Stories by Molly Parker — Capitol News Illinois
Bill Tightening Homeschool Regulations Stalls in Illinois House, But Sponsor Says it’s Still Alive
| Molly Parker — Capitol News Illinois
The bill’s future is uncertain as it draws fierce opposition from homeschool families, a threat against its sponsor prompting a police investigation and shaky support from Democrats.
Federal Judge Rejects Illinois’ Bid to End Court Oversight of Disability Programs
| Molly Parker — Capitol News Illinois
Judge Sharon Johnson Coleman, with the U.S. District Court for the Northern District of Illinois, agreed with legal advocates who argued that the state still hasn’t met its decade-old promises to help people with intellectual and developmental disabilities live outside large institutions.
Illinois Judge Closes Juvenile Detention Center After ‘Facility in Crisis’ Fails to Meet New State Standards
| Molly Parker — Capitol News Illinois
The Franklin County Juvenile Detention Center abruptly closed on Dec. 31. The judge who ordered the closure said staffing shortages made it difficult to meet state standards for caring for youth in custody.
Inside Illinois’ Youth Lockups, Children Go Without Basic Services and Face ‘Excessive’ Punishments
| Molly Parker — Capitol News Illinois
State audits point to troubling conditions in juvenile detention centers, but no agency has strong enough oversight to bring about change.
Choate Director Replaced as New Report Says Abuse at the Facility Hasn’t Stopped
A new report by an advocacy agency details how abuse and neglect at Choate have continued despite calls for and promises of reform.
| Molly Parker — Capitol News Illinois
The department’s about-face on Choate’s top leader follows months of reporting on poor conditions at the facility by Capitol News Illinois, Lee Enterprises Midwest and ProPublica.
37 Workers at State-Run Developmental Center Targeted in PPP Fraud Probe
| Molly Parker — Capitol News Illinois
At Ludeman Developmental Center in Park Forest, 37 employees have been fired, resigned or face pending disciplinary action after a state watchdog found that they defrauded a federal pandemic-era small business loan program.
State Watchdog Investigating Employees Accused of Bilking Federal Pandemic Aid Program
| Molly Parker — Capitol News Illinois
Congress intended for the loans issued by the U.S. Small Business Administration, most of which were later forgiven, to keep small businesses afloat and their employees on the payroll as COVID-19 resulted in lockdowns and interrupted commerce.
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