Grace Hauck
@gracehauck.bsky.social
State Investigative Reporter @illinoisanswers.bsky.social. Previously @usatoday.com. Email [email protected]
Reposted by Grace Hauck
Illinois librarians are stepping in to close the justice gap. A pilot program trains them to help residents navigate remote hearings, translation requests and e-filing — support many can’t get elsewhere.
https://illinoisanswers.org/2025/12/01/illinois-low-cost-library-program-takes-on-justice-gap/
https://illinoisanswers.org/2025/12/01/illinois-low-cost-library-program-takes-on-justice-gap/
Illinois’ Low-Cost Library Program Takes on the Justice Gap
Learn how public libraries help bridge the justice gap by offering free help to patrons dealing with court documents and online appearances.
illinoisanswers.org
December 2, 2025 at 5:52 PM
Illinois librarians are stepping in to close the justice gap. A pilot program trains them to help residents navigate remote hearings, translation requests and e-filing — support many can’t get elsewhere.
https://illinoisanswers.org/2025/12/01/illinois-low-cost-library-program-takes-on-justice-gap/
https://illinoisanswers.org/2025/12/01/illinois-low-cost-library-program-takes-on-justice-gap/
Reposted by Grace Hauck
New from me: budget hawks have called on
@chicagosmayor.bsky.social to cut ARPA-funded programs before considering any new taxes. But it's been hard to nail down the exact price tag of federal programs the mayor wants to keep.
After six weeks of reporting, we found the number: about $33M.
@chicagosmayor.bsky.social to cut ARPA-funded programs before considering any new taxes. But it's been hard to nail down the exact price tag of federal programs the mayor wants to keep.
After six weeks of reporting, we found the number: about $33M.
With a $1.2B deficit looming, Johnson defends pandemic-era programs he says helped cut crime. Much of City Council remains skeptical.
From @alexnitkin.bsky.social: https://illinoisanswers.org/2025/12/02/chicago-mayor-brandon-johnson-council-clash-over-city-budget/
From @alexnitkin.bsky.social: https://illinoisanswers.org/2025/12/02/chicago-mayor-brandon-johnson-council-clash-over-city-budget/
Budget Woes: Mayor, Council Clash Over Programs That Feds Once Paid for That Johnson Wants to Keep — on The City’s Tab
Chicago Mayor Brandon Johnson and his allies argue the programs are critical, but alderpeople say they need more details.
illinoisanswers.org
December 2, 2025 at 6:18 PM
New from me: budget hawks have called on
@chicagosmayor.bsky.social to cut ARPA-funded programs before considering any new taxes. But it's been hard to nail down the exact price tag of federal programs the mayor wants to keep.
After six weeks of reporting, we found the number: about $33M.
@chicagosmayor.bsky.social to cut ARPA-funded programs before considering any new taxes. But it's been hard to nail down the exact price tag of federal programs the mayor wants to keep.
After six weeks of reporting, we found the number: about $33M.
Reposted by Grace Hauck
With a $1.2B deficit looming, Johnson defends pandemic-era programs he says helped cut crime. Much of City Council remains skeptical.
From @alexnitkin.bsky.social: https://illinoisanswers.org/2025/12/02/chicago-mayor-brandon-johnson-council-clash-over-city-budget/
From @alexnitkin.bsky.social: https://illinoisanswers.org/2025/12/02/chicago-mayor-brandon-johnson-council-clash-over-city-budget/
Budget Woes: Mayor, Council Clash Over Programs That Feds Once Paid for That Johnson Wants to Keep — on The City’s Tab
Chicago Mayor Brandon Johnson and his allies argue the programs are critical, but alderpeople say they need more details.
illinoisanswers.org
December 2, 2025 at 4:36 PM
With a $1.2B deficit looming, Johnson defends pandemic-era programs he says helped cut crime. Much of City Council remains skeptical.
