Happy hump day. This Wednesday, WTTW News has stories on alleged police misconduct, a political corruption trial and swarms of ladybugs spotted in the Chicago area.
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Chicago police officers surround an SUV driven by Dexter Reed moments before shots are fired on March 21, 2024. (Civilian Office of Police Accountability)
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The Civilian Office of Police Accountability, the agency tasked with investigating misconduct by Chicago police officers, identified a troubling pattern of undocumented and aggressive stops on the city’s West Side before four CPD officers pulled over Dexter Reed and killed him in a barrage of gunfire, according to a document obtained by WTTW News.
Four officers fired 96 shots in 41 seconds at Reed shortly after he shot and wounded an officer on March 21, according to a preliminary investigation by COPA. Despite evidence that officers were routinely engaging in misconduct that violated CPD rules, COPA Chief Andrea Kersten told WTTW News her agency took no action to inform Superintendent Larry Snelling or his command staff about the alleged misconduct until March 27, six days after Reed’s death.
What did COPA find?
“Over the past several months, COPA has received numerous complaints related to CPD members detaining, searching, and/or subjecting citizens to force. COPA’s investigation of these complaints has been impeded by a consistent lack of documentation, Body Worn Camera (BWC) footage, and accurate recordkeeping," according to newly obtained March 27 letter to Harrison (11th) Police District Commander Davina Ward signed by Steffany Hreno, COPA’s director of investigations.
COPA was only able to confirm some of the stops occurred because they were captured by CPD-operated cameras mounted on nearby light poles or privately owned recording devices, like doorbell cameras.
In several cases, there is no evidence officers turned on their body-worn cameras to document the stops as required.
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Former state Rep. Carol Sente was the first government witness called in the trial on Oct. 22, 2024. (Illustration by Cheryl Cook)
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What’s the difference between a favor and a bribe? That’s what attorneys for Michael McClain say is at the heart of his racketeering and corruption trial alongside his longtime friend, ex-Illinois House Speaker Michael Madigan. Tuesday marked the second day of opening statements in the landmark trial as McClain’s defense team had its opportunity to present its opening statements to jurors inside the Dirksen Federal Building. Both Madigan, 82, and McClain, 77, face charges of racketeering, bribery and wire fraud. They have each pleaded not guilty.
Here’s what else happened:
Prosecutors and Madigan’s attorneys presented their own openings Monday after jury selection was finalized.
Former state Rep. Carol Sente was the first government witness called Tuesday.
Five separate schemes will be outlined at trial and prosecutors argued those schemes often occurred simultaneously.
It’s estimated jurors will hear more than 200 recorded conversations during this trial.
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An Asian lady beetle, (DE1967 / iStock)
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Hordes of the tiny spotted insects have been reported in the Chicago area from Pilsen to Palos Hills — and even farther afield in Wisconsin and Iowa. All of the sightings inevitably lead to the same question: Why are there suddenly ladybugs everywhere? Here’s the short answer: Because it’s fall, and the bugs are leaving their summer homes — gardens, farm fields and forests — in search of a cozier place to spend the winter. The long answer is more complicated and you can read about it here.
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Back in the Day: October 23, 1964 - Park Ridge Man Files Patent For Reflective Road Markers
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Michael Vi / iStock
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Imagine you’re driving on the highway. You’re picturing open roads, pavement markings and a clear blue sky. (Or, if you’re a glass-half-empty kind of person: you’re imagining traffic, road rage and rush hour). When you envisioned this, did you visualize raised pavement reflector markers? Though you likely don’t think about these much, you’ve seen them before and know what they are. These little guys on highways around the world have Chicago-area roots. On this day 60 years ago, inventor
Sidney A. Heenan of suburban Park Ridge applied for the patent for the reflective raised pavement marker that marks traffic lanes around the world. Amazingly, these markers are made with ordinary plastic (acrylic), which, although relatively soft, could be used on the roadway and durable enough to be constantly subjected to the elements (and tires). Heenan died in 1997 but his legacy lives on every time you take a ride.
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Local Live Music Recommendations for Oct. 23-29
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Allegra Krieger (Credit: Killian Krieger)
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Each Wednesday, WTTW News producer Josh Terry presents must-see live music shows from indie rock to jazz, country, hip-hop and more.
Friday, Oct. 25:
Being Dead, Villagerrr, The Lipschitz at Empty Bottle. Tickets.
The Austin, TX band’s charming and critically-acclaimed blend of old rock ‘n’ roll styles sounds totally fresh.
Allegra Krieger, Greg Mendez, hemlock at Schubas. Tickets.
Three impeccable songwriters join forces for a stripped-down set of confessional folk and indie rock.
Saturday, Oct. 26:
Fort Frances at the Hideout. Tickets.
These Chicago folk-rockers are doing a Halloween set of ‘80s covers.
Sunday, Oct. 27:
Richard Lloyd, Ganser at Hideout. Tickets.
The former Television member is joined by excellent local post-punks as openers.
Monday, Oct. 29:
Usher at United Center. Tickets.
The R&B icon is a can’t-miss arena show.
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Tell us about the last concert you attended in Chicago. What did you see and where was
it?
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Email DailyChicagoan@wttw.com with your responses and your answers might be published.
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5:30 PM | 10:00 PM
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Want more WTTW News content? Follow WTTW on Instagram to check in with us daily, go behind-the-scenes, and more.
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Newsletter Producer: Josh Terry
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