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.
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 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 inInvestigations, Criminal Justice & Public Safety
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.
Posted inGovernment Finance & Accountability
City Agencies Fail To Intervene Before Three Older Women Die in Uncooled Apartment Building
Tenants of the Rogers Park complex see the limitations of the city’s 311 complaint hotline as City Council adopts new rules requiring air conditioning units in senior buildings.
Posted inGovernment Finance & Accountability
Foster Children Held in Jails, Shelters — Workers Threatened, Attacked: A State Agency in Crisis
One juvenile court judge asked: “What does a judge do when the department basically abuses a child?” Besieged Illinois child welfare director Marc Smith speaks out in a rare and passionate defense of his tenure, saying “every effort is being made” to protect children and workers.
Posted inGovernment Finance & Accountability
Ald. Walter Burnett Softened Stance on Affordable Housing After Cash Flowed
Developer Onni Group wanted out of its obligation to include affordable units in its luxury Old Town highrises. Onni paid a Burnett friend more than $417,000 to lobby City Hall, helped sponsor a Burnett fundraiser and pledged $25,000 to a charity run by Burnett’s wife. Some tenants said the alderman abandoned them.
Posted inInvestigations
Former Veterans’ Affairs Chief Wrote Checks Totaling $50,000 to Her Mom From Her Political Fund
Following BGA inquiries, Linda Chapa LaVia said the money was to repay a 20-year-old loan. She returned the money to her political account after officials at the state board of elections raised questions about why the loan was never disclosed.
Posted inGovernment Finance & Accountability
Concerns — and Campaign Plans — Mount As Chicago Remap Battle Drags On
Chicago’s once-per-decade fight to redraw its ward boundaries has lasted months and there’s still no agreement, sparking preliminary referendum plans and fears about a costly court battle.
