Concludes

Madigan Jury Concludes Third Day of Deliberations With No Verdict Reached

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CHICAGO — The trial of Michael Madigan, former Illinois House speaker, has yet to reach a conclusion as the jury deliberated for a third consecutive day without arriving at a verdict. Madigan, a dominant figure in Illinois politics for decades, faces charges of racketeering, bribery, and extortion, among others. The former speaker, who served for nearly 50 years, is accused of orchestrating a series of schemes to enrich himself and bolster his political machine. At the heart of the trial is the accusation that Madigan, now 80, leveraged his power to illicitly gain personal and … Read more

Former House Speaker Michael J. Madigan’s Fate in Jury’s Hands as Defense Concludes Arguing Corruption Allegations Are ‘Myth’

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Chicago — In the high-stakes corruption trial of former Illinois House Speaker Michael J. Madigan, his attorneys portrayed him as an enigmatic leader misunderstood by the prosecution, while prosecutors charged him with orchestrating a complex web of illegal schemes to bolster his political clout and personal wealth. As the trial nears its crescendo, jurors have been tasked with dissecting a three-month presentation of the intricate, sprawling case. Madigan’s defense lawyer, Dan Collins, employed the metaphor of a sphinx — a mythical figure known for its riddles and silent demeanor — to underscore the perceived discrepancy … Read more

Final Sentencing Concludes in 2020 Missouri Kidnapping and Murder Case

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OZARK, Mo. — A Missouri judge has handed down a 40-year prison sentence to Steven C. Calverley of Republic, Missouri, marking the conclusion of a series of trials connected to the 2020 kidnapping and killing of Sarah Pasco in Lawrence County. Calverley is the last of nine individuals convicted in a case that has stirred significant local and national interest. In August 2020, Pasco, a 28-year-old resident of Aurora, Missouri, and another woman were abducted and shot. The incident occurred on the evening of August 16. Pasco succumbed to her injuries, while the surviving woman … Read more

Almaty’s Eurasia Film Festival Concludes, Awards Grand Prix to International Cinematic Gems

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Almaty, Kazakhstan – The curtains closed on the 17th Eurasia International Film Festival in Almaty, marking the end of the event with a grand award ceremony that recognized an array of talented filmmakers from across the globe. Held on November 30, the festival spotlighted standout contributions in the realm of cinema, culminating in a gala that celebrated the creative efforts of various actors, directors, and production teams. This year’s festival was particularly notable for its international flair, attracting participants from over 15 countries. Competitors vied for top honors in two primary programs: one focusing on … Read more