Following 11 weeks of testimony, former House Speaker Michael Madigan was convicted on February 12 on 10 counts of bribery and wire fraud in his federal corruption trial. Madigan faced a 23-count federal indictment in Chicago. Prosecutors accused him of colluding with utility giants ComEd and AT&T to secure no-show jobs for Madigan’s allies in exchange for his legislative influence. Jurors convicted Madigan of one count of bribery conspiracy involving ComEd, two counts of bribery involving ComEd, three counts of wire fraud related to an effort to secure a state board seat for disgraced former Alderman Danny Solis, and four counts of using interstate commerce to facilitate bribery. Madigan was acquitted on seven counts; however, the jury could not reach a decision on six counts, including an overarching racketeering conspiracy charge. At 82, Madigan now faces the possibility of spending the rest of his life in prison.

In another major political move, this week, President Trump issued a full pardon to ex-Governor Rod Blagojevich, who was convicted in 2011 for attempting to sell Barack Obama’s Senate seat following the 2008 presidential election. While Trump had commuted Blagojevich’s sentence in 2020, a full pardon restores certain rights, such as voting, serving on a jury, running for public office, and owning a firearm. However, the Illinois Supreme Court’s revocation of Blagojevich’s law license remains unaffected by the pardon. President Trump announced he will consider nominating Blagojevich to be the US. Ambassador to Serbia. The U.S. Embassy in Serbia has been without an ambassador since January.

​T​his week will be a busy week at the Capitol, with committees ramping up ahead of the March 21^st committee deadline. The House filed over 3,800 bills, while the Senate filed over 2,500 at the close of ​the bill filing deadline. Additionally, Governor Pritzker is set to unveil his FY 2026 budget proposal ​t​his week, outlining spending priorities and new revenue streams to close a projected budget deficit.

Important Upcoming Dates – Statewide

February 19 – Governor’s State of the State and Budget Address

March 21 – Initial Chamber Committee Deadline

April 11 – Initial Chamber Third Reading Deadline

May 9 – Opposite Chamber Committee Deadline

May 23 – Opposite Chamber Third Reading Deadline

May 31 – Adjournment

In the News

What are the Illinois ‘sanctuary’ policies the Trump administration is looking to invalidate? – The Daily Line, February 14, 2025

A suit filed in federal court by the Department of Justice (DOJ) last week challenges sanctuary laws in the state, specifically naming the Illinois Way Forward Act, the Illinois TRUST Act, Chicago’s Welcoming City ordinance and Cook County’s “Policy for Responding to ICE Detainers.”

After Madigan found guilty of bribery charges, some in the statehouse replenish calls for ethics reform – The Daily Line, February 14, 2025

Jurors found Madigan guilty on 10 counts and not guilty on seven others. They reached no verdict on six of the charges, according to the Sun-Times.

Trump, pensions, health care among pressure points as Gov. JB Pritzker crafts state budget – Chicago Sun Times, February 14, 2025

Uncertainty in federal funding under President Donald Trump’s administration has made a tough state budget season even more difficult for Gov. JB Pritzker and Illinois Democrats who control Springfield.

Ex-Speaker Michael Madigan’s state pension suspended following conviction – Chicago Tribune, February 14, 2025

Former Democratic House Speaker Michael Madigan’s $158,000 annual state of Illinois pension is being halted following his high-profile corruption conviction.

Opinion: What the RTA will do — that this transit reform won’t – Crain’s Chicago Business, February 13, 2025

Will the Madigan verdict change anything? – Crain’s Chicago Business, February 12, 2025

After Madigan found guilty of bribery charges, some in the statehouse replenish calls for ethics reform – The Daily Line, February 13, 2025

After former Speaker of the Illinois House Michael J. Madigan was found guilty of bribery conspiracy, bribery and wire fraud Wednesday, some Illinois lawmakers are again calling for ethics reform at the statehouse.

No sweep for either side, but Madigan jury’s split verdict still offers ‘historic’ corruption conviction – Chicago Tribune, February 13, 2025

Illinois House Speaker Michael Madigan minced no words on the day Democratic Gov. Rod Blagojevich, his longtime political nemesis, was arrested on federal corruption charges in December 2008.

Transit funding crisis coming to a head in Springfield – Daily Herald, February 11, 2025

As Regional Transportation Authority leaders sounded the alarm Tuesday about a looming $771 million shortfall, dueling legislation to fix transit is pending in the General Assembly.

Competing visions for mass transit overhaul emerge in Springfield – Crain’s Chicago Business, February 11, 2025

One of the biggest debates in Springfield — how to keep mass transit from running out of money — is finally starting to take shape.

