Chicago’s Efforts to Keep Housing Affordable in Woodlawn Falls Short as Obama Center Nears Opening
Prison or treatment? Thousands participate in mental health courts. Half graduate — and millions are left out
This story is a collaboration between Illinois Answers and the Chicago bureau of MindSite News; sign up to receive their newsletter here. Bloomington native Shayla Woodworth had struggled with mental illness and addiction since she was a teen and spent time in jail in three states. She’d heard of mental health courts before but didn’t know much…
More from Illinois Answers project
Months After Late Property Tax Bills, Thousands Are Still Waiting With No Resolution in Sight
Making It In chicago
Cook County Tried to Rid People of Medical Debt, but, for Many, Help Comes Too Late
Since 2022, Cook County has spent more than $4 million to forgive nearly $500 million worth of medical debt for some 278,000 residents, becoming…
‘Most Drivers Aren’t Making Money:’ App-Based Gig Work Promised Freedom and Flexibility. Workers Feel Exploited and Unsafe.
As the app-based informal economy grows, its many low-wage workers are demanding the same protections and benefits that many other full and part time…
‘Granny flats’ are illegal to build in most of Chicago —and political gridlock is keeping it that way.
A three-year pilot program that legalized accessory dwelling units or “granny flats” in some areas of the city opened up more housing options in…
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BGA Annual Luncheon & Celebration
This year’s Annual Luncheon celebrates the Better Government Association’s 100+ year record of advancing a more transparent, equitable and accountable government for all the people of Illinois through investigative journalism, policy advocacy and community engagement that hold power to account and drive meaningful reform. 2026 Annual Luncheon & CelebrationFriday, October 22, 2026 | 11:30 AM…
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Body Cam Video Shows Chicago Cop Took Cover for 90 Seconds After Fatally Shooting His Partner, Krystal Rivera
The footage released Friday shows that officer Carlos Baker ran up a stairwell after his gun went off when they encountered an armed man, leaving Rivera bleeding from a gunshot…
Mentally ill man restrained in chair for 3 days settles case in Williamson County
A man with mental illness who says he was strapped down to a chair for three days at Williamson County Jail reached a settlement in his civil rights case against…
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The BGA’s Illinois Answers Project is a nonprofit newsroom reporting on how power works in Illinois — who it serves, who it doesn’t, and ways to fix imbalances. Our journalists investigate wrongdoing, follow the impact on communities, and examine solutions that are making a difference. Learn more.
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Investigating Responses
Illinois’ Low-Cost Library Program Takes on the Justice Gap
A pilot program in 18 libraries across nine counties trains staff to help residents navigate civil court proceedings, offering a lifeline in communities where legal aid and public transit are scarce.
Illinois Is Turning to Local Jails to Treat Mentally Ill Defendants. Some Early Results Offer Hope — and Warnings
It’s not often that Menard County Jail has a detainee who has been found unfit for trial. The jail, just north of Springfield, is small. With a census that can hover around 10 people or less, and just a few correctional staff on a given shift, mental health care is limited. In 2024, the man…
Investigations
Chicago Cops Did Little to Probe Gun Stolen From Police Station and Used in Three Shootings, New Records Show
The Chicago Police Department fought to keep secret any details of its investigation into a Glock handgun that was taken from a room full of cops at the Gresham District station in late 2023. In the end, no one was charged, and no cops were disciplined.
Trump Administration Sues Illinois Over State’s Attempts to Regulate Prediction Markets
The feds argue they have primary authority to regulate the popular markets, not the states. Illinois says the move puts profits over people.
Special Projects
Making it in Chicago: Detours and Dead Ends on the Path to Opportunity
The path to upward mobility is paved by affordable and quality education, housing, health care, as well as safe neighborhoods and good-paying jobs… things increasingly out of reach for many Chicagoans. Some city, state and community -led efforts could be part of a roadmap to economic opportunity.
Series – Strapped Down: Restraint Chairs in Illinois Jails
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.
Series – Underwater in Illinois: Responses to Flooding
The Illinois Answers Project explores how prepared Chicago and the state are to combat the growing environmental threats its residents face, particularly from the problem of severe flooding.
