Good afternoon, Chicago.
An email — which was shown to a federal jury in former AT&T President Paul La Schiazza’s bribery trial today — set in motion what that federal prosecutors allege was a scheme by the phone giant to win Madigan’s support on key legislation by hiring Acevedo for a do-nothing consulting gig in exchange for the speaker’s support of key legislation that AT&T wanted passed in Springfield.
La Schiazza, 66, was charged in an indictment returned by a federal grand jury in October 2022 with conspiracy, federal program bribery and using a facility in interstate commerce to promote unlawful activity. The most serious counts carry up to 20 years in prison if convicted. He has pleaded not guilty and been free on bond while his case is pending.
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.
Subscribe to more newsletters | Puzzles & Games | Daily horoscope | Ask Amy
Cyclist completes world-record attempt in downtown Chicago: ‘I felt like I could just keep riding forever’
Celebrated endurance bicyclist Lael Wilcox finished a 108-day journey around the world at Chicago’s Buckingham Fountain Wednesday evening, completing a trip of more than 18,000 miles in a bid to break the Guinness World Record for fastest circumnavigation of the world on a bike by a woman. Read more here.
More top news stories:
- Aldermen call on Mayor Johnson aide to resign over social media post, police comment
- Huge hole in South Side street disrupts neighborhood for months
With flavors such as honey barbecue pineapple and jalapeno pepper jack, Yorkville butcher shop a haven for fans of beef sticks
Visitors to Dave’s Meat Market in Yorkville will find the usual cuts of beef, pork and chicken awaiting them behind the counter, but the shop has also become renowned for its beef sticks, making more than 30 flavors over the years of the smoky, chewy snacks. Read more here.
More top business stories:
- UIC pharmacy school gets $36 million donation from late Chicago pharmacy owners
- Five Naperville companies named among fastest growing in the country by Inc. Magazine
3 things we learned about Chicago Blackhawks prospects, including why Artyom Levshunov’s camp ended before it began
This year’s roster won’t lack for talent when the Hawks take on the St. Louis Blues prospects Friday and the Minnesota Wild on Saturday at Centene Community Ice Center in Maryland Heights, Mo. Read more here.
More top sports stories:
- Rough night for Chicago Cubs lefty Jordan Wicks, who is trying to finish the season strong after missed time
- Column: Jerry Reinsdorf concedes the obvious — it’s a ‘very painful’ season for Chicago White Sox fans
Column: At the Film Center, 4 reasons why democracy’s always on the verge of a nervous breakdown
Presented by the nonpartisan League of Women Voters of Chicago in conjunction with the Film Center operating under the School of the Art Institute of Chicago auspices, the film series comes with the aim of getting out of the vote, however the votes fall. Read more here.
More top Eat. Watch. Do. stories:
- Haunted houses are getting ready to scare up a good time this season
- Taylor Swift wins big at MTV Video Music Awards, ties Beyoncé’s record and thanks Travis Kelce
Harris and Trump are jockeying for battleground states after their debate faceoff
Harris has her sights set on North Carolina, where she’s scheduled to hold rallies in Charlotte and Greensboro on Thursday, while Trump is heading west to Tucson, Arizona, as he looks to stabilize his campaign. Read more here.
More top stories from around the world: