Investigations
Led by investigative reporters Beth Hundsdorfer and Molly Parker. This team of journalists has engaged in monthslong investigations into state government agencies and processes.
Prosecutors say they don’t oppose release of DCFS timeline in foster child’s death
Prosecutors give the green light to DCFS releasing more information about the death of a Fairview Heights foster child.
Caseworker for foster child who later died had troubling history, documents show
The Illinois Department of Children and Family Services has taken more than a year to release a report on a...
‘The public deserves to know.’ State agency withholds details in girl’s death
The Illinois Department of Children and Family Services can take years to release a report on a child death in...
Under ‘crime-free housing’ laws, families may be evicted for minor offenses
In some Illinois cities, shoplifting, calling 911 too many times or even being a victim of a crime can get...
Hundreds rally at the Capitol to oppose homeschool bill
Legislation would require families to notify local schools if they homeschool their children.
Illinois bill aims to add more oversight of homeschooling
Under the Homeschool Act, families would be required to tell their school districts when they decide to homeschool their children,...
Illinois banned life sentences for young offenders—but not for those already behind bars
Illinois banned life without parole for young offenders - but not for those already behind bars. A new bill could...
Champaign County Jail Begins Tracking and Reporting Use of Restraint Chairs to the State for the First Time
Champaign County Jail updated its tracking and reporting of restraint chair use after an Illinois Answers investigation.
People were strapped to chairs for hours, days at Madison County Jail. Many were mentally ill or in withdrawal.
Madison County Jail is under criticism for excessively restraining mentally ill detainees and those in withdrawal, violating manufacturer guidelines on...
Five big obstacles to opening child care facilities in rural Illinois
Though the state faces a critical child care shortage, the government has not made it easy to open new facilities....
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