Cate Readling News Today

Five women and four men who call themselves the “Laquan Nine” are facing fines for loitering in the lobby of the Dirksen U.S. Courthouse in the Loop as ex-cop Jason Van Dyke was being released from prison last week.

Protesters had gathered across the street from Federal Plaza downtown Thursday afternoon calling for Jason Van Dyke, the former Chicago police officer who fatally shot Laquan McDonald, to face federal charges.

One candidate has been the subject of a federal investigation. Another stands charged in a red-light camera case. Another was charged with taking part in a gambling ring. All are among the mayors and village presidents running for reelection in Chicago’s suburbs in Tuesday’s general municipal election.

Simone Boutet, a sitting Oak Park village trustee, has dropped out of the village presidential race for a second time. In a statement posted on Facebook Jan. 16, Boutet announced her decision to step down again by quoting William Shakespeare's Hamlet – "to thine own self be true."