How schools can help kids traumatized by gun violence

Children are among the most traumatized by gun violence in the community, and that trauma can affect their mental and physical health, behavior and academic performance. Lee Gaines looks at what schools and community groups are doing to help.

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Read more about the article Gun violence in downstate Illinois in four mapsGoogle Maps
A map of gun-related incidents in Springfield, Illinois.

Gun violence in downstate Illinois in four maps

At least 100 people died from gunfire over the past three years and at least 500 were wounded, according to data obtained from a sample of police departments of eight small cities in downstate Illinois. Here's a look at where gun violence occurs.

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Read more about the article Police data show gun violence a chronic, growing problem across IllinoisPam Dempsey/Midwest Center for Investigative Reporting
Hundreds of people in Danville gather for a candlelight vigil on June 13, 2016, in honor of Devon McClyde, who was shot while playing basketball in Garfield Park on June 8, 2016. In 2017, eight people were killed from gun violence in Danville.

Police data show gun violence a chronic, growing problem across Illinois

His name was Devon McClyde and he was 16 years old when he was caught in the crossfire of an argument while playing basketball…

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Read more about the article As health inspections change, departments debate enforcementDarrell Hoemann/CU-CitizenAccess.org
Jim Roberts of the Champaign-Urbana Health District holds up a sample placard as county board members discussed whether restaurants in the county should be required to display inspection placards on August 21, 2014.

As health inspections change, departments debate enforcement

Starting July 1, inspections will change.

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Read more about the article Illinois prison system spent less than $300 on books last year
Chicago Books to Women in Prison (BWP), has sent nearly 20,000 books to incarcerated women in the last five years, and tens of thousands since the organization was founded in 2002.

Illinois prison system spent less than $300 on books last year

Last year, the Illinois Department of Corrections (IDOC) spent $276 on books for its educational programming across 28 correctional facilities, according to data obtained through a Freedom of Information Act request. In comparison, the state prison system spent roughly $750,000 each year on books in the early 2000s. In 2005, spending on books dropped to $264,000.

Continue ReadingIllinois prison system spent less than $300 on books last year