What should BND cover this year? Send us your questions and tips
Hi, southwestern Illinois. I’m investigative reporter Lexi Cortes. I work to hold your governments and institutions accountable. And I want to know what you think I should cover this year.
I’ve been at the BND since 2014 and have written award-winning articles about a Collinsville elected official who used city credit cards and accounts for personal purchases as a city employee, a crime-free housing policy in Granite City that forced innocent people out of their homes, nursing homes throughout the region that repeatedly failed to take steps to protect patients from disease both before and during the COVID-19 pandemic, and more.
Most recently, a tip from a community member about health problems in Cahokia Heights, where sewage regularly spills from pipes into streets, yards and homes, led to a series of articles I wrote in 2023. Among them were a special report about local and state public health agencies’ failure to investigate the possible health effects of sewage exposure and exclusive breaking news about an independent health study that found bacteria and parasites spreading in the community.
Since those articles were published, lawmakers representing Cahokia Heights have called for state and federal investigations of the health risks residents face.
Tell me how I can help your community next.
I want to hear about what’s going on in your neighborhood or workplace and what questions you have about policies and decisions made at the Capitol in Springfield and your City Hall.
The best tips have specific details about what’s happened and who’s been harmed. I’m most interested in issues that affect multiple people. Please also include any evidence you have like emails, photos or videos.
You can send me tips or documents at any time by emailing me at acortes@bnd.com. You can also call or text me at 618-239-2528.
Share your tip by mail to PO Box 427, Belleville, IL 62222.
This story was originally published January 5, 2024 at 6:00 AM.
