Former Alderman Testifies in Madigan Corruption Trial

Former Chicago Alderman Daniel Solis, who turned FBI informant, testified in the corruption trial of ex-House Speaker Michael Madigan, marking a pivotal moment in the proceedings. Solis, who recorded conversations with Madigan, is the 34th prosecution witness and is expected to testify for two weeks. His cooperation with authorities stemmed from a deferred prosecution deal after he admitted to taking bribes while serving as Zoning Committee chair. The prosecution alleges that Solis' recordings implicate Madigan in a $1.3 million bribery scheme, while Madigan's defense has characterized Solis as an unreliable witness with a checkered past. The trial underscores the complexities of political corruption investigations in Chicago, with Solis' testimony being seen as critical to the prosecution's case against Madigan. Madigan and co-defendant Michael McClain deny the allegations.