skip to main content
skip to newscasts

Monday, December 16, 2024

Public News Service Logo
facebook instagram linkedin reddit youtube twitter
view newscast page
play newscast audioPlay

Postal workers' union says new proposal would slow mail; Storms across US bring heavy snow, dangerous ice and a tornado in CA; Poll finds most voters want a robust EPA, more pollution controls; Parents of children in WA prisons face 'unbearable' holiday season.

view newscast page
play newscast audioPlay

President-elect Trump rethinks his ability to lower prices, mass deportations could spur economic losses on par with the Great Recession, and Sen. Bernie Sanders says he'll work with the Trump administration to raise the federal minimum wage.

view newscast page
play newscast audioPlay

Conservative voters surprised pundits by casting election votes for Trump but also against school vouchers, Pennsylvania's Black mayors work to unite their communities, and America's mental health providers try new techniques.

Legislation on IL juvenile offenders awaits Senate decision

play audio
Play

Friday, November 15, 2024   

Pending legislation could change the age of Illinois' juvenile offenders' detention time before their trial date.

Currently, juveniles as young as 10 can be incarcerated. After a decade of negotiations with lawmakers, House Bill 2347, if passed, would raise the age of placing kids in detention centers from age 10 to 13, excluding violent offenders. The measure has passed the House and is being reviewed by the Senate.

Elizabeth Clarke, founder and interim executive director of the Juvenile Justice Initiative, supports what she described as the "well-thought-out" legislation.

"It's a compromise. It's important to do," Clarke asserted. "Locking up children, especially young children, not only is traumatic to them, but it's more likely to result in repeat offending."

Department of Juvenile Justice inspections in 2023 found facilities in Vermilion, Kane, Lake and Peoria counties were compliant with minimal safety standards. The remaining 10 facilities did not meet standards, a condition Clarke compared to solitary confinement.

The bill could be passed in the veto/lame duck sessions. Clarke pointed out the bill is an "agreed to" compromise. She noted some alternatives exist and children can be held accountable as minors, requiring authoritative intervention, probation and other punishments. She remains optimistic the Senate will pass the bill.

"This would just move the state forward," Clarke contended. "It would help counties avoid lawsuits in the future. It would help us to begin to right size our juvenile detention system across Illinois."

The bill said children younger than 13 could be held accountable through a legal document called the Petition for Minor Requiring Authoritative Intervention. It would permit the court to order probation or alternatives without involving an arrest or detention. Options include crisis intervention, behavioral health care services, or placement with relatives.


get more stories like this via email

more stories
Along with a goal to reach net-zero emissions by 2050, the Port Authority is looking to reduce direct emissions 50% by 2030. (Adobe Stock)

Environment

play sound

The Port of New York and New Jersey is receiving funding to cut emissions. It's part of the Environmental Protection Agency's Clean Ports Program…


Social Issues

play sound

Ohioans are paying close attention to the fast-tracking of Senate Bill 295 through the Statehouse during the lame-duck session. The proposed …

Environment

play sound

By Sarah Melotte and Elizabeth Miller for The Daily Yonder.Broadcast version by Shanteya Hudson for Georgia News Connection for the Public News Servic…


Worker-owned businesses are 25% more likely to stay in business while helping to improve economic and racial equity, according to the Massachusetts Center for Employee Ownership. (Adobe Stock)

Social Issues

play sound

Union workers fighting for a fair contract at Recreational Equipment, Inc. Boston are drawing support from the state's growing worker co-op community…

Social Issues

play sound

Four east Texas communities will share more than $1 million in grant money to upgrade their radio infrastructure systems. The grants are funded by …

Each year, immigrants add $54 billion to Colorado's economy. (Adobe Stock)

Social Issues

play sound

As President-elect Donald Trump doubles down on promises to round up and deport the nation's 11 million undocumented immigrants, the city of Castle …

Environment

play sound

The federal Department of the Interior has awarded the Great Lakes Indian Fish and Wildlife Commission more than $800,000 for recovery efforts for Ame…

Environment

play sound

From cow waste to clean energy, Michigan will soon have a couple of new state-backed digesters to get the job done. Last Tuesday, the Michigan …

 

Phone: 303.448.9105 Toll Free: 888.891.9416 Fax: 208.247.1830 Your trusted member- and audience-supported news source since 1996 Copyright © 2021