Co-defendant Mike McClain's defense attorney said this trial is about lobbying and politics during closing arguments Tuesday. McClain is charged in only six of the 23 counts. Patrick Cotter highlighted that there is no key evidence that supports the government's theory that there was bribery and conspiracy.

The Sun-Times is providing free text updates as attorneys wrap up closing arguments in the corruption trial of the former Illinois House Speaker.

Defense attorney Patrick Cotter made the comment in the midst of his nearly five-hour closing argument Tuesday in the corruption trial of Michael Madigan and Michael McClain. Jurors are expected to begin deliberating Wednesday.

Ex-House speaker Michael Madigan, formerly the most powerful man in Illinois politics, “conspired to enhance and preserve (his) power and line his pockets” for years, prosecutors said at the outset of marathon closing arguments in Madigan’s corruption trial.

Madigan, 82, and his co-defendant, political ally and confidant Michael McClain, are accused of running a criminal enterprise designed to enrich the former speaker and his associates and increase his political power.

The defense maintained that while lobbying and politics might seem unappealing, they are not inherently illegal.

CHICAGO (WLS) -- The corruption trial for former Illinois House Speaker Michael Madigan continues. Madigan had been indicted on federal racketeering and bribery charges as a part of what federal ...

Real estate lawyer Michael Madigan, a lawmaker for 50 years, is accused of using ComEd as his “personal piggy bank.”

Prosecutors concluded their final summations Friday on Day 3 of closing arguments in the former speaker’s landmark trial by presenting an overview of how the various bribery and corruption schemes alleged in the government’s 23-charge indictment all come together under count one: racketeering conspiracy.

The outcome of former Illinois House Speaker Michael Madigan’s corruption trial will be watched closely well beyond Chicago’s federal courthouse, with the verdict representing a potential make ...

Madigan​ faces a 23-count indictment accusing him of running a criminal enterprise​ to enrich himself and benefit his political allies.

The outcome of former Illinois House Speaker Michael Madigan’s corruption trial will be watched closely well beyond Chicago’s federal courthouse, with the verdict representing a potential make-or-break moment at the Illinois Capitol.