From @alexnitkin.bsky.social: https://illinoisanswers.org/2025/12/02/chicago-mayor-brandon-johnson-council-clash-over-city-budget/
From @alexnitkin.bsky.social: https://illinoisanswers.org/2025/12/02/chicago-mayor-brandon-johnson-council-clash-over-city-budget/
Reposted by Grace Hauck
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.
https://illinoisanswers.org/2025/12/01/illinois-low-cost-library-program-takes-on-justice-gap/
https://illinoisanswers.org/2025/12/01/illinois-low-cost-library-program-takes-on-justice-gap/
Illinois’ Low-Cost Library Program Takes on the Justice Gap
Learn how public libraries help bridge the justice gap by offering free help to patrons dealing with court documents and online appearances.
illinoisanswers.org
December 1, 2025 at 10:20 PM
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.
https://illinoisanswers.org/2025/12/01/illinois-low-cost-library-program-takes-on-justice-gap/
https://illinoisanswers.org/2025/12/01/illinois-low-cost-library-program-takes-on-justice-gap/
JOB ALERT: Please come be my editor! illinoisanswers.org/2025/11/14/s...
State Investigations Editor
The Illinois Answers Project seeks a State Investigations Editor who will oversee projects with statewide focus. The Illinois Answers Project is a nonprofit investigative and solutions journalism news...
illinoisanswers.org
November 21, 2025 at 8:48 PM
JOB ALERT: Please come be my editor! illinoisanswers.org/2025/11/14/s...
Reposted by Grace Hauck
On Thursday, HUD announced it would overhaul its rules for funding homelessness programming. As a result, more than 8000 Illinoisans could be pushed out of their housing. My latest for @illinoisanswers.bsky.social illinoisanswers.org/2025/11/18/n...
New Federal Rules Could Put Formerly Unhoused People Back Out on The Streets Across Illinois
The Trump administration is slashing funds to help pay for housing for people in need, including those with mental illness or disabilities.
illinoisanswers.org
November 18, 2025 at 7:30 PM
On Thursday, HUD announced it would overhaul its rules for funding homelessness programming. As a result, more than 8000 Illinoisans could be pushed out of their housing. My latest for @illinoisanswers.bsky.social illinoisanswers.org/2025/11/18/n...
Reposted by Grace Hauck
Dec. 2.
Come by to learn more about our work, and how you can support it!
illinoisanswers.org/event/how-jo...
Come by to learn more about our work, and how you can support it!
illinoisanswers.org/event/how-jo...
How Journalism Connects Systems, Power and People
Join us for a conversation with Illinois Answers reporters as they share what they’ve uncovered investigating economic opportunity, government finance, public safety, childcare and the needs of the mo...
illinoisanswers.org
November 18, 2025 at 5:30 PM
Dec. 2.
Come by to learn more about our work, and how you can support it!
illinoisanswers.org/event/how-jo...
Come by to learn more about our work, and how you can support it!
illinoisanswers.org/event/how-jo...
Reposted by Grace Hauck
Sinking Loop office values fuel spike in Chicago residential bills, especially on South, West sides, report shows.
illinoisanswers.org/2025/11/17/r...
illinoisanswers.org/2025/11/17/r...
Record Property Tax Increases Slam Chicago Homeowners as Downtown Owners See Cuts
Sinking Loop office values fuel spike in Chicago residential bills, especially on South, West sides, report shows.
illinoisanswers.org
November 17, 2025 at 5:21 PM
Sinking Loop office values fuel spike in Chicago residential bills, especially on South, West sides, report shows.
illinoisanswers.org/2025/11/17/r...
illinoisanswers.org/2025/11/17/r...
Reposted by Grace Hauck
Illinois defendants who have been found unfit for trial – and are in need of inpatient fitness restoration – are waiting nearly twice as long for a state hospital bed as they did five years ago.
My latest for @illinoisanswers.bsky.social
illinoisanswers.org/2025/11/11/t...
My latest for @illinoisanswers.bsky.social
illinoisanswers.org/2025/11/11/t...
Too mentally ill for trial, she spent months in an Illinois jail as the state looked for a hospital bed. She died waiting.
Many defendants declared unfit for trial have often waited three months or longer to be transferred to a hospital – regularly exceeding the state’s deadline, an Illinois Answers Project investigation ...
illinoisanswers.org
November 11, 2025 at 4:43 PM
Illinois defendants who have been found unfit for trial – and are in need of inpatient fitness restoration – are waiting nearly twice as long for a state hospital bed as they did five years ago.
My latest for @illinoisanswers.bsky.social
illinoisanswers.org/2025/11/11/t...
My latest for @illinoisanswers.bsky.social
illinoisanswers.org/2025/11/11/t...
