Ex-Ald. Edward Burke corruption trial: Evidence seen and heard by the jury

The corruption trial of former Chicago Ald. Edward Burke began this week, with prosecutors playing secretly recorded meetings and phone calls as evidence. The trial is expected to last around six weeks. Burke faces 14 charges, including racketeering, federal program bribery, attempted extortion, conspiracy to commit extortion, and using interstate commerce to facilitate an unlawful activity. These charges are related to his use of his elected office to pressure developers into hiring his law firm. The trial has played recordings of Burke tying the hiring of his law firm with official action he might take on behalf of the developers, along with discussions of campaign contributions and unpleasant interactions with individuals seeking his support.