Jon Seidel

The call from Illinois’ Democratic senators comes nearly two weeks after the case against a group of Operation Midway Blitz protesters collapsed amid claims of misconduct by U.S. Attorney Andrew Boutros’ office. It’s significant given the senators’ traditional role in selecting Chicago’s top federal prosecutor.

U.S. Attorney Andrew Boutros made the highly unusual announcement Thursday, hours after the private meeting was held about redactions made by prosecutors to a set of grand jury transcripts.

Homeland Security Assistant Secretary Tricia McLaughlin insists “we aren’t leaving Chicago,” but the feds’ immigration campaign is expected to begin winding down. However, one source said they could come back with even greater numbers next March.

For federal workers living paycheck to paycheck, the shutdown could mean choosing between paying for groceries or prescriptions, says National Treasury Employees Union National President Doreen Greenwald.

Immigration agents wearing tactical gear and carrying long guns made arrests in downtown Chicago and the River North neighborhood Sunday. “This is not making anybody safer — it’s a show of intimidation,” Gov. JB Pritzker said.

The request from Madigan’s lawyers is no surprise. They warned Judge John Blakey it’d be coming after Blakey handed down a harsh sentence June 13.

Michael Madigan, the country’s longest-serving state House leader, served as speaker of the Illinois House from 1983 until 2021, with the exception of two years. Along the way, he developed a reputation as an all-powerful political wizard who wielded vast influence over laws affecting nearly every aspect of life in the state.

Madigan was the longest-serving state House leader in U.S. history, spending 36 years as speaker of the Illinois House of Representatives. Prosecutors want a judge to give him 12 ½ years in prison.

Madigan is scheduled to be sentenced Friday.

A judge also denied Madigan’s bid for a new trial, bringing the once-powerful Democrat ever closer to his sentencing Friday.