Dick Durbin seeks watchdog inquiry into Kash Patel, alleges behind-the-scenes role in purge at FBI – Chicago Tribune, February 11, 2025

Illinois’ senior senator has asked the Justice Department’s inspector general to investigate after he says he received information that President Donald Trump’s pick to lead the FBI, Kash Patel, had been “personally directing the ongoing purge” of agents at the bureau.

What’s next for pardoned ex-Gov. Rod Blagojevich? A book and no apologies. – Chicago Tribune, February 11, 2025

Perhaps the most telling moment of the news conference Rod Blagojevich held hours after President Donald Trump granted the disgraced ex-Illinois governor a full pardon came even before he answered a single question from the media scrum gathered outside his Ravenswood Manor home.

As egg prices continue to soar, grocers like Trader Joe’s limit how many cartons customers can buy – Chicago Tribune, February 11, 2025

Not only are eggs expensive because of the ongoing bird flu outbreak. Now they are getting hard to find. And even when stores do have eggs, consumers are starting to face limits on how many they can buy.

Canned tuna sold at Trader Joe’s, Costco, H-E-B recalled for botulism risk – Chicago Tribune, February 11, 2025

Several brands of canned tuna sold at stores including Trader Joe’s, Costco and H-E-B have been recalled because they might be contaminated with a type of bacteria that causes botulism, a potentially fatal form of food poisoning.

Madigan jurors say ‘we have reached our limit for today’ but promise fresh start Wednesday – Chicago Sun-Times, February 11, 2025

Michael Madigan’s jury heard from more than 60 witnesses during 11 weeks of testimony. Now, they’ve deliberated for just shy of 64 hours over another 10 days. Whether their reference Tuesday to having “reached our limit” turns out to be the first sign of frustration remains to be seen.

Survivors of child abuse at Illinois youth detention centers file more lawsuits in hopes of change – Associated Press, February 11, 2025

Marcus Walker said the sexual abuse he experienced two decades ago as a teenager at an Illinois youth detention facility has haunted his life.

Editorial: Hold my beer — aluminum tariffs could drive up costs for Illinois craft brewers – Chicago Tribune, February 12, 2025

A day after the big game, however, President Donald Trump announced 25% tariffs on steel and aluminum imports. The beer industry is rightfully concerned about this issue — aluminum is the single largest input cost in American beer production, according to the Beer Institute.

Sen. Sally Turner refiles bill make election process more transparent, uniform – WAND, February 11, 2025

An Illinois Senate Republican has reintroduced a bill to help make the election process more transparent and uniform for county clerks. Sen. Sally Turner (R-Lincoln) told WAND News her suggested changes come from 24 years of personal experience as the Logan County clerk and recorder.

Illinois’ spring legislative session is underway. Here’s what to watch. – Chalkbeat Chicago, February 11, 2025

Education funding, protections for immigrant students, and expanded special education are some of the top issues to watch during Illinois’ 2025 legislative session, which began in January.

Lawsuits with Trump administration stretching Illinois attorney general’s resources – Capitol News Illinois, February 11, 2025

Raoul involved in multiple suits with other states challenging Trump actions

After President Donald Trump’s pardon, ex-Gov. Rod Blagojevich says he has ‘deepest and most profound and everlasting gratitude’ – Chicago Tribune, February 11, 2025

Nearly five years after commuting former Gov. Rod Blagojevich’s federal prison sentence, President Donald Trump on Monday granted a full pardon to the disgraced former governor who was convicted more than 13 years ago on an array of corruption charges, including fundraising schemes and attempting to sell a U.S. Senate seat for his personal benefit.

Gov. JB Pritzker signs ‘Karina’s Bill,’ aimed at getting guns away from alleged domestic abusers – Chicago Tribune, February 11, 2025

Gov. JB Pritzker signed a measure Monday aimed at shoring up protections for domestic violence victims by spelling out when law enforcement is required to take guns from alleged abusers with orders of protection against them.

‘It sets a real bad example’: Illinois politicians react to Blagojevich pardon – Daily Herald, February 11, 2025

Pritzker signs Karina’s bill into law, requiring firearms be seized following orders of protection – The Daily Line, February 11, 2025

In July 2023, Karina Gonzalez and her teen daughter Daniella Alvarez were shot and killed. Her husband, Jose Alvarez, was later arrested for allegedly fatally shooting the mother and daughter, as well as injuring their son, Manny Alvarez.

