McLean County Times

In a federal courtroom in Chicago, one of Illinois' significant public corruption trials commenced this week. Jury selection began on Tuesday for the trial of former Illinois House Speaker Michael Madigan, accused of delivering official acts in exchange for personal benefits.

Madigan served as the Speaker of the House for 36 years until his departure from office in 2021. He was indicted in 2022 and is alleged to have wielded considerable power both as Speaker and through various political roles within his Chicago ward and across the state. Prosecutors claim that this concentration of power led lobbyists and others with pending bills to engage in corrupt deals with Madigan for his support.

According to the Chicago Tribune, Madigan faces "a 23-count indictment alleging Madigan’s vaunted state and political operations were run like a criminal enterprise to amass and increase his power and enrich himself and his associates." The trial proceedings are set to continue next week.

Despite these developments, little has changed in Springfield's power structure, which contributed to this week's corruption trial. Power remains concentrated among a few individuals at the Capitol. Legislation not favored by the House Speaker does not advance, preventing numerous bills from receiving hearings or votes. This includes proposals for ethics reform, which have repeatedly been blocked despite previous indictments involving former Speaker Madigan's associates.

In other news, Rep. Bunting recently addressed Senator Tom Bennett’s Youth Advisory Council comprising students from 15 schools within the 53rd Senate District. During the event, students proposed bills after a brief brainstorming session. The Safe Water Act emerged as the winning proposal following a group vote.

Meanwhile, Illinois faces financial challenges with $1,725,362,519 in unpaid bills currently submitted to the Comptroller for payment—a figure that fluctuates daily. Last year around this time, there were $1.2 billion in outstanding payments.

In related headlines: efforts are underway to aid hurricane-affected areas; IDOT is hiring highway maintainers; Joliet Junior College hosts a Red Ribbon Week contest; grants are available through Grundy County's Community Foundation; and October marks Breast Cancer Awareness Month.