Fracking bill draws harsh criticism in Statehouse

Protestors claim deceit over controversial drilling process

In the formerly quiet towns of western North Dakota, there are new strangers arriving every day. New housing is being erected at a breakneck pace, and newfound wealth is flowing quickly into the rolli

Oil wells not so well

Edinburg couple soured on oil production at their farm

Paula Cook has had it with oil. She and her husband, Jim Cook, live on the 65-acre farm Paula’s ancestors owned 100 years ago. Located outside Edinburg, about 20 miles east of Springfield, the f

Medical marijuana closer to legalization

As Illinois waits for Gov. Pat Quinn’s decision on the medical marijuana bill, many citizens are wondering how they will be affected if he signs it into law. The Illinois Senate last week approv

Pridefest, a celebration of tolerance and progress

Other cities – Chicago, San Francisco, Seattle, to name but a few – have parades. Big parades. Parades featuring outlandish costumes and leather and tattooed women on motorcycles aka Dykes

Curtain closer

Prosecution case likely done

Tabitha survives, lawyers duel

Prosecution case nears end

Calvin Christian III jailed

Christian has ongoing lawsuits against the city

Calvin Christian III was jailed Thursday for the second time in a week after he failed to produce required financial paperwork in connection with a collection action by the City of Springfield. S

Treegate review ends

No criminal charges for cutting down relative's tree on city time

Juvenile Justice shows progress

Fewer youth in prison, but mental health care still lacking

When the Illinois Department of Juvenile Justice was created in 2006, the state’s youth prisons held 1,500 juvenile offenders. Today, there are fewer than 900 kids behind bars in Illinois juveni

Physician claims prescription drugs worse than marijuana

Two doctors stood on opposing sides as the Illinois Senate was preparing to vote on legalizing medical marijuana.Dr. Dora Dixie, an addiction specialist from Chicago, argues that marijuana is highly a