Good afternoon! It’s Friday, and while my sense of time has been a bit skewed these past couple of weeks, here’s a rundown of today’s news.
1. Madigan Corruption Trial Update: The racketeering conspiracy trial of former Illinois House Speaker Michael Madigan and his longtime ally, Michael McClain, is poised to resume next week after a holiday break. However, the legal proceedings are still grappling with a significant hurdle: the definition of “corruptly.” As Jon Seidel reports for the Chicago Sun-Times, Judge John Blakey and the lawyers must finalize over 100 pages of jury instructions, a process complicated by the ongoing debate over the meaning of this crucial word. This debate even reached the U.S. Supreme Court last spring during the case against former Portage, Indiana Mayor James Snyder, resulting in a ruling that clarified federal bribery law but ultimately left the definition of “corruptly” unresolved. Madigan’s attorneys plan to call witnesses from his tax appeals law firm and an accountant for former Alderman Danny Solis, who secretly recorded conversations for the FBI.
2. New Trial Granted in Hadiya Pendleton Murder Case: The Illinois Supreme Court deadlocked on an appeals court ruling that overturned the conviction of Michael Ward, the alleged shooter in the 2013 murder of Hadiya Pendleton. This decision comes just weeks before the 12th anniversary of Pendleton’s death, a tragedy that garnered national attention due to its proximity to President Barack Obama’s home and Pendleton’s participation in a pre-inauguration event in Washington, D.C. Ward, who was 18 at the time of his arrest, received an 84-year prison sentence. The appeals court reversed the conviction, citing Ward’s repeated invocation of his right to remain silent during a lengthy interrogation. Cook County State’s Attorney Eileen O’Neill Burke’s office has stated they are reviewing legal options to secure justice for Pendleton and her family.
3. Jason Lee Navigates Political Challenges for Mayor Johnson: Fran Spielman of the Chicago Sun-Times profiles Jason Lee, a senior aide to Chicago Mayor Brandon Johnson, who is helping the mayor navigate a tumultuous first year in office. Lee, the son of a civil rights champion and a Harvard graduate, acknowledges the intense pressure of Chicago politics, stating that anyone in such a position will face opposition. Johnson faced a difficult budget process, a defeated “Bring Chicago Home” referendum, and criticism over his handling of the Chicago Public Schools CEO situation.
4. Derrick Rose’s Floral Surprise: Former NBA star Derrick Rose surprised Chicago fans yesterday with a pop-up flower shop, distributing thousands of free rose bouquets. The event, a collaboration with Planks & Pistils, preceded “Derrick Rose Night” at the Chicago Bulls game against the New York Knicks. Fans praised Rose for his generosity and humility.
5. Cozy Up with a Winter Mystery: NPR offers a list of mystery and thriller recommendations perfect for chilly winter evenings. The article highlights titles like “God of the Woods” and “The Kamogawa Food Detectives,” suggesting that the genre is particularly well-suited to the season.
Here’s What Else is Happening: WBEZ’s Curious City explored how people who work outdoors in cold weather stay warm, offering practical tips from mail carriers and photographers.
Tell Me Something Good: Readers shared their excitement for 2025, including a 25th wedding anniversary trip to France, completing a 50-state active travel goal, and a family celebration for a 50th wedding anniversary.
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