Illinois
Here are highlights of State Journal-Register stories that had impact in 2023
Each day a small but dedicated group of State Journal-Register journalists set out to tell the stories of Springfield, Sangamon County, and central Illinois.
In telling those stories, our goal above all else is to inform but also to engage, enlighten, and entertain our readers.
Over the last year, those stories have included explaining the impact of the post-Roe era on Illinois and how government shutdowns affect day-to-day operations in the state. We’ve alerted you to area restaurants with the most food safety complaints and kept you in the know about candidates seeking public office − from the sources of campaign funds to their backgrounds and stances on important issues. It is work that has an impact − large and small − on this community.
Here are other stories from SJ-R reporters that have exposed wrongdoing and shortcomings but also highlighted community positives.
More: Adams sentenced to 14 months in prison for involvement in U.S. Capitol riot
Sometimes, stories come about as follow-ups in ongoing coverage. Steven Spearie had reported on the Springfield-area people involved in the Jan. 6, 2021 breach at the U.S. Capitol. Thomas B. Adams, Jr., a north side resident, was among those convicted for his part in the breach. “I wouldn’t change anything I did,” Adams told Spearie just days after his conviction and release on his own recognizance. Spearie’s exclusive report reached the federal judge in Washington D.C., overseeing Adam’s case. The comments landed Adams back in court and 30 days of confinement. He eventually was sentenced to federal prison on the insurrection-related charges.
Our reports include short takes and deep dives into issues that shed light on government and elsewhere. One such example was a listing of the 10 top-paid officials in Springfield and Sangamon County. The list was simple but brightly illuminated the lack of gender and racial diversity among our top taxpayer-supported jobs.
Reporter Patrick Keck brought attention to how Illinois uses and pays prison laborers. While the Illinois Department of Corrections has made some changes, advocates liken the situation to “slave labor.” Legislators have proposed bills setting minimum standards for the incarcerated on work release or work training programs and are expected to continue the effort.
More: Thousands of jobs, pennies on the dollar: How Illinois uses prison labor
Keck also kept tabs on Navigator CO2 Ventures’ plan to build a 1,350-mile plus, $3.4 billion pipeline through Illinois and four other Midwestern states to remove carbon emissions from the atmosphere and store it underground. We published stories explaining the path of the pipeline that touched Sangamon, Christian, and other nearby counties, why Sangamon County objected to the plan, the safety concerns of mostly rural residents, and the failure of at least one similar pipeline. The coverage elevated the voices of rural communities that often go unheard. The company scrapped the plan in October after having difficulties selling it primarily over those safety concerns.
In 2023, we supported projects such as Friend-In-Deed which provides food to people during the holiday season. And as we’ve done for the last 60 years, we recognized a deserving community volunteer with the First Citizen Award. Patricia Benanti, “the face of St. Martin de Porres Center,” received the esteemed honor.
We remain committed in 2024 to telling the stories, asking hard questions of those in power, and being a voice for the voiceless, all for the betterment of our community − every single day.
As always, thank you for reading the SJ-R and for supporting local news.
Leisa Richardson is executive editor of The State Journal-Register and Lincoln Courier.
Illinois will get $1.1 million of a $45 million, 45-state settlement with money transfer app Cash App’s parent company, which was accused of misleading customers about the app’s security.
Block Inc. will face $55 million in civil penalties and also have to pay customers nationwide somewhere from $75 million to $120 million as part of the settlement, which includes the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau.
In a statement, Illinois Attorney General Kwame Raoul said the settlement holds the company accountable and requires it to “change its harmful practices.”
“Block told Cash App users their money was safe and falsely implied that the app worked like a bank, with the same protections,” Raoul said. “Block was aware that fraud on its platform was rising sharply and failed to warn users, strengthen protections or provide real help to users when things went wrong.”
A company spokesperson confirmed the settlement and said the company has made “significant investments in consumer protection, customer service, and compliance.”
“We share the commitment of the attorneys general to addressing industry challenges and continue to invest in operations and technology to promote a safe and healthy financial ecosystem,” the spokesperson said in a statement provided to the Sun-Times Wednesday night.
