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In this Dec. 14, 2018, file photo, former Chicago police Officer Jason Van Dyke, left, appears for a hearing at the Leighton Criminal Court Building, in Chicago. Attorneys in the case of the former Chicago police officer convicted of second-degree murder and 16 counts of aggravated battery in the 2014 shooting death of black teenager Laquan McDonald are making their final arguments to a judge who will impose the sentence the week of Jan. 14, 2019.

WBEZ News

Jason Van Dyke Expected To Be Sentenced For The Murder Of Laquan McDonald

The former officer faces anywhere from probation to decades in prison. Judge Vincent Gaughan is expected to announce the punishment Friday.
Officer Thomas Gaffney, former Officer Joseph Walsh, and former Detective David March were each charged with conspiracy, obstruction of justice, and official misconduct for allegedly exaggerating the threat the 17-year-old posed to officers.

WBEZ News

Chicago Cops Not Guilty In Cover-Up Of Laquan McDonald Shooting

The judge ruled prosecutors failed to prove the three former cops conspired to cover up the shooting by convicted Officer Jason Van Dyke.
Ed Burke

WBEZ News

Ed Burke’s Private Law Firm Fired By Companies Behind Mega-Projects

In the wake of a corruption case against the once-powerful Chicago alderman, two companies have cut ties with the Klafter & Burke firm.
Student Forum

WBEZ News

Teens Command The Stage At Chicago Mayoral Forum

Student moderators at a forum at Whitney Young High School grilled candidates on school closings, the teachers union and on legalizing pot.
A design submitted by Studio ORD Joint Venture Partners.

WBEZ News

O’Hare Global Terminal Project Reveals 5 Architecture Finalists

The designs pitches a sleek, futuristic look for the $8.5 billion terminal, which could be one of the largest in the nation.
A sign is shown at Chicago's City Hall on July 24, 2018.

WBEZ News

Chicago Aldermen Reconsidering 2012 Mental Health Clinic Closures

A Chicago City Council committee forwards a plan to study which areas of the city need to have mental health clinics re-opened.

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Morning Shift

Oriental Theatre Is Dead. Long Live The Nederlander

Two momentous changes are coming this spring to one of downtown Chicago's most lavish movie palaces.
Former Chicago Police Officer Jason Van Dyke sits between two of his attorneys at a December 14 post-conviction hearing in the Leighton Criminal Court Building. Courthouse veterans say he could shorten any prison sentence if he can convince the judge he feels bad about Laquan McDonald’s death.

WBEZ News

Experts: Van Dyke Should Make Statement At Sentencing — If It Sounds Sincere

The ex-Chicago cop could reduce any prison time by convincing the judge he feels bad about Laquan McDonald’s death, courthouse veterans say.
A neon sign that reads "Video Gaming Play Here"

WBEZ News

How Illinois Bet On Video Gambling And Lost

The state hoped to generate billions of dollars from video poker. That didn’t happen. Now, legislators want to double down on gambling.
As a kid, Roberto Escalante worked with a traditional sweet potato vendor in his hometown in the state of Hidalgo, Mexico. Now, he’s built a cart and is selling the traditional snack from a corner in Pilsen.

WBEZ News

Mexican Street Food In Pilsen Now Includes Sweet Potatoes

With a traditional cart he made himself, a new vendor brings a delicious Mexican treat to the Pilsen neighborhood.
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Curious City

What Was It Like To Dance At The Warehouse Club?

Curious City spends a night at The Warehouse club through the memories of teens who danced there in the 1980s.

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