Opening statements expected Wednesday in Mapes trial

Opening statements are expected to begin Wednesday morning in the perjury trial of a onetime top aide to former Illinois House Speaker Michael Madigan after lawyers complete the task of selecting a jury.

Tim Mapes served for two decades as chief of staff to the powerful Southwest Side Democrat. Now Mapes is accused of lying to a federal grand jury. He is also charged with attempted obstruction of justice in what authorities allege was a bid to block the feds' aggressive pursuit of Madigan and another key Springfield insider, Michael McClain.

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