“These are due process violations,” Nevdal said in court. “This is an equal protection issue.” A must-read today from @meredithnewman.bsky.social @illinoisanswers.bsky.social illinoisanswers.org/2025/11/11/t...
Too mentally ill for trial, she spent months in an Illinois jail as the state looked for a hospital bed. She died waiting.
Many defendants declared unfit for trial have often waited three months or longer to be transferred to a hospital – regularly exceeding the state’s deadline, an Illinois Answers Project investigation ...
illinoisanswers.org
November 11, 2025 at 3:15 PM
“These are due process violations,” Nevdal said in court. “This is an equal protection issue.” A must-read today from @meredithnewman.bsky.social @illinoisanswers.bsky.social illinoisanswers.org/2025/11/11/t...
Reposted by Grace Hauck
‘They are literally targeting people.’ ICE comes to southern Illinois
By me and @bhundsdorfer.bsky.social for @illinoisanswers.bsky.social @capitolnewsil.bsky.social illinoisanswers.org/2025/10/31/i...
By me and @bhundsdorfer.bsky.social for @illinoisanswers.bsky.social @capitolnewsil.bsky.social illinoisanswers.org/2025/10/31/i...
‘They are literally targeting people.’ ICE comes to southern Illinois
CARLYLE, Ill. — When Jose Jeronimo Guardian showed up at a Spanish language traffic court this week, he didn’t expect to be detained and face expulsion from a country he’d […]
illinoisanswers.org
October 31, 2025 at 8:36 PM
‘They are literally targeting people.’ ICE comes to southern Illinois
By me and @bhundsdorfer.bsky.social for @illinoisanswers.bsky.social @capitolnewsil.bsky.social illinoisanswers.org/2025/10/31/i...
By me and @bhundsdorfer.bsky.social for @illinoisanswers.bsky.social @capitolnewsil.bsky.social illinoisanswers.org/2025/10/31/i...
Reposted by Grace Hauck
As transit funding hangs in the balance in veto session this week, @gracehauck.bsky.social and I have a pair of stories looking at the stakes for a part of the state that's gotten relatively little attention: the collar counties.
t.co/oswatwJcdQ
t.co/oswatwJcdQ
https://illinoisanswers.org/2025/10/28/legal-loophole-scrambled-state-efforts-to-plug-transit-agencies-funding/
t.co
October 28, 2025 at 4:29 PM
As transit funding hangs in the balance in veto session this week, @gracehauck.bsky.social and I have a pair of stories looking at the stakes for a part of the state that's gotten relatively little attention: the collar counties.
t.co/oswatwJcdQ
t.co/oswatwJcdQ
What's the future of public transit in the Chicagoland area?
Fledgling dial-a-ride networks are filling gaps in the collar counties, but they struggle to meet demand. w/ @alexnitkin.bsky.social @illinoisanswers.bsky.social
illinoisanswers.org/2025/10/28/c...
Fledgling dial-a-ride networks are filling gaps in the collar counties, but they struggle to meet demand. w/ @alexnitkin.bsky.social @illinoisanswers.bsky.social
illinoisanswers.org/2025/10/28/c...
These Counties Spend Transit Tax Money on Ride Services. They’re Lifelines for Thousands of Residents
Fledgling dial-a-ride networks are filling gaps in public transit in the collar counties, but they struggle to meet demand.
illinoisanswers.org
October 28, 2025 at 2:20 PM
What's the future of public transit in the Chicagoland area?
Fledgling dial-a-ride networks are filling gaps in the collar counties, but they struggle to meet demand. w/ @alexnitkin.bsky.social @illinoisanswers.bsky.social
illinoisanswers.org/2025/10/28/c...
Fledgling dial-a-ride networks are filling gaps in the collar counties, but they struggle to meet demand. w/ @alexnitkin.bsky.social @illinoisanswers.bsky.social
illinoisanswers.org/2025/10/28/c...
"We have a dire, dire, transit funding crisis, and we’re spending this money on roads and public safety," said Audrey Wennink of the Chicago-based nonprofit Metropolitan Planning Council. w/ @alexnitkin.bsky.social @illinoisanswers.bsky.social illinoisanswers.org/2025/10/28/l...
