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The Latest Breaking News from the Dirksen Federal Courthouse

Mike Madigan among cast of powerful characters ensnared in corruption cases playing out in Chicago

Most of them were convicted, some went to prison. But all were caught up in the FBI's decade-long pursuit of Illinois' former House speaker. Here's a look at the individuals and businesses caught in the crossfire ahead of Madigan's trial.

Chicago Sun-Times

Chicago's once-powerful Ed Burke faces sentencing Monday, 'very humbling' days could be ahead

Nearly a decade has passed since an Illinois politician as significant as Burke faced sentencing at the Dirksen Federal Courthouse. The need to send a message to others is sure to be on the judge’s mind when she makes her decision.

Chicago Sun-Times

Cook County official arrested, charged with driving while drunk in Chicago

Democratic Board of Review Commissioner Samantha Steele was arrested Sunday after she caused a crash in the 5000 block of North Ashland Avenue, police records show. Officers found an open bottle of wine in her car, and she refused a field sobriety check.

Chicago Sun-Times

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Picture Chicago: 8 must-see news photos from the first week of 2024

Former Illinois House Speaker Michael J. Madigan made his first courtroom appearance as a criminal defendant at the Dirksen Federal Courthouse, a happy couple celebrated winning the lottery for Cook County’s first marriage license in 2024, and the legendary Rosebud on Taylor Italian restaurant…

Chicago Sun-Times

In a twist, prosecutors in FBG Duck murder trial intend to bring up criminal records of their own witnesses

The trial has grown into a spectacle that’s spilled out of the Dirksen Federal Courthouse and onto YouTube accounts and rap blogs that draw millions of viewers worldwide.

Chicago Sun-Times

YouTuber-turned-star witness in FBG Duck murder trial claims his FBI cooperation began after arrest by disgraced cop Ronald Watts

Martell Wiley’s claim came during his second day of testimony at the Dirksen Federal Courthouse, where he sparred with defense attorneys who noted there was no evidence he had actually cooperated against Watts.

Chicago Sun-Times

Ed Burke’s corruption trial to shift into high gear, jury seated, opening statements to begin soon

U.S. District Judge Virginia Kendall, prosecutors and defense attorneys have chosen 12 jurors at the Dirksen Federal Courthouse who will hear evidence that was used in 2019 to level criminal charges against Burke in a push against old-school, Chicago-style corruption.

Chicago Sun-Times

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Picture Chicago: 18 must-see Sun-Times photos from this week in news

The historic corruption trial for former Ald. Edward Burke (14th) started at the Dirksen Federal Courthouse, a 10-year-old boy was shot and seriously wounded in Burnside, and the Obamas returned to Chicago to celebrate the 15th anniversary of the 2008 election.

Chicago Sun-Times

Public corruption display at federal courthouse covered at request of Ed Burke’s lawyer as jury selection drags on

Potential jurors in Burke’s case have been spending time in the ceremonial courtroom of the Dirksen Federal Courthouse, which is right across the hall from the public corruption display. Potential jurors could be seen walking through the hallway Tuesday.

Chicago Sun-Times

‘Facts and common sense’: Chicago’s corruption jurors reflect on past trials as Ed Burke’s case nears

Thirty-six people have served as jurors this year in three high-profile corruption trials at the Dirksen Federal Courthouse. Here’s what they have to say.

Chicago Sun-Times

Meet the therapy dogs who will have a front row seat at Ed Burke’s trial

Birdie and Junebug are Bernese Mountain Dogs who have been fixtures at the Dirksen Federal Courthouse for years. It’s not uncommon to see them trailing Judge Virginia Kendall through the hallways or up onto her courtroom bench.

Chicago Sun-Times

‘El Chapo’ son extradited to Chicago to face drug conspiracy charges

El Chapo also faced federal drug charges in Chicago, but was ultimately was prosecuted in federal court in Brooklyn. Now his son will likely be arraigned at the Dirksen Federal Courthouse in Chicago’s Loop.

Chicago Sun-Times

Feds say they’ll answer Ed Burke’s question about Danny Solis testimony by Aug. 31

Solis’ public testimony more than four years after he was outed as a government cooperator could turn out to be among the most closely watched in years at the Dirksen Federal Courthouse, if it happens.

Chicago Sun-Times

Highland Park one year later: Advocacy becomes a way of coping, ‘doing the work they can’t do’

Several people who witnessed last year’s massacre rallied outside the Dirksen Federal Courthouse, where judges heard a challenge to the Illinois assault weapons ban.

Chicago Sun-Times

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Chicago Sun-Times

‘This looks like a bribe.’ FBI agent testifies about confronting businessman James Weiss near Maywood park

The latest public corruption trial at the Dirksen Federal Courthouse appears to be nearing its end, with closing arguments possibly as soon as Wednesday.

Chicago Sun-Times

Picture Chicago: This week’s 12 can’t miss Sun-Times photos

A federal jury found all defendants guilty in the “ComEd Four” bribery case, mayor-elect Johnson named Fred Waller as interim superintendent of the Chicago Police Department, and Chicago Poet Laureate avery r. young performed during Poetry Fest.

Chicago Sun-Times

Jurors in ComEd bribery trial get a lesson in machine politics — in Michael Madigan’s own words

For the first time Thursday, jurors in the bribery trial of Michael McClain and three other political power players heard Madigan’s voice on secret recordings.

Chicago Sun-Times

It’s not Madigan’s trial, but the feds’ big upcoming case is all about the former speaker

Jurors at the Dirksen Federal Courthouse are expected to get a close-up look at how Springfield operated in the last decade when four political power players head to trial.

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