Good afternoon, Chicago.
Jurors in Michael Madigan’s corruption trial heard a key wiretapped phone call today in which the speaker’s longtime confidant told him about a plan to kick thousands of dollars to a loyal ward aide who was ousted after being accused of sexual harassment.
Prosecutors say the plan was part of the response of the speaker’s office to a burgeoning scandal sparked in early 2018 after a former campaign worker, Alaina Hampton, went public with allegations that Kevin Quinn had repeatedly sexually harassed her.
Here’s what else is happening today. And remember, for the latest breaking news in Chicago, visit chicagotribune.com/latest-headlines and sign up to get our alerts on all your devices.
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Chicago firefighter injured after falling down shaft Sunday evening in Humboldt Park
A Chicago firefighter is recovering after a fall during a fire in the Humboldt Park neighborhood Sunday, resulting in a number of broken bones, including broken vertebrae, according to Patrick Clearly, president of the union that represents Chicago firefighters. Read more here.
More top news stories:
- Evanston/Skokie D65 unveils alternatives to grade closures as parents and teachers protest
- Lake County Black Lives Matter co-founder going to jail on contempt charge: ‘They said I was trying to incite a riot’
Federal Reserve is set to cut rates again while facing a hazy post-election outlook
No one knows how Tuesday’s presidential election will turn out, but the Federal Reserve’s move two days later is much easier to predict: With inflation continuing to cool, the Fed is set to cut interest rates for a second time this year. Read more here.
More top business stories:
- Chicago Bulls center Jalen Smith pays nearly $2M for Near North Side condo
- Harvey 147th Street Metra Electric station reopens after two-year rebuild
7 takeaways from the Chicago Blackhawks’ 2nd straight road win, including a sizzling Arvid Söderblom
In San Jose, the Chicago Blackhawks lost a game to the Sharks they probably should’ve won. In Los Angeles, they won a game against the Kings they admit they probably deserved to lose. Read more here.
More top sports stories:
- Column: Big Ten is down to the Big 3 with a month to go before the conference title game
- Chicago Red Stars give up 3 goals in 10 minutes to the Kansas City Current and lose 3-1
Quincy Jones, music titan who was born in Chicago, dies at 91
Quincy Jones, the multitalented music titan whose vast legacy ranged from producing Michael Jackson’s historic “Thriller” album to writing prize-winning film and television scores and collaborating with Frank Sinatra, Ray Charles and hundreds of other recording artists, has died at 91. Read more here.
More top Eat. Watch. Do. stories:
- Review: All-star bandmates of Beat were more than up to the demands of a King Crimson concert
- Brauer Museum of Art on Valparaiso University campus reopens Monday
Here’s what to watch as Election Day approaches in the U.S.
We know there are seven battleground states that will decide the outcome, barring a major surprise. But major questions persist about the timing of the results, the makeup of the electorate, the influx of misinformation — even the possibility of political violence. Read more here.
More top stories from around the world: