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.
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....
“All our future money is gone”: The impossible task of providing child care in rural Illinois
Though the governor promised to make Illinois “the best state” to raise young children, child care continues to disappear.
Illinois faces backlash over bid to end oversight of disability services
As hearings begin this week, independent court monitor says state’s services are ‘in stark contrast to national best practices’
Illinois made a bold promise to end poverty. In Alexander County, it’s hard to tell.
In 2020, the state made a goal of cutting deep and persistent poverty in half by 2026 and ending it...
Another Choate Mental Health Center employee indicted for abuse of resident
Another caregiver at Choate Mental Health and Developmental Center in Anna is facing charges for abusing a patient.
Funeral home director subject to ‘scary, filthy freak show’ complaint surrenders license
A Centralia funeral home director who was subject to a complaint that his embalming room looked like a “scary, filthy...
‘This place is horrific’: 10-week-old complaint details ‘filthy’ conditions at Centralia funeral home
Coroner says ‘this cannot be allowed to go on’ as state declines to confirm investigation
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