The Chicago Housing Authority is supposed to provide affordable homes for those in need. But the agency has nearly 500 scattered-site units that are vacant — many causing problems for their neighbors.
Rachel Hinton
Rachel Hinton is an investigative reporter with Block Club Chicago and had a similar role at the Illinois Answers Project from 2022 to 2023.
Posted inGovernment Finance & Accountability
City Has Spent Only 15% of $52M in Federal Money Dedicated for Homeless Programs
Two years after receiving the COVID-era funding, Chicago has been slow off the mark with some of its programs to help people experiencing homelessness.
Posted inGovernment Finance & Accountability
Big Spending and a Springfield Joyride for South Suburban ‘People’s Mayor’
Tiffany Henyard makes about $250,000 a year as the mayor of Dolton and the supervisor of Thornton Township. Critics blast her free spending ways while her fans cite the progress she’s made.
Posted inFollow-Up
Illinois to Clawback $180M from Four Medicaid Insurance Companies
The refunded money, which could amount to $450 million over several years, will be used to pay for programs to hire and train more health care workers across Illinois.
Posted inGovernment Finance & Accountability
Ald. Rod Sawyer did legal work for firm that bought Beverly home for $32K from man with dementia
A judge later invalidated the sale, but Sawyer, who is running for mayor, notes he was dismissed from the court case involving the purchase, with no finding of wrongdoing
Posted inFollow-Up
State Officials Sued for Allowing Foster Children to Languish in Juvenile Detention
The lawsuit against the Department of Children and Family Services officials comes after an investigation by the Illinois Answers Project found that the problem was only getting worse.
Posted inFollow-Up
Feds Probing Massive State Contract that Failed Foster Kids with Inadequate Health Care
An investigation by the Illinois Answers Project found that insurance giant Centene Corp. routinely fell short in providing basic care. Federal officials now want answers from the two state agencies overseeing the program.
Posted inInvestigations
Invited in Only to be Shut Out
The city’s development initiative, Invest South/West has brought hope to areas long ignored by developers and the promise of hundreds of millions of dollars. But some residents say they’ve been left out of real decision-making on the major projects coming to their areas.
Posted inInvestigations
Insurance Giant Failed Foster Kids with Inadequate Care
A nearly $370 million contract promised to improve healthcare for state wards — but for two years the Centene Corp. fell short on basic care, forcing foster parents to scramble.
Posted inCriminal Justice & Public Safety, Investigations
Out-of-State Abortions in Illinois Already Breaking Records
Surrounded by states enacting bans or severe restrictions, Illinois is poised to become a place where out-of-state patients and practitioners seek refuge. Politicians and advocates are seeking ways to welcome what they say could be a record-setting demand for the controversial procedure.
