Madigan wants acquittal as prosecutors seek $3M
Michael Madigan’s defense lawyers are seeking the former Illinois House speaker’s acquittal on federal corruption charges.
In a legal filing Friday, Madigan’s defense team repeated claims they made during the trial that the court made errors in admitting and excluding evidence. Prosecutors are asking for $3.1 million from Madigan for payments made to ComEd contractors and subcontractors.
Judge John Robert Blakey is expected to consider the motions before Madigan’s sentencing, which is scheduled on June 13.
Damage from Sunday’s storms
Power has been restored for thousands of Illinoisans after strong storms moved through the state Sunday.
Tornado warnings were issued in east central Illinois during the afternoon with a possible funnel cloud located southwest of Champaign-Urbana. A storage building owned by Illinois Foundation Seeds was brought to the ground with debris scattered several hundred yards away.
Strong storms moved through the Chicago area as well, bringing high winds and prompting tornado warnings.
Chicago teachers close on new contract
Chicago Public Schools and Chicago Teachers Union leaders say they are getting close to a new collective bargaining agreement. The two sides have been without a contract since June 30.
CTU president Stacy Davis Gates said in December that teachers would be getting a “legendary” contract. CPS CEO Pedro Martinez said at the time that CTU revised its proposed cost-of-living raises from 9% every year of the agreement to 6% the first two years of the deal and 5% the last two years.