Former Illinois Speaker Pleads Not Guilty to Federal Racketeering Charges

Michael Madigan on the floor as the Illinois House of Representatives convenes at the Bank of Springfield Center, in Ill., on Jan. 8, 2021. E. Jason Wambsgans/Chicago Tribune/TNS

By Jason Meisner and Ray Long From Chicago Tribune

CHICAGO—In his nearly four decades atop Illinois’ political power structure, former House Speaker Michael Madigan was well-known for his aversion to talking on the phone.