Overview
- Oral arguments opened at the Seventh Circuit in Michael Madigan’s bid to overturn his public corruption conviction.
- Madigan’s lawyers argued prosecutors stretched bribery and fraud laws and said jurors should have been required to find an explicit quid pro quo rather than rely on a “stream of benefits” theory.
- A three-judge panel will take the case under advisement, so no ruling is expected for weeks.
- State Attorney General Kwame Raoul sought $15 million more for fiscal 2027 and faced Republican scrutiny over case results as he cited a $21.45 return for every operational dollar over seven years.
- More than 300 Illinois State University service workers went on strike for higher pay and workplace dignity, affecting building, dining, and grounds operations on campus.