The murder trial of Chicago police officer Jason Van Dyke got under way this week, riveting a city’s attention while putting its systemic issues of racial inequality and economic divide under a harsh national spotlight.

Four years ago, the police officer, who is white, shot black teenager Laquan McDonald 16 times after he was reportedly seen slashing car tires in a neighbourhood on the city’s South Side. The police and the city suppressed the release of dash-cam video of the incident for 13 months before a judge ruled the footage must be released to the public. When it was, the grainy image of the 17-year-old being riddled with bullets ignited protests among the city’s African-American community.

Like many big U.S. cities, Chicago’s glistening façade obscures the ugly realities lurking behind it. On the surface, the city would seem to have it all: stunning architecture, a vibrant cultural scene, immense corporate wealth and a relatively strong economy. But then there is the Chicago you don’t see mentioned in the Chamber of Commerce brochures, or in the write-ups on Trip Advisor. There are some stats that just don’t sell a city.

Today’s comments were selected from three widely read and discussed news stories about the federal government consulting the public on banning handguns, Ian Buruma leaving the New York Review of Books and the gambling industry’s interest in Toronto’s waterfront.

From Federal government to consult public on banning handguns by Daniel LeBlanc

It’s quite simple: A total ban. Let people find a hobby that doesn’t involve a device whose only function is to send a projectile out at such force as to rip violent holes with maximum impact. All for fun. - kpare

In response to kpare:

We banned illegal drugs that has not worked. Better to work on the causes of violence such as poverty and mental illness. - Muaja