Chicago Magazine named Madigan as the fourth most powerful Chicagoan in 2012 and as the second in both 2013 and 2014, earning him the nickname "the Velvet Hammer—a.k.a. the Real Governor of Illinois."

15 hours ago · Michael Madigan — Madigan, also known as the “Velvet Hammer,” was the longest-serving state legislative leader in the country before his resignation in 2021. The Chicago Democrat from the 13th Ward served as a state representative for 50 years and as House Speaker for a record 36 years.

11 hours ago · The jury began their first full day of deliberations on Thursday - 14-and-a-half weeks after being seated in former Illinois House Speaker Michael Madigan's federal bribery and racketeering trial.

1 day ago · When Michael J. Madigan’s longtime friend penned a retirement letter in 2016, he compared the record-breaking Illinois House speaker to Chicago’s famous “Boss” mayor, the late Richard J ...

1 day ago · Former Illinois House Speaker Michael Madigan is on trial for corruption, bribery, and racketeering, with prosecutors alleging he exploited his political power for personal gain and financial ...

10 hours ago · CHICAGO (WLS) -- 14-and-a-half weeks after the jury was first seated in former Illinois House Speaker Michael Madigan's federal bribery and racketeering trial, his fate, and that of his co ...

1 day ago · Former Illinois House Speaker Mike Madigan was on the witness stand again in his corruption trial on Monday, and he was grilled about political appointees as well as patronage in Chicago politics ...

1 day ago · CHICAGO (WLS) -- The corruption trial for former Illinois House Speaker Michael Madigan continues. Madigan had been indicted on federal racketeering and bribery charges as a part of what federal ...

1 day ago · CHICAGO (CBS) --Following 11 weeks of testimony and several days of closing arguments, a jury has begun deliberations in the landmark corruption trial of former Illinois House Speaker Michael Madigan.

Oct 6, 2024 · CHICAGO (AP) — Once lauded as the longest-serving legislative leader in American history, Michael Madigan will enter a federal courtroom this week on charges he used his vast influence to run a “criminal enterprise” to amass even more wealth and power.