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Stories by Beth Hundsdorfer — Capitol News Illinois

Despite Two Decades of Education and Enforcement, Drivers Still Failing Scott’s Law

Scott’s Law, also known as the Move Over Law, requires that all vehicles move over, if possible, or slow down when passing a stopped or disabled emergency vehicle with its flashing lights on. It was passed in 2001.

Sonya Massey Attorneys Detail $10M Settlement as Fatal Shooting Spurs State Bills on Police Hiring

In the early morning hours of July 6, Massey called 911 to report a prowler outside her home, setting in motion events that left Massey dying on her kitchen floor and former Sangamon County Deputy Sean Grayson facing charges of first-degree murder.

Sangamon County Enters Agreement to End DOJ Investigation Following Fatal Police Shooting

Sonya Massey, an unarmed Black woman who was experiencing a mental health crisis, was shot in her kitchen by Sangamon County Deputy Sean Grayson who responded to Massey’s 911 call about a prowler outside her home near Springfield.

Sonya Massey’s Family Calls for Legislation That Would Document ‘Red Flags’ for Prospective Law Enforcement Officers

Deputy charged with first-degree murder was a ‘ticking time bomb,’ they say.

The system should document red flags of prospective officers for law enforcement employers, civil rights attorney BenjaminCrump said, to ensure the safety of citizens. He said he intends to lobby for the passage of federal legislation, such as the George Floyd Justice in Policing Act

‘No Schoolers’: How Illinois’ Hands-Off Approach to Homeschooling Leaves Children at Risk

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 wasn’t learning.

‘This Place is Horrific’: Complaint Details ‘Filthy’ Conditions at Downstate Funeral Home

Eight photographs and one video taken late last year purported to show the conditions of the funeral home depict piles of dirty sheets, a dead rodent rotting in a stairway and water running from pipes in the embalming room.

After 80 Families Received Wrong Remains From Downstate Funeral Home, Illinois Lawmakers Propose New Legislation

On Thursday, Sen. Doris Turner, D-Springfield, introduced legislation mandates that a funeral director must place a unique identifier on the deceased’s body, body bag, and any body part, organ, or tissue separated from the deceased to be used in nontransplant organ donation. A director must also maintain chain of custody documentation. 

Prisoner Review Board Releases Final Illinoisan Serving Life Sentence for ‘Three-Strikes’ Drug Offense

Charles Collins, 49, was sentenced to life in prison without parole in relation to a 2010 charge for cocaine possession with intent to sell. It was his third felony, making him eligible for an enhanced sentence under the state’s habitual criminal, or “three-strikes,” law.

DCFS Director to Step Down at End of the Year After Agency Hit With Another Scathing Audit

Illinois Department of Children and Family Services Director Marc Smith will resign effective Dec. 31, he told colleagues in an all-staff town hall meeting Wednesday morning.

Former Illinois State Trooper Seeks Restoration of Driving Privileges Nearly 16 Years After Crash That Killed Teen Sisters

For years, former Illinois Secretary of State Jesse White blocked attempts by an ex-state trooper to regain his driving privileges after a high-speed crash that caused the deaths of teenage sisters on a busy St. Clair County interstate in 2007.

Watchdog Overseeing Abuse, Neglect Cases at State-Run Facilities Resigns for Job as Chicago Park District’s Inspector General

After serving nearly four years as the watchdog for the Illinois Department of Human Services, Peter Neumer will join the Chicago Park District as inspector general. 

State Leaves 3 Administrators in Charge at Choate Despite Troubled History of Resident Care

A new state watchdog report calls for a “fundamental overhaul” at Choate Mental Health and Developmental Center.

Allegations of patient abuse, cover-ups and misconduct continue to proliferate at a beleaguered facility for people with developmental disabilities, despite promises of reform from Illinois Gov. J.B. Pritzker and officials in his administration.
 

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