A Little-Known Legal Loophole Has Scrambled State Efforts to Save Transit Agencies From Financial Disaster
Suburban counties last year spent $83M in RTA sales taxes on jails and courts; they'll fight to keep the money as the state scrapes for cash.
illinoisanswers.org
October 28, 2025 at 2:13 PM
"We have a dire, dire, transit funding crisis, and we’re spending this money on roads and public safety," said Audrey Wennink of the Chicago-based nonprofit Metropolitan Planning Council. w/ @alexnitkin.bsky.social @illinoisanswers.bsky.social illinoisanswers.org/2025/10/28/l...
Reposted by Grace Hauck
After decades of building a real estate empire out of overgrown vacant lots in the poorest parts of Chicago, Suzie B. Wilson and her sister agreed earlier this year to auction off the properties to pay off their companies’ mounting debts.
illinoisanswers.org/2025/10/15/h...
illinoisanswers.org/2025/10/15/h...
Hundreds Of Lots Owned By 'City's Worst Landowner' Went Up For Sale. But Only A Fraction Have Sold
Parcels that belonged to Suzie B. Wilson and her sister accumulated $15 million in city fines for rat-related violations. Hundreds are sitting empty.
illinoisanswers.org
October 16, 2025 at 4:42 PM
After decades of building a real estate empire out of overgrown vacant lots in the poorest parts of Chicago, Suzie B. Wilson and her sister agreed earlier this year to auction off the properties to pay off their companies’ mounting debts.
illinoisanswers.org/2025/10/15/h...
illinoisanswers.org/2025/10/15/h...
Reposted by Grace Hauck
New from me:
Chicago's budget has approximately doubled in the past decade. So why can't the city just cut runaway spending instead of raising taxes?
Turns out, lots of reasons:
t.co/BS4bP7FzIG
Chicago's budget has approximately doubled in the past decade. So why can't the city just cut runaway spending instead of raising taxes?
Turns out, lots of reasons:
t.co/BS4bP7FzIG
https://illinoisanswers.org/2025/10/15/tightening-chicago-budget-faces-hurdles-amid-few-options-for-pain-free-cuts/
t.co
October 15, 2025 at 8:28 PM
New from me:
Chicago's budget has approximately doubled in the past decade. So why can't the city just cut runaway spending instead of raising taxes?
Turns out, lots of reasons:
t.co/BS4bP7FzIG
Chicago's budget has approximately doubled in the past decade. So why can't the city just cut runaway spending instead of raising taxes?
Turns out, lots of reasons:
t.co/BS4bP7FzIG
Reposted by Grace Hauck
Facing a nearly $1.2 billion budget gap, budgetmakers in Mayor Brandon Johnson’s administration have been dogged by a question: Why can’t the city cut its spending bloat before it taxes residents to close the gap?
illinoisanswers.org/2025/10/15/t...
illinoisanswers.org/2025/10/15/t...
Calls For 'Belt-Tightening' in Chicago Budget Face Hurdles Amid Few Options for Pain-Free Cuts
Cutting city spending faces at least as many logistical and political challenges as raising taxes.
illinoisanswers.org
October 16, 2025 at 2:59 PM
Facing a nearly $1.2 billion budget gap, budgetmakers in Mayor Brandon Johnson’s administration have been dogged by a question: Why can’t the city cut its spending bloat before it taxes residents to close the gap?
illinoisanswers.org/2025/10/15/t...
illinoisanswers.org/2025/10/15/t...
Reposted by Grace Hauck
Join the Illinois Answers Project, The Chicago Council on Science and Technology and @blockclubchi.bsky.social for an evening of conversations about the promises and pitfalls of quantum computing.
Learn more and register here: illinoisanswers.org/event/invest...
Learn more and register here: illinoisanswers.org/event/invest...
September 24, 2025 at 7:13 PM
Join the Illinois Answers Project, The Chicago Council on Science and Technology and @blockclubchi.bsky.social for an evening of conversations about the promises and pitfalls of quantum computing.
Learn more and register here: illinoisanswers.org/event/invest...
Learn more and register here: illinoisanswers.org/event/invest...
Reposted by Grace Hauck
More than 37,000 residential properties on the South and West sides saw their tax assessments more than double between 2023 and 2024.
illinoisanswers.org/2025/09/21/b...
illinoisanswers.org/2025/09/21/b...
