Investigations

A Quad Cities police officer brutally beats department-store shoplifter without apparent provocation, and it’s caught on video. But officer escapes criminal charges – and keeps his job.

Transit agency considers hiring clout-heavy PR firm to develop anti-suicide program to prevent intentional deaths along Chicago-area rail lines.

Why did the heir apparent to ousted Metra CEO Alex Clifford give $1,000 to Toni Preckwinkle as Clifford was shown the door?

After virus fouls Cook County highway department computer network, agency starts looking beyond just potholes, toward enhancing online security.

What has Calumet City’s inspector general done for his generous full-time salary? Not much, as even he admits.

Cook County’s health care system has been so badly managed, physicians and other employees appear to be shorting taxpayers on hours – with little consequence until now.

Cook County Recorder of Deeds Karen Yarbrough taps niece for six-figure job, amid other questionable hires.

More problems emerge with Maywood police as officer is caught on video allegedly stomping a suspect. This comes to light as village officials consider bringing in sheriff as a municipal watchdog.

Administrator at Gold Coast school is “reassigned” after internal investigation confirms inappropriate out-of-town spending with taxpayer money.