Michael Madigan’s defense team rested Thursday, nearly three months after opening statements and testimony began in the landmark case. Here is what you need to know about the case.

As ComEd’s lead external lobbyist for years, McClain took Madigan’s job recommendations and referred them to leaders at the utility for consideration. McClain’s attorney Pat Cotter characterized the efforts as merely “favors” in closing arguments this week, which are allowed in the practice of lobbying.

Co-defendant Mike McClain's defense attorney said this trial is about lobbying and politics during closing arguments Tuesday. McClain is charged in only six of the 23 counts. Patrick Cotter highlighted that there is no key evidence that supports the government's theory that there was bribery and conspiracy.

The investigation that led to Michael Madigan’s indictment changed the course of Chicago history. It also prompted a historic trial at the Dirksen Federal Courthouse that began in October and gave jurors a front-row seat to raw Illinois politics as it was practiced in the previous decade.

Former Illinois House Speaker Michael Madigan collected a pension worth $158,000 in 2024 while facing a federal corruption trial in Chicago. Depending on the verdict, taxpayers could be on the hook for another $1 million to cover his remaining benefits.

Madigan faces a 23-count indictment in federal court, charging him with racketeering conspiracy, bribery, wire fraud, and attempted extortion.

A federal jury began deliberations Wednesday afternoon in the trial of Michael Madigan, the former Illinois House speaker charged with several counts of corruption, bribery and racketeering.

Defense attorney Patrick Cotter made the comment in the midst of his nearly five-hour closing argument Tuesday in the corruption trial of Michael Madigan and Michael McClain. Jurors are expected to begin deliberating Wednesday.

The jury has completed its first full day of deliberations at the corruption trial of former Illinois House Speaker Michael Madigan and codefendant Michael McClain. Deliberations began Wednesday afternoon in a trial that began with jury selection on Oct.

About 14-and-a-half weeks after the jury was first seated in former Illinois House Speaker Michael Madigan's federal bribery and racketeering trial, his fate, and that of his co-defendant Mike McClain is now in their hands.

The jury began their first full day of deliberations on Thursday - 14-and-a-half weeks after being seated in former Illinois House Speaker Michael Madigan's federal bribery and racketeering trial.