading the mother to file a lawsuit for tortious interference with her custodial rights. The court ruled that such a tort is not recognized in Illinois, although it is acknowledged in other states. The decision emphasized that the question of whether to allow this type of tort should be addressed by the legislature, even in cases involving international child abduction. Clifford argues that codifying this tort could deter individuals and organizations from participating in unlawful abductions.