Ag experts: Farm bill delay endangers food supply

Congress’ inaction affects farmers, low-income families

As Congress wrestles over an agriculture bill that will set policy for the next five years, local farmers and ag experts worry the delay could endanger a variety of important programs when the current

Agreement paves way for juvenile justice reforms

A federal class-action lawsuit settled last week requires Illinois to improve conditions for incarcerated youth, but the state agency overseeing the facilities says many reforms are already in place.T

AFSCME under siege

Union faces unprecedented challenges, even from allies

What would drive a crowd of unionized state employees to boo the very governor they helped elect? The answer is about $83 billion of pension underfunding, a broken labor contract and a lot of jobs in

Autumn means music in central Illinois

Summer may be drawing to a close, but the music scene in central Illinois is as vibrant as ever. From cutting-edge electronica to old-time a capella, Springfield and other central Illinois cities offe

Canoe dig it

Springfield man taking dugout canoe down Illinois and Mississippi rivers

Dean Campbell of Springfield says ideas are cheap. Putting them into action is what matters.On Sept. 1, the 78-year-old former teacher will launch a 1,200-pound dugout canoe that he fashioned out of

Neighbors must pay damages for delaying hog shed

An appellate court in Springfield says opponents of a pig farm outside Rochester must pay for delaying the project. However, neither side is overly happy with the outcome.“It’s a mixed bag

One last spin

Your guide to the State Fair’s final four days

For Amy Bliefnick, the Illinois State Fair is like a party with 815,000 of her closest friends. Bliefnick has been manager of the fair for eight years, making her the longest-serving manager in the fa

Right and wrong on Route 66

Researcher says wrong road designated in Springfield

Carl Johnson grew up traveling part of historic Route 66 in central Illinois as a child, but it wasn’t until he stumbled upon a weathered highway placard on a deserted strip in New Mexico that t

Ameren: Pollution rules threaten jobs

Environmental groups push for enforcement of agreed limits

Dozens of people in bright yellow work vests fill seats in the drab blue meeting room at the Illinois Environmental Protection Agency’s building on North Grand Avenue. Many wear expressions of c

Banning tanning for teens

Springfield debates safety vs. freedom

Clocking in at three and a half hours, the July 17 Springfield City Council meeting was one of the longest on record. The majority of the meeting was devoted to one topic, and emotions ran high as ald