Illinois’ comeback story starts here.

In budget bind, Decatur cuts golf sponsorship

In budget bind, Decatur cuts golf sponsorship

The Decatur City Council moved to stop paying $20,000 to sponsor a golf tournament with the village of Forsyth, a sensible move for a shrinking city operating on a budget deficit.

Forgotten Illinois Harvey: Fixing a broken city in a broken state

Forgotten Illinois Harvey: Fixing a broken city in a broken state

Most days in Harvey, a suburb 20 miles south of Chicago, are quiet. Thousands of people and numerous businesses have left the city over the years, and the void left in their wake is plain to see. But on a cold and wet April 14, dozens of longtime residents still fighting for what’s left packed...

Government union lobbying turns legislation against students

Government union lobbying turns legislation against students

SB 2838 was meant to aid school districts – and students – by providing a means for schools to recruit substitute teachers. But government union lobbying transformed it into a pro-union, pro-strike bill that hinders educational opportunities for students during teacher strikes.

By Mailee Smith

Carbondale could lead on easing food truck regulations

Carbondale could lead on easing food truck regulations

Though some of Illinois’ larger municipalities such as Chicago and Evanston have been overly restrictive in regulating food trucks, the Carbondale City Council has debated loosening them for its city, soliciting mixed opinions.