It’s a crucial moment that shifts Madigan’s trial into a new phase. Madigan and co-defendant Michael McClain are on trial for a racketeering conspiracy, outlined in a sweeping 117-page indictment alleging five separate schemes.

After nine weeks of prosecution witnesses, defense attorneys in the blockbuster corruption trial of ex-House Speaker Michael Madigan and his longtime confidante Michael McClain began presenting their case to jurors Wednesday by calling someone who,