Brace For Impact: Tax Hikes Loom For South, West Side Homeowners
Property assessments double for 37,000 homes in Chicago’s historically neglected neighborhoods amid fresh investor interest.
illinoisanswers.org
September 25, 2025 at 4:31 PM
More than 37,000 residential properties on the South and West sides saw their tax assessments more than double between 2023 and 2024.
illinoisanswers.org/2025/09/21/b...
illinoisanswers.org/2025/09/21/b...
Reposted by Grace Hauck
Story here:
illinoisanswers.org/2025/09/25/c...
illinoisanswers.org/2025/09/25/c...
‘Granny Flats’ Poised For Expansion — But Only in Neighborhoods Where Alderpeople Allow Them
New law will allow more coach house construction and conversions but will likely create confusion and increase costs, advocates say.
illinoisanswers.org
September 25, 2025 at 11:22 PM
Story here:
illinoisanswers.org/2025/09/25/c...
illinoisanswers.org/2025/09/25/c...
Reposted by Grace Hauck
Leodus Thomas Jr. sees a brighter future for Chicago’s West Side. It’s why, after buying his house in Austin nine years ago, he decided to become a developer. But in the last several years, a new threat has emerged.
illinoisanswers.org/2025/09/21/b...
illinoisanswers.org/2025/09/21/b...
Brace For Impact: Tax Hikes Loom For South, West Side Homeowners
Property assessments double for 37,000 homes in Chicago’s historically neglected neighborhoods amid fresh investor interest.
illinoisanswers.org
September 22, 2025 at 4:44 PM
Leodus Thomas Jr. sees a brighter future for Chicago’s West Side. It’s why, after buying his house in Austin nine years ago, he decided to become a developer. But in the last several years, a new threat has emerged.
illinoisanswers.org/2025/09/21/b...
illinoisanswers.org/2025/09/21/b...
Reposted by Grace Hauck
Our Investigate the State conference is up and running! If you didn't register, you can still sign up and join this free, virtual conference here: illinoisanswers.org/event/invest...
September 18, 2025 at 3:17 PM
Our Investigate the State conference is up and running! If you didn't register, you can still sign up and join this free, virtual conference here: illinoisanswers.org/event/invest...
Reposted by Grace Hauck
Join us for Investigate the State, a virtual conference bringing together news leaders across the Midwest to discuss, share strategies and forge partnerships to bolster Investigative journalism in every community. Learn more and register here: illinoisanswers.org/event/invest...
Investigate the State
Thinking of expanding your coverage to statewide audiences? Looking for partnerships with newsrooms in your community or even statewide? Interested in how news outlets around the Midwest are confronti...
illinoisanswers.org
September 9, 2025 at 6:58 PM
Join us for Investigate the State, a virtual conference bringing together news leaders across the Midwest to discuss, share strategies and forge partnerships to bolster Investigative journalism in every community. Learn more and register here: illinoisanswers.org/event/invest...
Reposted by Grace Hauck
NEW: Illinois is the only state that has yet to reform its tax sale laws after the Supreme Court found unconstitutional a process that can cost homeowners their residences.
illinoisanswers.org/2025/09/11/l...
illinoisanswers.org/2025/09/11/l...
Lawsuits Pile Up as Illinois Lags on Reforming Tax Sale Laws
Illinois is the only state yet to reform its law after the Supreme Court found unconstitutional a process that can cost homeowners their residences.
illinoisanswers.org
September 11, 2025 at 6:15 PM
NEW: Illinois is the only state that has yet to reform its tax sale laws after the Supreme Court found unconstitutional a process that can cost homeowners their residences.
illinoisanswers.org/2025/09/11/l...
illinoisanswers.org/2025/09/11/l...
Reposted by Grace Hauck
Strange, in court this morning. In the middle of a hearing, judge took a phone call from her "boss," then came back and ruled that documents + videos would remain secret despite prosecutors + defense agreeing the secrecy order could be lifted. When asked, chief judge's office refused to comment.
Judge Won't Lift Order Barring Release of Body-Cam Footage of Officer Krystal Rivera's Killing
Judge Barbara Lynette Dawkins declined to lift the order, even though prosecutors and defense attorneys had no objection to the move.
illinoisanswers.org
September 10, 2025 at 7:35 PM
Strange, in court this morning. In the middle of a hearing, judge took a phone call from her "boss," then came back and ruled that documents + videos would remain secret despite prosecutors + defense agreeing the secrecy order could be lifted. When asked, chief judge's office refused to comment.