Mike Madigan trial updates: Government rests, defense builds case in ex-speaker trial

The jury heard recordings between McClain and a lobbyist Thursday.

The focus was the back door deals regarding a Chinatown project.

In 2017-2018, the Chinatown parcel near Cermak Road and Wentworth Avenue was state-owned, and under the control of the Illinois Department of Transportation.

The plan was to transfer the land to the city of Chicago, who could then deed it to the developer.

The governor at the time was Bruce Rauner.

However, there were roadblocks by State Sen. Marty Sandoval and Tony Muñoz, which McClain and Nancy Kimme were trying to maneuver around.

In one of the recordings, Kimme told McClain that they were "in the middle of a range war."

Kimme told prosecutors, "That they were all shootin' at each other for different reasons."

Lobbyist Nancy Kimme has taken the stand Thursday morning, as prosecutors and defense attorneys rapidly move through witnesses.

Kimme owns NJ Kimme & Company, a lobbying firm, and Advantage Government Strategies.

She has been a lobbyist since 2015.

She also worked as chief of staff for Judy Baar Topinka until 2006.

Then, Kimme worked for Metra doing legislative affairs from 2008 tot 2010.

In 2010, she helped Topinka in the state comptroller race.

Anjanette Brown, former chief financial officer for the Resurrection Project, is testifying Thursday.

She was the CFO from June 2018 to November 2023.

Madigan's son, Andrew, was able to procure a lucrative insurance contract with the Pilsen-based nonprofit.

Prosecutors are trying to prove that contract is one more example of Madigan using his influence to enrich himself and those around him.

Resurrection Project co-founder and CEO Raul Raymundo took the stand Thursday.

Resurrection Project is a social impact, nonprofit organization.