Attorneys general file suit to block NIH policy Raoul says could cost Illinois universities millions – The Daily Line, February 11, 2025

Illinois Attorney General Kwame Raoul joined 21 other state attorneys general in suing to stop a National Institutes of Health (NIH) policy he says could cost Illinois universities millions, and on Monday a judge granted the group a temporary restraining order.

Del Mar teases run for ‘higher office,’ sparking 2026 Illinois governor speculation – The Center Square, February 11, 2025

Aaron Del Mar, while speaking at a Lincoln Day Dinner in Lincoln, Illinois, hosted by the Logan County Republicans, suggested he plans to run for “higher office.”

Competing visions for mass transit overhaul emerge in Springfield – Crain’s Chicago Business, February 11, 2025

Pandemic-era federal funding is about to dry up, even though ridership hasn’t fully recovered. The General Assembly will try to come up with a solution to the looming $771 million funding shortfall, or fiscal cliff, between now and May 31, when the regular session ends.

Pritzker takes aim at Trump tariffs with business tours, calls to foreign officials – Capitol News Illinois, February 11, 2025

When President Donald Trump announced plans to issue tariffs on Canada, Mexico and China last week, the backlash from Illinois leaders was swift.

19 states, including Illinois, sue to stop DOGE from accessing Americans’ personal data – Chicago Tribune, February 7, 2025

Nineteen Democratic attorneys general sued President Donald Trump on Friday to stop Elon Musk’s Department of Government Efficiency from accessing Treasury Department records that contain sensitive personal data such as Social Security and bank account numbers for millions of Americans.

Bears bid for public stadium money faces new roadblock: a winning record – Chicago Sun-Times, February 7, 2025

Disagreements over property taxes and public funding have driven the discussion of the Bears’ desire to leave century-old Soldier Field, where the team has played since 1971.

Still no verdict from Michael Madigan’s jury after 50 hours of deliberations – Chicago Sun-Times, February 7, 2025

Madigan and his longtime ally, Michael McClain, are on trial for a racketeering conspiracy. Jurors are expected to resume deliberations Monday morning.

Trump considering Blagojevich for ambassador to Serbia – Politico, February 7, 2025

President Donald Trump is considering nominating former Illinois Gov. Rod Blagojevich, who served eight years in prison on corruption charges, to be U.S. ambassador to Serbia, according to two people familiar with the discussions.

Governor JB Pritzker responds to ‘garbage’ DOJ lawsuit over sanctuary city policies – ABC7 Chicago, February 7, 2025

A fired-up Governor JB Pritzker is going after President Donald Trump and the Department of Justice over that immigration lawsuit filed on Thursday.

Illinois Gov. Pritzker becomes co-chair of nationwide climate action group – WTVO, February 7, 2025

Pritzker will co-chair America Is All In with Cleveland Mayor Justin Bibb, in an effort to promote local climate action and provide a roadmap for cities, states, businesses and institutions to implement climate-friendly policies.

Democrats far outspent rivals in suburban U.S. House races — none more than Raja Krishnamoorthi – Daily Herald, February 8, 2025

Every Democratic congressional representative serving the North, West or Northwest suburbs significantly outspent their Republican rivals en route to victories in November, newly filed federal reports show — but one was the runaway leader when it came to shelling out campaign cash.

‘Who taught us how to calm down?’: New state law encourages schools to be the answer – Daily Herald, February 8, 2025

When people enduring mental health crises are told they need to “calm down,” that raises an important question, says the sponsor of a new state law that encourages schools to incorporate relaxation activities within the instructional week.

Behind-the-scenes staff acrimony mirrors public tension between Mayor Brandon Johnson and Gov. JB Pritzker – Chicago Tribune, February 9, 2025

Hours before Gov. JB Pritzker suffered a rare defeat in Springfield over a hemp bill opposed by Mayor Brandon Johnson, the governor’s chief of staff withdrew from a short-lived effort to convene with Chicago and Cook County counterparts to plan for President Donald Trump’s second term.

Proposal would remove former congressman Henry Hyde’s name from DuPage courthouse – Chicago Tribune, February 10, 2025

A proposal to strip the name of the late U.S. Rep. Henry Hyde from the DuPage County courthouse and related offices in Wheaton is up for a vote on the DuPage County Board’s agenda for Tuesday, and the measure is dividing Republicans and Democrats.

Illinois Senate chamber back in business under colorful skylight as part of ongoing Capitol renovations – Chicago Tribune, February 10, 2025

Using a pencil-size tool, Megan Smith spent countless hours cutting glass for a stained glass skylight destined for the ceiling of the Senate chamber in the Illinois State Capitol building.

