Defense attorneys for former Illinois House Speaker Michael Madigan and codefendant Michael McClain are set to begin presenting their case Wednesday in a corruption trial that has captured significant attention. The trial, which involves 23 counts of bribery, racketeering, and official misconduct, centers around the alleged "Madigan Enterprise" scheme in which utilities like ComEd and AT&T Illinois allegedly provided no-work jobs and contracts to individuals loyal to Madigan in exchange for favorable legislation in Springfield.
On Monday, Judge Juan Merchan rejected a motion by former President Donald Trump’s legal team to dismiss charges brought by Manhattan District Attorney Alvin Bragg on the grounds of presidential immunity.
In a surprising move, the judge overseeing the corruption trial of former Illinois House Speaker Michael Madigan instructed the jury on Monday to disregard all testimony from Illinois state Rep. Bob Rita, D-Blue Island. Judge John Robert Blakey gave no explanation for the decision, despite Rita’s brief testimony on October 24.
President-elect Donald Trump announced Monday during a press conference at Mar-a-Lago that he would consider pardoning New York City Mayor Eric Adams, who was indicted on federal corruption charges in September. The charges allege Adams exchanged favors for Turkey in return for campaign contributions, which were then used to obtain matching city campaign funds. The indictment also claims Adams received benefits, such as hotel upgrades, in connection to the arrangement.
A Venezuelan migrant, Pedro Luis Parra Pulgar, 46, is facing serious charges in Texas after allegedly setting his Fulshear home on fire with his three children inside. Pulgar has been charged with three counts of attempted murder and one count of arson in connection to the incident, which occurred on November 6, 2024.
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s testimony in his corruption trial was postponed on Monday under special circumstances, sparking speculation about critical developments regarding either a hostage deal with Hamas or a potential military strike on Iran.
Switzerland's highest court has ruled that parents must comply with their 17-year-old daughter’s gender transition or face potential criminal charges, after she was removed from their custody.
