Good afternoon! It’s Friday, however I’ve misplaced all sense of time the previous couple weeks. Right here’s what you could know at present.
The racketeering conspiracy trial of the previous Illinois Home speaker could also be heading into its ultimate stretch this month, however there’s nonetheless a lot work to do earlier than jurors can lastly start contemplating the mountain of proof that’s been offered since late October, my colleague Jon Seidel writes for the Chicago Solar-Instances.
Madigan and longtime ally Michael McClain are accused of main a prison enterprise designed to reinforce his political energy and reward his allies and associates.
U.S. District Choose John Blakey and attorneys within the case should finalize greater than 100 pages of directions that might be learn to the jury earlier than it deliberates. Which means grappling with a dispute that made all of it the best way to the U.S. Supreme Courtroom final spring: what does the phrase “corruptly” imply?
U.S. Supreme Courtroom justices zeroed in on that very query after they heard oral arguments final April within the corruption case towards former Portage, Ind., Mayor James Snyder. The excessive court docket in the end dominated {that a} federal bribery regulation aimed toward state and native officers doesn’t additionally criminalize after-the-fact rewards generally known as “gratuities.” However it didn’t outline the phrase “corruptly.”
Testimony in Madigan’s trial is about to renew Monday after a two-week vacation break. Madigan’s attorneys had been calling witnesses when the trial paused Dec. 19. They’ve since signaled they wish to name a consultant of Madigan’s tax appeals regulation agency to the stand, in addition to an accountant for former Ald. Danny Solis, who wore a wire towards Madigan for the FBI. [Chicago Sun-Times]
2. The alleged shooter in Hadiya Pendleton’s homicide was granted a brand new trial
Illinois Supreme Courtroom justices had been deadlocked on an appeals court docket ruling that overturned the conviction of Michael Ward. The information comes just some weeks shy of the 12-year anniversary of Pendleton’s 2013 demise in a capturing solely blocks from the South Facet house of then-President Barack Obama.
Per week earlier than she was killed, Pendleton had carried out as a majorette with the King Faculty Prep Excessive Faculty band in Washington, D.C., at an occasion forward of Obama’s second inauguration. First Girl Michelle Obama attended the teenager’s funeral in Chicago, and Obama himself talked about the killing throughout his State of the Union tackle later that yr. The capturing turned a nationwide image of Chicago’s gun violence.
Ward, who was 18 when he was arrested on the day of Pendleton’s funeral, was sentenced to 84 years in jail for her homicide. The appeals court docket final yr dominated Ward had repeatedly invoked his proper to stay silent throughout an interrogation that spanned greater than 12 hours. That ruling reversed his conviction and likewise threw out incriminating statements Ward made to detectives.
“We’re reviewing all authorized choices, and in the end might be guided by securing justice for Hadiya Pendleton, her associates who had been harm that day, and her household and family members who mourn her at present,” in keeping with a press release from the workplace of latest Prepare dinner County State’s Lawyer Eileen O’Neill Burke. [Chicago Sun-Times]
3. Jason Lee, a senior aide to Brandon Johnson, helps the mayor climate the political storm
The son of a civil rights champion, Lee went from Morehouse Faculty to Harvard and again, the second time for a uncommon trifecta grasp’s diploma — in faith, ethics and politics. Now he has his fingers full because the mayor’s senior aide, Fran Spielman stories for the Chicago Solar-Instances.
Final yr was a tough yr for the mayor. Johnson barely obtained his price range by the Metropolis Council, had his signature “Carry Chicago Residence” referendum defeated and has been criticized for a careless and protracted wrestle to oust Chicago Public Faculties CEO Pedro Martinez after the mass resignation of Johnson’s personal appointed college board.
Lee instructed the Solar-Instances he’s by no means stunned by the extraordinary strain that each he and Johnson have been underneath within the shark tank generally known as Chicago politics.
“That is Chicago. All eyes are on the fifth ground,” Lee stated. “When you signal as much as take part in that, there’s going to be individuals who don’t need you to be within the place you’re in and who will work diligently in each approach they will to stop you from both getting there or staying there.” [Chicago Sun-Times]
Rose, who retired from the NBA final fall, collaborated with West Loop florist Planks & Pistils to host a particular pop-up flower store yesterday at Tortoise Supper Membership in River North. A whole bunch of followers lined up hours prematurely to snag free rose bouquets and an image with their apron-clad icon.
The occasion was a part of a collection of deliberate particular appearances for Rose this week, culminating in “Derrick Rose Evening” on the Chicago Bulls recreation towards the New York Knicks tomorrow night time on the United Heart.
A number of followers stated braving the chilly was value it to have a good time their hero, whom they described as each inspirational and humble. [Chicago Sun-Times]
5. Get cozy with a brand new thriller or thriller this winter
Nothing beats studying in entrance of a fireside YouTube or Netflix video when the climate is gloomy and frigid.
Whereas I don’t normally prohibit sure genres in particular seasons, there’s one thing about mysteries within the winter that hits totally different.
When you’re searching for a whodunit, NPR has you coated.
There’s God of the Woods, which I learn final yr and advocate. And The Kamogawa Meals Detectives options a number of of my favourite issues: interrelated plots, a setting in Japan and a cat on the quilt.
You’ll be able to see the complete record within the hyperlink. [NPR]
Right here’s what else is occurring
- The U.S. Surgeon Normal known as for most cancers warnings on alcohol. [NPR]
- Mike Johnson was reelected as speaker of the U.S. Home. [AP]
- Apple pays $95 million to settle a lawsuit accusing Siri of eavesdropping. [AP]
- President Joe Biden gave the Medal of Honor to Korean and Vietnam Battle veterans. [NPR]
Oh, and yet another factor …
From mail carriers to photographers, WBEZ’s Curious Metropolis requested individuals who spend a whole lot of time within the chilly how they keep heat.
A few of these ideas might turn out to be useful for the coldest winter climate.
For instance, a letter provider stated he wears two pairs of socks — with a plastic bag in between.
And a photographer typically places latex gloves beneath outer gloves, with hand heaters in between. [WBEZ]
Inform me one thing good …
What’s one thing you’re enthusiastic about for 2025?
Jean writes:
“My husband and I are celebrating our twenty fifth wedding ceremony anniversary in Might! To mark the event, we’re climbing within the Dordogne in France. Once we married in 2000, our honeymoon was climbing the West Highland Approach in Scotland (are you able to inform we’re outdoorsy?). We love with the ability to discover at our personal tempo and meet folks alongside the best way. That would be the spotlight of 2025 for us!”
Gary writes:
“In 2025 I’m trying ahead to biking in Connecticut, Rhode Island, Massachusetts, New Jersey and Delaware. That may imply I’ve achieved one thing lively (biking, climbing or snowboarding) in every of the 50 states.”
And my colleague Saman writes:
“My dad and mom might be celebrating their fiftieth anniversary in 2025 and I couldn’t be extra excited to get along with household to honor their special occasion!”
Thanks for all of the responses this week! I hope you all have an excellent 2025.
