Four Illinois counties, including Champaign, are leading the effort to better understand those who suffer from mental illness and substance abuse disorders. Data-Driven Health and Justice is a nationwide effort to reduce the financial and human costs associated with those who frequently end up in hospitals and jails, or 'superutlizers'. The Illinois Criminal Justice Authority held a conference Friday in Urbana to help other parts of the state find preventative measures.  

The commission that Gov. Bruce Rauner appointed to find ways of reducing the state's prison population has already made recommendations that some members call low-hanging fruit, and are not moving on to more difficult proposals.