After nearly three months, more than 60 witnesses and a surprising turn on the stand from the defendant himself, the evidence phase of former House Speaker Michael Madigan’s corruption trial has drawn to a close.

The developments marked the end of the evidence phase of Madigan's trial, which has included more than 60 witnesses and dozens of secretly recorded phone and video conversations. The jury will return next week for closing arguments, after which they will begin deliberations.

Cook County Assessor Fritz Kaegi got a prominent seat in former Illinois House Speaker Michael Madigan's private box for the swearing in of the 101st General Assembly in 2019. Kaegi was seated up front with some of the state's most powerful union leaders,

Electing to take the stand in a move that shocked many, Madigan testified, in total, for about six hours.