"Michael Madigan's Corruption Trial Postponed as Legal Battles Intensify"
The racketeering trial of former Illinois House Speaker Michael Madigan has been postponed until October 8, as the U.S. Supreme Court is set to make a decision in a related bribery case that could impact the legal requirements for proving such crimes. The trial, which was initially scheduled to begin on April 1, could last up to three months. The delay was decided by U.S. District Judge John Robert Blakey, who emphasized the importance of conducting the trial correctly rather than potentially having to repeat it. Madigan, who appeared in court in person for the first time since his indictment nearly two years ago, has pleaded not guilty to the charges.