It’s a crucial moment that shifts Madigan’s trial into a new phase. Madigan and co-defendant Michael McClain are on trial for a racketeering conspiracy, outlined in a sweeping 117-page indictment alleging five separate schemes.

After nine weeks of prosecution witnesses, defense attorneys in the blockbuster corruption trial of ex-House Speaker Michael Madigan and his longtime confidante Michael McClain began presenting their case to jurors Wednesday by calling someone who,

Former Illinois House Speaker Michael Madigan – a mainstay of Illinois political power for over four decades – is pictured leaving the Dirksen Federal Courthouse earlier this year after a hearing regarding the corruption charges he faces. Opening statements in his trial are slated for next week.