1. What the Van Dyke Murder Trial Judge Has in Common With Laquan McDonald
As a 28-year-old Vietnam vet, Vincent Gaughan shot out a neighbor’s window, just missing two cops. The police talked him down, and he went on to become a respected veteran of the bench. The Reader investigates his past.
2. The Credibility of Mayor Rahm Emanuel
What did Rahm know about the shooting of Laquan McDonald, when did he know it… and does it match with what he’s said? Chris Hayes asks the questions at MSNBC.
3. Chicago Police Street Stops Decline Dramatically Amid Sinking Morale
Gun arrests and gun confiscations have fallen as well. DNAInfo looks for the causes.
4. The Inequality of Sidewalks
Pedestrian deaths are more common in poor neighborhoods. Continuous sidewalks are less common. Is there a connection? The Washington Post looks at a UIC prof’s study.
5. Frank Lloyd Wright’s Robie House: Where Family Life Met Tragedy
The Prairie School masterpiece survived lots of turnover (and attempts to demolish it for student housing). The Wall Street Journal pays a visit.
6. As Expected, Cook County Democrats Endorse Foxx in Heated Race for State’s Attorney
As alderman, Toni Preckwinkle made a name opposing Daley; as an insider, she’s learned how to wield clout. Chicago magazine games out her latest move.
7. Poetry Helps Youth at a Juvenile Detention Center Find Peace
Reginald Dwayne Betts did eight years for a carjacking committed at 16. Books and poetry got him to Yale Law. Now he’s trying to give back. PBS visits the Cook County Juvenile Detention Center.
8. Governor Rauner Celebrates One Year in Office
Meanwhile, the backlog of bills has doubled. So what does he have to say for himself? WBEZ sits down with the governor.
9. Rahm’s School Closings—What Happened to the Desks, Laptops, Books?
CPS blames poor record keeping for losing track of materials from shuttered schools. The Better Government Association investigates.
10. Remembering Lois Weisberg, the Woman Who Curated Chicago
The longtime commissioner of cultural affairs gave Chicago the Friends of the Parks, Cows on Parade, the Cultural Center, and many more legacies (among some endearing failures). Chicago magazine tells her remarkable story.