Who are the “ComEd Four”? – Chicago Tribune

Good morning, Chicago.

Outside of former House Speaker Michael Madigan, protagonists of the “ComEd Four” bribery conspiracy trial. the names that will start today are hardly nominal.

One was Madigan’s loyal confidant. Another was a popular ComEd executive. There is a consummate lobbyist and political consultant who was the face of the Chicago Urban Club.

But the secretive Madigan, a Chicago Democrat who served a national record 36 years as speaker, not only knew them all, he allegedly knew how they could take care of each other in the peculiar insider politics of Illinois.

So, who are they? ComEd Four? Criminal justice reporter Jason Meisner and investigative reporter Ray Long can explain.

Here are the top stories you need to know to start your day.

Subscribe to other newsletters | COVID-19 tracker | Compare home values ​​by zip code | Puzzles and games | Daily horoscope | Ask Amy | Today’s edition of the electronic newspaper

One of the leading charges in the ComEd Four bribery conspiracy trial, which is expected to begin jury selection today, promises to be a fascinating look at how the never-ending struggle for political power in Illinois could create some amazing alliances.

According to the indictment, then-House Speaker Michael Madigan was involved in a two-year effort to appoint former political foe Juan Ochoa to a lucrative position on Commonwealth Edison’s board of directors, part of a broader scheme by the utility company to exploit the Democratic Party. the influence of the speaker in Springfield.

Beginning January 1, Illinois businesses must providing employees with paid vacation.

The law allows employees of businesses of all sizes up to 40 paid hours a year “for any reason.” Pritzker’s office said the bill would provide “approximately 1.5 million workers” with paid time off.

While the Chicago Bears plan to build a new stadium, taxpayers are still waiting for the old one. A big bill is coming soon—and your primary payment method may not be enough.

Due to refinancing and multi-year interest payments instead of principal, the debt for Soldier Field grew from an original $399 million to $631 million, according to the Illinois Sports Facilities Authority, or ISFA, which manages the debt payments.

Ryan Powles wanted to pay Roquan Smith last summer — he just didn’t want the $20 million annual salary the quarterback wanted. So the Chicago Bears opened free agency in 2023, dumping even more money at the position.

The Bears have agreed to terms with four players Monday after a two-day negotiating window opened leading up to the official start of free agency on Wednesday at 3 p.m. The headliner is Tremaine Edmunds, who the Buffalo Bills selected with the No. 16 overall pick in 2018 — eight slots after the Bears selected Smith.

Can you imagine St. Patrick’s Day in Chicago without him corned beef sandwiches?

They have become something like a restaurant barometer food critic Louise Chu as she began to cover what happened to the great old school jewish deli around Chicago in 2018.