Bob Kustra: Remembering the Holocaust amid the rise of white Christian nationalism – Chicago Tribune, February 10, 2025

The observance of the Holocaust cannot be just about honoring those who survived, although that is a goal worthy of every minute of the sacred ceremonies that encourage us to remember and never forget.

Faction of the Illinois Republican Party feels the party needs to be bolder – WBBM, February 9, 2025

There’s been some recent friction between factions in the Illinois Republican Party, but one leader contends the matter has been resolved.

‘Get out of the way’: Illinois GOP chair calling on Pritzker to work with Trump administration – WBBM, February 7, 2025

The Illinois Republican Party is urging Governor Pritzker to cooperate with the Trump Administration.

State Sen. Craig Wilcox: Fiscal storm is brewing in Springfield. We must protect funds for local governments – Shaw Local, February 9, 2025

Illinois is heading into a fiscal storm in 2025, facing a trifecta of challenges that could have mammoth consequences for both the state and its municipalities.

States accuse Trump administration of continuing to block federal climate funding – Politico, February 7, 2025

A group of state attorneys general accused the Trump administration Friday of continuing to block access to federal funding for state climate programs, despite a court order to unfreeze federal funds.

Brandon Johnson begins housecleaning with aviation, emergency management, police accountability chiefs – Crain’s Chicago Business, February 14, 2025

Jamie Rhee is retiring as commissioner of the Chicago Department of Aviation after seven years in the job, one of several City Hall departures after Mayor Brandon Johnson promised a housecleaning earlier this week.

Inspector General alleges city law department obstructs investigations to protect high-ranking officials – The Daily Line, February 14, 2025

Chicago Inspector General Deborah Witzburg’s office sent a scathing memo to the City Council ethics committee last week in which it recommended code changes meant to cease what the inspector described as obstructionist actions by the city’s law department to hinder investigations of the mayor and other top city officials.

Kaegi hopes state property tax circuit breaker legislation creates ‘system that’s fair for all’ – The Daily Line, February 14, 2025

Twin pieces of legislation to help homeowners that have experienced significant spikes in their property tax bills were filed in the state House and Senate last week. The legislation is backed by the Cook County assessor.

City watchdog: Mayor Brandon Johnson and other mayoral administrations have hindered probes over fear of political embarrassment – Chicago Tribune, February 14, 2025

Chicago’s top internal watchdog is blasting Mayor Brandon Johnson and previous administrations for repeatedly hindering independent investigations into misconduct throughout city government out of fear those probes “may result in embarrassment or political consequences to City leaders.”

Illinois Supreme Court justice’s campaign took $40K contribution from crooked ex-Chicago alderman – Chicago Sun Times, February 14, 2025

Imprisoned former Ald. Edward M. Burke’s Burnham Committee gave the money to a fund for Justice Joy V. Cunningham days after her November election victory. She won’t say why her campaign took the money despite the former Chicago City Council member’s corruption conviction.

See how rising prices in Chicago compare to other metro areas – Crain’s Chicago Business, February 13, 2025

Kaegi-backed property tax circuit breaker legislation filed in Springfield – The Daily Line, February 13, 2025

House Bill 3808, named the Circuit Breaker Property Tax Relief Act, was filed by Rep. Justin Slaughter (D-Chicago) Friday and would provide income-eligible state residents that receive either the general homestead exemption or the general alternative homestead exemption and who have experienced a property tax bill spike with a grant covering up to half of the increase in their bill.

Bill to lure Chicago Bears to Indiana passes out of House committee – Chicago Tribune, February 12, 2025

A bill aimed at attracting the Chicago Bears, or another sports franchise, to Northwest Indiana passed out of the Indiana House Ways and Means committee Tuesday with two amendments. House Bill 1292 would establish a Northwest Indiana professional sports development commission, which would study plans to attract one or more professional sports franchises.

Johnson follows through on promise to shine the light on gifts, releases video of storage room – Chicago Sun Times, February 12, 2025

In the 22-second video, the camera pans a room of items — shelves filled with hats, T-shirts, sweaters, jackets, books and even a NASCAR racing suit. The log since Johnson took office is pretty much as described by the city’s inspector general.

Acting CTA President Pledges Outreach, Engagement as Agency Works to Tackle Budget Gap and Draw Back Passengers – WTTW, February 12, 2025

Nora Leerhsen, who has worked at the CTA for more than 10 years, took over as its leader on Feb. 1. At Wednesday’s meeting of the agency’s board, Leerhsen told directors she spent her first days on the job traveling across the system and its facilities to meet with employees, reaching out to elected officials and working to better understand the most frequent complaints from passengers.

