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Illinois in Focus

Weekend Edition | Ex-Blago attorney: Quid pro quo is key to Madigan appeal

·24 min·2 clips
Madigan's attorney argues the government failed to prove quid pro quo, a key element in his corruption appeal.
The episode begins with an introduction to the weekend edition, highlighting two main stories: Michael Madigan's appeal and gas price relief. Reporter Jim Talamanti provides details from the appellate hearing in Chicago, where Madigan's attorney Amy Saharia argued that the government failed to prove quid pro quo in the corruption counts related to ComEd and a state board seat. The prosecution, represented by Julia Schwartz, countered that the jury was properly instructed and found ample evidence. The judges, including Frank Easterbrook, Nancy Maldonado, and Michael Scudder, questioned the defense more pointedly. Sam Adam Jr., former attorney for Rod Blagojevich, is cited as saying the appeal hinges on proving quid pro quo. The segment notes Madigan is serving time in West Virginia, and the appeal outcome may take months. The episode then shifts to gas prices, explaining Illinois' high gas taxes and a proposed six-month sales tax holiday via House Bill 5738, sponsored by State Rep Ryan Spain, which could reduce prices by about 20 cents per gallon. Next, it covers House Bill 5024, which passed the Illinois House to restrict ICE detention centers near schools and homes, pushed by Speaker Chris Welch. The discussion moves to the Chicago Bears stadium deal, with House Republicans opposing it without property tax relief. Finally, debates over data center incentives are mentioned, including tax benefits and environmental concerns, with examples from DeKalb and Aurora. The episode wraps up with notes on the legislative session deadline of May 31st.

As heard by us

A brisk Illinois update connecting Madigan's appeal, ethics reform, gas taxes, and a crowded General Assembly calendar.

Illinois in Focus Weekend Edition links former Illinois House Speaker Michael Madigan's corruption-conviction appeal with the political response that could follow in Springfield.

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Why you'd press play

You get Madigan's corruption-conviction appeal, Illinois drivers feeling gas-price pressure, and a statehouse calendar crowding Memorial Day.

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