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Mike Madigan trial LIVE updates: Jury hears 1st of many undercover recordings in ex-speaker trial

Trial expected to last months

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Last updated: Thursday, October 24, 2024 11:01PM GMT
Jury hears 1st of many undercover recordings in Madigan trial
Jury hears 1st of many undercover recordings in Madigan trialFormer Majority Leader Lou Lang took the stand Thursday in former Illinois Speaker Mike Madigan's corruption trial.

CHICAGO (WLS) -- The corruption trial for former Illinois House Speaker Michael Madigan has begun.

Madigan had been indicted on federal racketeering and bribery charges as a part of what federal prosecutors call "the Madigan enterprise," where they say he allegedly committed crimes for his personal gain and that of his political allies.

The blockbuster trial is expected to take several months.

Check back with ABC7 Chicago for live updates.

Key Headlines

Here's how the news is developing.
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Oct 24, 2024, 11:00 PM

State Rep. Bob Rita begins testimony

State Rep. Bob Rita began his testimony Thursday.

He testified for about 10 minutes before court was dismissed about 5 p.m.

Rita is a current state representative. He has been since 2003.

He represents the South Side of Chicago and some south suburbs.

He is chairman of the Executive Committee, and Madigan had appointed him as vice chair.

He's also chairperson for the Tollway Committee and Occupational Licensing Committee.

Rita's testimony will resume Monday.

Michelle Gallardo Image
Oct 24, 2024, 11:01 PM

Jury hears 1st of many undercover recordings

Former House Speaker Mike Madigan's voice was heard for the first time in his trial during former Majority Leader Lou Lang's testimony Thursday, in an undercover phone call in which he is heard telling Mike McClain to ask Lang to resign, sooner rather than later.

Former Majority Leader Lou Lang took the stand Thursday in former Illinois Speaker Mike Madigan's corruption trial.

It was the first of some 200 undercover recordings that were captured.

In court Thursday, jurors heard McClain say on tape, "So, when do you want me to call Lang and just lower the boom on him?"

Madigan is heard saying, "Soon. Soon."

Then, there was a recording of McClain talking to Lang, saying "This is not just me talking. This is someone who cares deeply for you, who wants you to move on."

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Oct 24, 2024, 7:42 PM

Lou Lang finishes testimony after several hours

Former Majority Leader Lou Lang has finished his testimony after several hours Thursday.

He spoke to bills moving out of the Rules Committee, and said he respected Madigan as a leader.

Lang said Madigan did not respect him all the time.

He also said Madigan never instructed him on how to vote on a bill, but added that the speaker had tremendous power.

Lang was involved in the ComEd bills.

He said former state Rep. Scott Drury, who previously testified was not well-liked, and being well-liked helped move a bill.

Lang said Madigan did request for him to resign.

He said he "left because it was in my best interest and nobody else."

The jury is taking a lunch break, before the next witness.

Michelle Gallardo Image
Oct 24, 2024, 11:01 PM GMT

Jury hears 1st of many undercover recordings

Former House Speaker Mike Madigan's voice was heard for the first time in his trial during former Majority Leader Lou Lang's testimony Thursday, in an undercover phone call in which he is heard telling Mike McClain to ask Lang to resign, sooner rather than later.

Former Majority Leader Lou Lang took the stand Thursday in former Illinois Speaker Mike Madigan's corruption trial.

It was the first of some 200 undercover recordings that were captured.

In court Thursday, jurors heard McClain say on tape, "So, when do you want me to call Lang and just lower the boom on him?"

Madigan is heard saying, "Soon. Soon."

Then, there was a recording of McClain talking to Lang, saying "This is not just me talking. This is someone who cares deeply for you, who wants you to move on."

WLS logo
Oct 24, 2024, 7:42 PM GMT

Lou Lang finishes testimony after several hours

Former Majority Leader Lou Lang has finished his testimony after several hours Thursday.

He spoke to bills moving out of the Rules Committee, and said he respected Madigan as a leader.

Lang said Madigan did not respect him all the time.

He also said Madigan never instructed him on how to vote on a bill, but added that the speaker had tremendous power.

Lang was involved in the ComEd bills.

He said former state Rep. Scott Drury, who previously testified was not well-liked, and being well-liked helped move a bill.

Lang said Madigan did request for him to resign.

He said he "left because it was in my best interest and nobody else."

The jury is taking a lunch break, before the next witness.

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Oct 24, 2024, 4:58 PM GMT

Former Majority Leader Lou Lang takes stand

Former Majority Leader Lou Lang took the stand Thursday morning.

He's expected to talk about his resignation.

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Oct 24, 2024, 1:34 PM GMT

FBI agent set to take stand

An FBI agent is expected to testify Thursday in the federal corruption trial of former Illinois House Speaker Mike Madigan.
The agent helped wiretap hundreds of phone conversations between Madigan and his co-defendant Mike McClain.
Former state Representative Lou Lang is also expected to take the stand.