Former ComEd CEO, lobbyist must be retried

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Chicago Tribune Opinion

Thursday, April 16, 2026

 
 

Good morning.

When I was working for another employer, I sat through virtually every minute of the six-week trial of the so-called ComEd Four back in 2023. It was one of the most fascinating experiences of my journalism career, which has gone on longer than I care to admit.

So it was particularly interesting to me to see a federal appellate court decide a few days ago to release former ComEd CEO Anne Pramaggiore and longtime Springfield lobbyist Michael McClain from prison. Andrew Boutros, U.S. attorney for the Northern District of Illinois, soon will have to decide whether to retry them using new guidelines provided for such public corruption cases by the Supreme Court.

It's not a slam-dunk decision, but the editorial board argues that he should.

Separately, the possibility of a merger of United Airlines and American Airlines seems remote despite recent reporting to that effect. Just in case, though, the board says it must not be allowed to happen.

There are interesting things afoot in the South Loop where billionaire Justin Ishbia, part owner of the Chicago White Sox, recently made a big real estate purchase. A prominent advocate for reenvisioning urban housing argues that Ishbia could have a Daniel Burnham-like effect on our town.

A growing number of colleges and universities are facing existential issues. A dean at San Diego State University argues that online education for adults is part of the solution for higher education. But not just any old online education. Check it out.

And I loved the framing in our third piece by an Iranian American writer in Chicago who said it's not Iran's ancient civilization she's worried about surviving; it's the civilization in this country.

As you can see, a packed Opinion page today. Don't forget reader letters. We'll be back tomorrow.

— Steve Daniels, editorial board member

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Editorial: U.S. Attorney Andrew Boutros should retry Anne Pramaggiore and Michael McClain

What constitutes felonious political corruption? We need to find out after the successful “ComEd Four” appeals.

Read more →

Editorial: No, United’s Scott Kirby, you should not be able to swallow American Airlines

A merger between United and American Airlines must never be allowed to happen.

Read more →

Alicia Pederson: Make no little plans, Justin Ishbia

Justin Ishbia must turn the Amtrak rail yard he plans to buy into a real Chicago-style neighborhood that can be used year-round.

Read more →

Ian Gibson: The enrollment cliff is here. Online education is higher ed’s most viable antidote.

The enrollment cliff is a structural challenge that will require institutions to rethink how they serve and support students.

Read more →

Melody Moezzi: It’s not Persian civilization I’m worried about

Even if Donald Trump demolished every building in all of Iran, he couldn’t come close to destroying Persian civilization.

Read more →

Letters: Pope Leo needs to bring a historical perspective to the war in Iran

If the pope is truly interested in bringing about world peace, why doesn’t he focus on a major, larger threat?

Read more →
 

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