Madigan arrives in court with jury selection underway
Jury selection is underway in the corruption trial of former Illinois House Speaker Michael Madigan. Judge John Robert Blakey opened the proceedings promptly at 8:57 a.m. Wednesday at the Dirksen U. S. Courthouse in Chicago. Blakey said that all jurors who were scheduled to appear Wednesday did appear. Blakey told jurors that the court would move as fairly and efficiently as possible to honor their sacrifice. He also explained juror rules of conduct. Madigan is facing 23 counts of bribery, racketeering and official misconduct. Both Madigan and co-defendant Michael McClain were present in court Wednesday morning.
Johnson exploring tax increases
Chicago Mayor Brandon Johnson is exploring new ways to close the nearly $1 billion budget deficit the city is currently facing, including possible layoffs and raising taxes. According to Crain’s Chicago Business, the mayor is considering a property tax increase, which would go back on a campaign promise he made not to raise taxes. The city is also planning to save money through the refinancing of bonds.