Good afternoon, Chicago.
Metra hired a team of outside lawyers, who worked more than seven months, to conduct an internal investigation that cost the agency nearly $1.57 million. But the outcome of the 2023 investigation remains shrouded, after the rail agency refused to make public reports or memos produced by the law firm, McGuireWoods.
The investigation stemmed from anonymous complaints made to Metra about the agency’s Police Department, and bills from the attorneys hint at the scope of the work: McGuireWoods undertook analysis related to an “investigation of potential disparate treatment.” Also included among 130 pages of attorneys bills was reference to “EEO” incidents and complaints, according to documents obtained by the Tribune through a Freedom of Information Act request.
Here’s what else is happening today. And remember, for the latest breaking news in Chicago, visit chicagotribune.com/latest-headlines and sign up to get our alerts on all your devices.
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City touts mission to target employee ties to hate groups; community demands police be the priority
Mayor Brandon Johnson’s new task force focused on digging into extremism among employees was met with fierce demands for fast, decisive action. Read more here.
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From nail polish to meat, Barrington couple offers products and services in a Muslim-friendly manner
Buying nail polish or ordering frozen meat for delivery can seem pretty routine. But one Chicagoland couple is working to make such products and services more readily available and accessible to America’s growing Muslim population. Read more here.
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Nick Martinelli’s ‘unorthodox’ game and confidence is a bright spot in an up-and-down Northwestern season
Martinelli’s 18-point outing in Northwestern’s 70-49 victory over Ohio State was his 12th straight game of 15 or more points, the longest Wildcats streak since John Shurna did it in 13 straight in 2012. Read more here.
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B-Series hip hop festival opens at a Dance Center fighting for survival
The Dance Presenting Series looks different today than it did in 1974, evolving and fighting to stay alive every step of the way. Read more here.
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President Donald Trump backs Elon Musk as he roils the federal workforce with demands and threats
President Donald Trump voiced support for Elon Musk’s demand that federal employees explain their recent accomplishments by the end of today or risk getting fired.
More top stories from around the world:
