Good morning, Chicago.
After nearly three months, more than 60 witnesses and a surprising turn on the stand from the defendant himself, the evidence phase of former House Speaker Michael Madigan’s corruption trial has drawn to a close.
Madigan’s attorneys formally rested yesterday, followed by a brief rebuttal case from prosecutors, who then also rested. Jurors were set to return Wednesday to begin hearing instructions and closing arguments, which will stretch over at least three days.
The prosecution featured nearly 150 wiretapped phone calls and undercover videos as well as testimony from two now-legendary FBI moles: former ComEd executive Fidel Marquez and, most memorably, ex-Ald. Daniel Solis, who began cooperating with the government after being confronted with evidence of his own salacious misdeeds.
The defense put on a dozen witnesses, including Madigan himself, who regaled the jury with tales from his strict, Southwest Side Irish Catholic upbringing and flatly denied any wrongdoing. Prosecutors, however, were able to confront him on cross-examination about his many statements on the government’s wiretaps, including one where he allegedly laughed that some of his associates had “made out like bandits.”
The landmark trial, which began with jury selection on Oct. 8, has been a fascinating dive into the inner workings of state politics as well as Madigan’s vaunted political machine.
Read the full story from the Tribune’s Jason Meisner and Megan Crepeau.
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Israel’s security Cabinet meets to vote on a ceasefire to pause the war in Gaza and release hostages
Israel’s security Cabinet convened to vote on a ceasefire deal after Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu confirmed an agreement had been reached that would pause the 15-month war with Hamas in Gaza and release dozens of hostages held by Hamas there.
President Joe Biden commutes sentences of nearly 2,500 people convicted on nonviolent drug charges
Biden announced today that he was commuting the sentences of almost 2,500 people convicted of nonviolent drug offenses, using his final days in office on a flurry of clemency actions meant to nullify prison terms he deemed too harsh.
Illinois State Board of Education asks for $11.4 billion in funding as state faces substantial budget deficit
The Illinois State Board of Education approved a nearly $11.4 billion budget request this week for the upcoming fiscal year, amounting to a 4.6% increase from this year, as the state prepares to face a substantial budget deficit.
Cook County board pays $180,000 settlement involving Board of Review commissioner
The Cook County Board awarded $180,000 to a former county employee that sued Board of Review commissioner Samantha Steele for wrongful termination.
The county’s top watchdog, meanwhile, dinged Board of Review members for ignoring its own rules when hiring new staff, many of whom he found were politically connected to the commissioners.
The Indiana Statehouse, as seen on Jan. 4, 2021. (Michael Gard/Post-Tribune)
Northwest Indiana representatives file bills addressing mental health, higher education and Constitution change
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The “Home Alone” house at 671 Lincoln Ave., Winnetka, is one of the most famous movie filming locations on the North Shore.
Winnetka house made famous by the movie ‘Home Alone’ sells for $5.5M
The red brick Georgian Revival mansion in Winnetka made famous by the 1990 film “Home Alone” sold on Thursday for $5.5 million — slightly above its $5.25 million asking price.
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Chicago Bulls’ and Blackhawks’ plan to begin remaking the neighborhood surrounding United Center wins commission approval
The Chicago Plan Commission yesterday endorsed the first phase of a plan by the Reinsdorf and Wirtz families to remake the Near West Side neighborhood around the United Center.
This initial step will include the privately financed construction of a 6,000-seat music hall, a boutique hotel and nearly 10 acres of green space, including play areas for all age groups. The initial phase also includes several parking garages topped by elevated parks open to the public, with retail spaces and cafes on the ground floors.
Chicago Cubs and slugger Kyle Tucker agree to a $16.5 million salary for 2025 to avoid arbitration
Kyle Tucker’s introduction to the Cubs organization won’t involve an arbitration hearing during spring training.
The Cubs and their new slugger have agreed to a $16.5 million salary for 2025 to avoid arbitration, a source confirmed to the Tribune on Thursday. Tucker had filed at $17.5 million while the Cubs were at $15 million, which had been the largest gap among arbitration-eligible players who had not reached terms with their respective teams.
Sergio Santos takes over as Triple-A manager as Chicago White Sox make changes to player development staff
A former major-leaguer whose career included two seasons as a reliever with the Sox, Sergio Santos remembers making the leap from Double A to Triple A as a player — first as an infielder and then as a pitcher. He believes that experience will come in handy.
A crowd parades down State Street to the Coliseum on April 3, 1971, in Chicago in memory of slain civil rights leader Rev. Martin Luther King Jr. In the years after King’s death, memorial events occurred in April and January to honor him. In 1973, Illinois was the first state to make MLK Day a legal holiday.
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We remember Rev. Martin Luther King Jr. each January 15, which was the slain civil rights leader’s birthday. But, did you know, Illinois was the first state to recognize it as a holiday?
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Also around the area these next few days, “Black Panther” in concert, comedian Alex Moffat and country star Kelsea Ballerini.