Mayor Johnson’s looking at a range of gunshot-detection systems — including ShotSpotter – Chicago Sun Times, February 12, 2025

Bidding for a new contract is now underway after Johnson’s controversial decision to end Chicago’s relationship with ShotSpotter, which recently responded to a formal “request for information” from the city.

Transportation committee approves changes to ban on parking cars solely for sale purposes, delays vote on measure to require nominees to lead CTA to testify – The Daily Line, February 12, 2025

The City Council Committee on Transportation and Public Way on Tuesday delayed a vote on an ordinance that would require the nominees to lead the Chicago Transit Authority (CTA) to testify before the transportation committee before starting in their roles.

Johnson warns of City Hall housecleaning triggered by disloyalty: ‘If you ain’t with us, you gotta go’ – Chicago Sun-Times, February 11, 2025

Johnson’s ominous warning before a church audience Monday night has fueled speculation about a high-level political purge as the struggling rookie mayor approaches the midterm mark.

Chicago says it hopes to open city-owned market instead of city-owned grocery store – Chicago Tribune, February 11, 2025

A year and a half ago, Chicago Mayor Brandon Johnson first floated the idea of opening a city-owned grocery store. Now, city officials say they have scrapped their public grocery store plans in favor of opening a public market.

Ethics Board ‘Revokes’ Informal Agreement That Allowed Mayor to Accept Pricey Gifts – wttw, February 11, 2025

Mayor Brandon Johnson is subject to the city’s ethics ordinance and prohibited from accepting most gifts worth more than $50, the Chicago Board of Ethics announced Monday.

Finance committee approves $830M bond issuance, delays vote on Dexter Reed settlement – The Daily Line, February 11, 2025

The City Council Committee on Finance on Monday delayed a vote on a controversial legal settlement tied to a fatal police shooting but approved a massive general obligation bond issuance, sending the final vote to the City Council next week.

Transportation committee to consider measure to require CTA president nominees to testify in front of alderpeople – The Daily Line, February 11, 2025

The City Council transportation committee on Tuesday will consider an ordinance that would require the nominees to lead the Chicago Transit Authority to testify before the transportation committee before starting in their roles.

Finance Committee signs off on Johnson’s $830 million general obligation bond issue – Chicago Sun Times, February 11, 2025

After last year’s budget stalemate, Standard & Poor’s dropped Chicago’s bond rating, which determines the city’s borrowing costs. That’s expected to cost Chicago taxpayers tens of millions of dollars over the next 40 years, and the $830 million bond issue OK’d Monday by the Finance Committee will be the first major test.

6th Ward incumbent Suffredin refutes challenger Chow’s ‘conflict of interest’ claims – The Daily Northwestern, February 8, 2025

Ald. Tom Suffredin (6th) pushed back after 6th Ward candidate Candance Chow alleged Suffredin is a “walking conflict of interest” in a Thursday morning news release.

Equality Illinois’ Chicago gala honors activist who led charge to legalize same-sex marriage in 2015 – ABC7 Chicago, February 8, 2025

This year marks 10 years since same-sex marriage was legalized in the United States. Equality Illinois celebrated that milestone, but with a new White House administration, advocates said they are concerned that LGBTQ+ rights are under fire.

Limited supply to lift downtown apartment rents in 2025 – Crain’s Chicago Business, February 10, 2025

It got more expensive to rent an apartment downtown in 2024, and the sticker shock is likely to get a lot worse this year.

Finance committee to consider $1.25M Dexter Reed case settlement, $830M general obligation bond issuance – The Daily Line, February 10, 2025

The City Council Committee on Finance on Monday will consider several multimillion-dollar legal settlements, the annual designation of municipal depositories, the issuance of general obligation bonds and the disbursement of tax increment financing (TIF) assistance.

Immigration advocates rally in Little Village in response to Trump administration sweeps – WBEZ Chicago, February 9, 2025

Some residents were afraid to go outside last week. Now, the community “needs to stand up for each other,” one protester said.

Chicago restaurant workers prepare as ICE arrests cast fear, uncertainty over industry – Chicago Tribune, February 10, 2025

For the first time in her 15 years working in a Chicago restaurant, Malena knows what to do if immigration officials come knocking at her workplace.

Chicago to be home of global COVID-19 monument to honor victims, frontline workers – Chicago Sun-Times, February 10, 2025

The illuminated, 25-foot, stainless steel monument in the Illinois Medical District could be completed later this year.