Investigation Needle Exchange Programs Cutting Back During Coronavirus Crisis Programs started in the 1980s to slow the spread of the HIV epidemic are now scaling back because of COVID-19, a move some experts say could create a new challenge in fighting the deadly outbreak. May 7, 2020 6:00 AM
Investigation Even Before Federal COVID-19 Rescue Checks Arrive, Illinois Schools Spend Tens of Millions on Technology Despite push, some students still lack devices, and some districts aren’t providing data about who’s logging on. May 6, 2020 3:00 PM
Investigation COVID-19 Delivering Latest Twist in Fight Over Controversial Shipping Hub Project recently approved by Joliet raising issues not only of economics but also of open democracy for governments making decisions as they adhere to social distancing and stay-at-home orders amid pandemic. Apr 22, 2020 6:00 AM
Investigation Contractor In Little Village Smokestack Fiasco Was Cited In March For Blowing Dust — But City OK’d Demolition Anyway A Hilco affiliate, contractor MCM Management Corp. and partners were hit with $3.75 million in environmental violations in Maryland. Apr 17, 2020 11:46 AM
Investigation Coronavirus Scams Surging Across Illinois and Experts Predict More Federal and local officials have gotten thousands of fraud complaints. Stimulus checks will create another tidal wave of fraud, authorities warn. Apr 15, 2020 6:00 AM
Investigation Aides Caring for Vulnerable Seniors Amid Coronavirus Still on the Job Despite Lack of Masks, Protective Gear and Social Distancing As many as 22 home care clients who are part of an Illinois program have tested positive for COVID-19, including five who died, state says. Some home health aides also have tested positive. Apr 8, 2020 2:00 PM
Investigation Was Boeing’s Chicago Deal Worth the Taxpayer Cost? The gold rush among corporations to demand expensive public help in underwriting development and jobs got a kick-start when tax incentives enticed Boeing to move its headquarters to Chicago. Apr 3, 2020 7:00 AM
Investigation Lightfoot Pushing to Make TIFs More Equitable but Changes Lacking for Critics She’s Tried to Win Over Chicago’s mayor has long-promised to reform how special tax funds are spent on private projects. Her first move is a step but isn’t big enough for some. Mar 30, 2020 6:00 AM
Investigation Coronavirus Crippling Chicago’s Census Outreach Effort Mayor Lori Lightfoot, already worried about the city losing billions of dollars in the 2020 headcount, worked to boost participation in undercounted communities. Now COVID-19 is creating a major new hurdle. Mar 23, 2020 3:05 PM
Investigation Lightfoot Facing Off Against ComEd Over the Future With agreement between City Hall and the power company expiring this year, the mayor is focusing on internal study and federal investigation as leverage. Mar 10, 2020 5:00 AM
Investigation A Veteran Cook County Judge Has Been Repeatedly Blocked from Hearing Sex Offense Cases. Here’s Why. An unprecedented investigation of court data finds systematic effort to keep Judge James Linn from deciding sex charges after a controversial ruling he made years ago. Oct 22, 2020 12:01 PM
Investigation Meet the Cook County Judge Defense Attorneys Least Want to Appear Before Judge Diane Gordon Cannon criticized for verbal outbursts, a pro-prosecution bent and jailing of probationers for sometimes-minor infractions. Oct 22, 2020 11:58 AM
Investigation O’Hare’s Billions in Broken Promises For more than 50 years, the airport has been plagued by corruption and costly delays. The politically connected cash in. Meanwhile, passengers trudge through a transit hub that persistently underperforms. Jul 24, 2019 6:00 AM