Archive
Illinois DCFS Agrees to Outside Inquiry at Psychiatric Hospital Where Children Have Reported Abuse
Under mounting pressure, the state child welfare agency agreed to a broad investigation, but the American Civil Liberties Union and other advocates said they will remain vigilant.
Chicago Considers Wiping Away Old Ticket Debt for Motorists Who File for Chapter 7 Bankruptcy
The proposal is intended to discourage drivers from filing for Chapter 13 bankruptcy, but it does nothing to change onerous payment plans for motorists who don’t file at all.
Illinois Child Welfare Agency Agrees to Stop Sending Children to Psychiatric Hospital Where Children Reported Abuse but Balks at Full Investigation
The Department of Children and Family Services’ inspector general and the American Civil Liberties Union say a limited investigation doesn’t go far enough.
Reporting on the Layers of Potential Harm for Children in Psychiatric Hospitals
It’s a systemic problem involving the agency charged with caring for those children.
Lawmakers Call for Independent Inquiry at Psychiatric Hospital After ProPublica Illinois Report on Abuse of Children
One legislator said she was “disgusted” by the revelations and said the children “deserve to be safe.”
Chicago Alderman Proposes Reining in Ticket Penalties That Drove Thousands of Black Motorists Into Debt
The proposal would cap late penalties and create community service alternatives to some fines.
Chicago Psychiatric Hospital Is Under Fire Over Reports Alleging Abuse of Children
Aurora Chicago Lakeshore Hospital is under federal and state investigation over reports that detail sexual assaults and physical abuse of children, including some who were cleared for release but remained hospitalized because child welfare officials couldn’t find more appropriate homes.
Twitter Used to Feel Like a Chore. Now It’s a Powerful Friend (And Fun).
It helps showcase our work and add context and value to our stories. It’s also a good way to get pizza from us.
What We Learned From Letting a Mother and Her Son Tell Their Own Story
We were moved by their words and honesty. We hope you are, too.
“We Will Keep on Fighting for Him.”
After her 10-year-old was accepted into a clinical drug trial for bipolar disorder, a mother chronicled her family’s experiences. Here is their journey, in their own words.
Chicago City Clerk Calls for Reforms of Vehicle Sticker Program
Anna Valencia proposed creating city sticker options so low-income drivers can afford to be in compliance and avoid costly tickets.
Explore Racial Disparities in Hundreds of Illinois Schools and Districts
Takeaways from our “Miseducation” app and how you can use it, too.
In Illinois Governor’s Race, Rauner and Pritzker See a Clear Need to Promise Transparency
The Freedom of Information Act backlog starts with offices around the state, including the governor’s.
It’s Our Birthday
We’ve published nearly 150 articles, filed thousands of open records requests and taken a lot of road trips. Now, we’re excited for what’s next.
Citizens Count on the Illinois Freedom of Information Act but Keep Getting Shut Out
The office of the public access counselor was supposed to enforce open government laws. Nearly a decade later, it’s backlogged and frequently ignored.
Illinoisans on Illinois: Tips and Tales From Around the State
We told you we were getting out of Chicago. You told us where to look.
How Much Money Is Being Spent in the Illinois Governor’s Race?
Bruce Rauner and JB Pritzker are setting new records — and we’re keeping track.
Southbound on the Amtrak Saluki, and Getting to Know Illinois
The best way for a Chicago reporter to learn about the rest of the state is to go there. Often.
Has the Internet Changed Fact-Checking? Well, It Depends.
The sources haven’t changed much, but accessing them nowadays involves just a few clicks. And no, we don’t use Wikipedia.
