Jury selection continues for Madigan's corruption trial in Chicago
- Jury selection for the corruption trial of Michael Madigan resumed on October 15, 2024, with 23 charges against him.
- Reform advocate Alisa Kaplan highlighted the significance of the federal indictment, suggesting it signals a change in Illinois politics.
- The trial's proceedings indicate a serious approach to addressing political corruption in the state.
In the United States, jury selection for the corruption trial of former Illinois House Speaker Michael Madigan resumed on October 15, 2024, at the Everett McKinley Dirksen U.S. Courthouse. Madigan faces 23 counts, including bribery, racketeering, and official misconduct, alongside co-defendant Michael McClain. Reform for Illinois Executive Director Alisa Kaplan emphasized the significance of the federal charges, suggesting they signal a shift away from the longstanding 'Chicago Way' of political corruption. The trial has not garnered as much media attention as previous high-profile cases, such as those involving former governors Rod Blagojevich and George Ryan, both of whom were convicted of corruption-related charges. As of the latest updates, eleven jurors have been seated, with expectations for a twelfth juror to be added soon. The jury selection process has included various questions from both defense and prosecution, indicating a thorough vetting of potential jurors. Kaplan noted the extensive nature of the allegations against Madigan, highlighting the serious implications of the case for Illinois politics and governance.