The government spends millions to open grocery stores in food deserts. The real test is their survival. The government spends millions to open grocery stores in food deserts. The real test is their survival. Cairo, once a food desert, welcomed its new market last year with balloons and cheers. But the store is struggling — exposing problems with the programs set up to help.
Most Illinois jails restrain people in chairs. This county ‘violently shocked’ them, too. Most Illinois jails restrain people in chairs. This county ‘violently shocked’ them, too. A few years ago, Coles County Jail promised to stop using electrified “stun cuffs” to shock people restrained in chairs. How much has changed?
The U.N. calls restraint chairs torture. Illinois jails use them every day. The U.N. calls restraint chairs torture. Illinois jails use them every day. The Illinois Answers Project found jail staff are restraining people in chairs in ways that often violate policies and last longer than recommended by manufacturers.
As Illinois session ends, lawmakers’ attempt to reinstate wetland protections fails As Illinois session ends, lawmakers’ attempt to reinstate wetland protections fails The U.S. Supreme Court reversed a major Clean Water Act provision protecting wetlands. Illinois lawmakers attempted to codify protections into state law during this year’s session. The bill will be brought up again during the fall veto session.
“No Schoolers”: How Illinois’ hands-off approach to homeschooling leaves children at risk “No Schoolers”: How Illinois’ hands-off approach to homeschooling leaves children at risk At 9 years old, L.J. started missing school. His parents said they would homeschool him. It took two years — during which he was beaten and denied food — for anyone to notice he wasn’t learning.
This Coastal State’s Approach to Flooding May Be a Model for Illinois Communities This Coastal State’s Approach to Flooding May Be a Model for Illinois Communities Illinois and New Jersey have a problem in common: Flooding, and its devastation on communities. Here, the Illinois Answers Project examines why New Jersey’s work on this front is seen as a national model.
For many Illinoisans in flood-prone areas, buyouts are the only way out For many Illinoisans in flood-prone areas, buyouts are the only way out A state government home buyout program has helped hundreds of people move out of harm’s way. But for many, it takes too long.
Flooding is Illinois’ Most Threatening Natural Disaster. Are We Prepared? Flooding is Illinois’ Most Threatening Natural Disaster. Are We Prepared? When it comes to preventing severe flooding, there’s not one fix. Over the next few weeks, the Illinois Answers Project will examine what city and state agencies are doing to protect residents.