The lawsuit accused the company of not preventing fraud, and even of having systems that made it easier to commit that fraud. Minimal identity verification allowed someone to create fake or multiple accounts, and the company had no phone support line. Instead, customers who had been defrauded often were provided by those fraudsters with fake online customer support phone numbers, the suit alleged.
As part of the agreement, the company must offer at least 13.5 hours of human-staffed phone lines per day as part of 24-hour support, as well as reimburse customers for fraudulent transactions, stop marketing the app as safe and educate users about the dangers of fraud.
SERENA, Ill. – An 8-year-old girl has died after she was struck by lightning while outside in the backyard of her home in LaSalle County over the Fourth of July weekend.
Girl killed by lightning strike
What we know:
The LaSalle County Coroner’s office said it was called to emergency department at OSF St. Elizabeth Hospital in Ottawa on the evening of July 3 after the child was brought in following the lightning strike.
A forensic autopsy was conducted on Sunday. Preliminary findings determined the girl died from injuries caused by the lightning strike.
What we don’t know:
Officials have not yet released the child’s identity.
The incident remains under investigation by the LaSalle County Coroner’s Office and the LaSalle County Sheriff’s Office.
The Source: The information in this report came from the LaSalle County Coroner’s Office.
LAKE GENEVA, Wis. – We’re learning more about the victims in Friday’s tragedy on Geneva Lake.
Three kids, ages 10, seven, and six, were killed after they were trapped in the sinking boat during the severe storms.
Officials won’t comment on their identities, but FOX6 learned at least two of them were students at the Community Unit School District 200 (CUSD 200) in Wheaton, Illinois.
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The district released a statement, saying:
“On behalf of Community Unit School District 200, our deepest condolences are with the family and friends of the children who died in a tragic boating incident in Lake Geneva on July 3. We ask that you join us in supporting these families during this difficult time, and keep them in your thoughts as we all cope with this incredible loss.”
Lake Geneva Police Chief statement
What we know:
The City of Lake Geneva Police Department is opening up on the incident and the property destruction caused by the storms.
The police chief says, in part:
“In moments of tragedy, we often see the very best in people, and that has certainly been true here. While there is still healing ahead, I hope everyone knows how grateful we are for the outpouring of support shown over these past several days. It has been humbling to witness and a reminder that no one faces hardship alone when a community stands together.”
–Chief Ed Gritzner, City of Lake Geneva Police Department
The backstory:
Walworth County experienced what law enforcement described as a “sudden and severe” storm on July 3. The National Weather Service said it created a downburst with peak winds estimated at 90–100 mph.
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The storm downed hundreds of trees and power lines, damaged several buildings and created hazardous boating conditions on Geneva Lake. One boat with 10 people on board overturned and ultimately sank.
Six adults and one child were rescued from the water, while three of the kids were missing when emergency responders got there. Those three children were found and later died despite life-saving attempts.
Emergency response on Geneva Lake after storms lead to calls for water rescue on July 3, 2026.
Who was on the boat?
The latest:
The three children who died have been identified as a 10-year-old girl, a 7-year-old girl and a 6-year-old boy.
The boat operator was a 47-year-old man. The other passengers were a 75-year-old man, a 73-year-old woman, a 49-year-old woman, a 46-year-old man, a 44-year-old woman and a 12-year-old boy.
The group included residents of Fontana, as well as residents of Batavia and Wheaton, Illinois. All four kids were wearing properly fitted life jackets, according to law enforcement.
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What happened on Geneva Lake?
Dig deeper:
Law enforcement said the boat operator had “extensive boating experience” and was unable to find safe harbor when the storm hit. At least two large waves broke over the bow, causing it to take on water. Another wave hit the side of the boat, causing it to roll, capsize and sink.
The sunken vessel was found in 32 feet of water, and three children were found inside the boat. Divers were able to get them out and bring them to the surface, and they were pronounced dead despite life-saving attempts. Investigators determined they had no external injuries and drowned.
What’s next:
The Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources and Geneva Lake Law Enforcement Agency are still conducting a joint investigation into the accident. Eleven other agencies assisted with the immediate needs.
The Source: Information in this post comes from the City of Lake Geneva Police Department and Community Unit School District 200 (CUSD 200), along with prior
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