Beth Hundsdorfer
Investigative Reporter | Capitol News IllinoisBeth Hundsdorfer joined the Capitol News Illinois team as a full-time reporter in November 2021.
Hundsdorfer is a veteran investigative reporter who spent nearly 20 years at the Belleville News-Democrat, 13 of which were spent on the investigative beat. She also covered cops and courts.
Her investigative journalism included work on issues such as solitary confinement in the Illinois Department of Corrections, fatal flaws in the Illinois Department of Children and Family Services that resulted in the death of 53 children, discriminatory housing practices in the city of Belleville and dismal prosecution rates in sex crimes cases in southern Illinois.
Her resume includes two John Jay College Journalism awards for excellence in criminal justice, a National Headliners Grand Award, a George Polk Award and a Robert F. Kennedy Journalism Award for local reporting among other accolades.
Prior to joining Capitol News Illinois, she had a brief stint at St. Louis Public Radio, and she spent two years as the public information officer at the Illinois State Police, fielding news media inquiries on issues ranging from traffic crashes to policy and procedure.
Hundsdorfer plans to bring that experience to Capitol News Illinois to help expand the news service’s investigative and enterprise coverage, as well as its coverage of state agencies.
“I am so happy to return to journalism at this pivotal time. Journalism, particularly investigative journalism, shines a light to expose corruption, protect the most vulnerable of our society and inform the citizenry,” Hundsdorfer said.
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A Macoupin County judge approved the appointment of a special prosecutor to review a criminal case against August Heinz, the funeral home director accused of giving dozens of families the wrong ashes. Heinz's ex-wife is alleging he also committed forgery. -
A law aimed at helping people experiencing crisis was originally set to go live in 2022. -
Sonya Massey called 911 to report a potential prowler before being shot inside her home. Footage shows she was cowering in fear and holding a pot when the deputy opened fire. -
While regulations on homeschooling are minimal across the nation, Illinois is among a small number of states with virtually no rules about homeschooling. -
As hearings begin this week, independent court monitor says Illinois' services are ‘in stark contrast to national best practices.’ -
While each state has different regulations for homeschooling, Illinois is among a small minority that places virtually no rules on parents who homeschool their children. -
A caregiver at the southern Illinois facility used their leg to pin a patient with developmental disabilities.
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Former funeral director surrendered his license in March after state regulators found deplorable conditions. The new owner recently found three disembodied human legs — although a mundane explanation emerged. -
Matt Mitchell, a former Illinois State Trooper who pleaded guilty to vehicular manslaughter of two Metro East sisters in 2007, abandoned his efforts to have a hearing into the restoration of his driving privileges — for now. -
Hugh Moran, the director for the Centralia-based Moran Queen-Boggs Funeral Home, asserted complaints about his business were spurred by soured business deals. But, admitted the embalming room was “unkempt" and will require a dumpster to clean up. -
At least 80 families have received the wrong remains from the Heinz Funeral Home in Carlinville, Illinois, according to the Sangamon County coroner.
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The state of Illinois is asking for the end of court oversight of its system of care for people with developmental disabilities. But some advocates say it’s too soon.
