Michael F. Welch, age 44, of Glenview, IL. Beloved husband of Megan Welch nee Nelson. Loving father of Grace Marie and Louis Patrick Welch. Devoted son of Mary nee Masterson and the late Patrick ...

(WLS) -- One day after making history by being the first Black person elected as Speaker of the Illinois House ... that powerful position. Welch is succeeding Mike Madigan, who has held the ...

CHICAGO (WLS) -- A new era in Illinois government begins with the selection of Rep. Emanuel "Chris" Welch as House speaker, ending Mike Madigan's record-setting reign. Better Government ...

Outgoing House Speaker Michael Madigan, D-Chicago, gets a standing ... and others took to Twitter to congratulate Welch. It's a momentous day in Illinois. For the first time, a Black Illinoisan ...

CHICAGO (CBS ... gavel from embattled Speaker Michael Madigan. After the new Illinois General Assembly was sworn in Wednesday afternoon, the House elected Welch as Speaker by a 70-44 vote ...

AP Share In 2016, Illinois lawmakers ... By taking the heat for them, Welch earned the appreciation of his fellow legislators, Democrats and Republicans. As Michael J. Madigan proved over a ...