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. Friday, August 9, 2024 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. Friday, July 26, 2024 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. Thursday, July 11, 2024 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. Read more
As Illinois session ends, lawmakers’ attempt to reinstate wetland protections fails As Illinois session ends, lawmakers’ attempt to reinstate wetland protections fails Wednesday, June 19, 2024 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... Read more
“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 Wednesday, June 5, 2024 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... Read more
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 Monday, June 3, 2024 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... Read more
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 Monday, May 13, 2024 A state government home buyout program has helped hundreds of people move out of harm’s way. But for many, it takes too long. Read more
Flooding is Illinois’ Most Threatening Natural Disaster. Are We Prepared? Flooding is Illinois’ Most Threatening Natural Disaster. Are We Prepared? Thursday, April 25, 2024 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... Read more