Good afternoon, Chicago.
In a stunning and risky move, ex-House Speaker Michael Madigan has taken the stand in his own public corruption trial today.
“Your honor, the defense calls Mike Madigan,” attorney Dan Collins said, and jurors snapped to attention.
Madigan was sworn in, sat down, unscrewed the top of a bottle of water and began answering questions in a loud, plain Chicago accent. Dressed in a gray suit and blue and red tie, Madigan looked directly at the jury as he spoke, using his hands and talking conversationally.
Follow along for updates from the courtroom.
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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Anthony Clark gets $25K payout in resignation agreement with Oak Park and River Forest High School
School officials declined to confirm or deny whether discharge proceedings had begun against Anthony Clark or say why they paid him $25,000 to resign, stating that they wouldn’t comment on personnel matters. Read more here.
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Illinois moves to high levels of respiratory illnesses amid uptick across the country
The increase is not a surprise, given that this is the typical season for spikes in the flu, RSV and COVID-19, health officials and doctors say. Read more here.
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![Chicago Bulls guard Coby White dunks the ball past San Antonio Spurs center Victor Wembanyama to give the Bulls a 113-110 lead in the final minute of the fourth period at the United Center on Monday, Jan. 6, 2025. (Armando L. Sanchez/Chicago Tribune)](https://localbusinessheadlines.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/01/CTC-L-bulls-spurs-0106-27_217598990_b616ce.jpg)
‘I’ve got to dunk it’: Coby White put Victor Wembanyama on a poster to lead the Chicago Bulls’ comeback win
The toughest matchup of the game was between San Antonio Spurs center Victor Wembanyama and Bulls center Nikola Vučević. Read more here.
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![Artistic director Nan Giordano and dancers of Giordano Dance Chicago at a Harris Theater rehearsal on Sept. 29, 2022. (E. Jason Wambsgans/Chicago Tribune)](https://localbusinessheadlines.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/01/CT-giordano10.jpg)
Dance for winter 2025: Top 10 shows to warm up the coldest, darkest months
Chicago summers have a lot to offer, but dance lovers can’t sleep on the cold months. Here are some anticipated highlights of the winter season. Read more here.
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![Mourners view the changing of guard of the joint services military honor guard as the casket of former President Jimmy Carter as he lies in repose at the Jimmy Carter Presidential Library and Museum in Atlanta, Tuesday, Jan. 7, 2025. Carter died Dec. 29 at the age of 100. (AP Photo/Alex Brandon, Pool)](https://localbusinessheadlines.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/01/AP25007457505385.jpg)
Jimmy Carter on his way back to Washington, where he remained an outsider
The former president’s remains, which had been lying in repose at the Carter Presidential Center since Saturday, left the Atlanta campus this morning, accompanied by his children and extended family. Read more here.
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