Illinois news in brief: Madigan seeks to have bribery charges tosses; ISU student trial delayed; section of I-55 closed

Madigan's defense team wants bribery charges tossed

Lawyers for former Illinois House Speaker Michael Madigan are seeking to get some of the corruption counts against him tossed out. Madigan’s lawyers are seeking dismissal of 14 of the 23 counts in light of a U.S. Supreme Court ruling in the bribery case of the former mayor of Portage, Indiana. The court narrowed the scope of federal public corruption law, finding that it is a criminal act to take bribes before an official act but not if the public official accepts “gratuities” after the act.

Trial for ISU protestors delayed

The trial for seven people who were arrested at Illinois State University in May for protesting the war in Gaza will be delayed until July 31. During a pretrial hearing in McLean County, the attorney for the protestors asked for the delay. The seven people were arrested following a meeting with the president of ISU in which the defendants allegedly would not leave the premises after the building closed.

I-55 closes after storm damage

A section of Interstate 55 remains closed in Will County as crews work to clear power lines downed during Monday night’s severe weather. It could take several more days to re-open the section of freeway between U.S. 6 and River Road near Channahon. Illinois State Police said several vehicles were entangled in downed power lines after a confirmed tornado toppled two transmission towers.