News | Thursday, May 31,2012

Park district mulling Griffin Woods purchase

Part of land eyed for supermarket could become park

The warm summer breeze rushes through the dense underbrush of the second-growth forest known colloquially as Griffin Woods, filling the close space with the rustle and shimmer of thousands of leaves.

News | Thursday, May 31,2012

More money, more problems

Lifting campaign contribution limits if SuperPACs spend big

By Patrick Yeagle

Illinois lawmakers are reacting to a controversial ruling from the U.S. Supreme Court with a bill that could take Illinois back to the days of unlimited campaign contributions. The bill’s sponso

Summerguide | Thursday, May 24,2012

Release the beast

Biking, running, swimming and obstacle courses in the capital city

By Patrick Yeagle

With such mild and beautiful weather so far this year, it’s a great time to go outside and get some exercise. And while you’re at it, why not play in the mud?Springfield and the surroundin

News | Thursday, May 24,2012

Tenaska drops clean coal plan for Taylorville

Project still seeks state subsidies for natural gas plant

By Patrick Yeagle

A proposed state-of-the-art “clean coal” power plant in Taylorville has been sidelined, but the project could still continue as a natural gas power plant.Nebraska-based Tenaska, Inc. says

News | Thursday, May 24,2012

City proposal could spur action on civil union benefits

Aldermen would have final say

By Patrick Yeagle

The City of Springfield is one step closer to an agreement on health benefits for civil union partners of city employees and retirees. A committee composed of representatives from the city and labor u

News | Thursday, May 17,2012

Making downtown lovable

Design experts envision a walkable, bike-friendly urban core

By Patrick Yeagle

What started as a search for office space has turned into an investment adventure for Springfield architect Larry Quenette. He took a gamble when he decided to turn the three-story Dunn Building at 20

News | Thursday, May 10,2012

Lawmakers vote to keep supermax prison open

Panel’s 3-7 vote against Tamms closure isn’t final word

By Patrick Yeagle

A panel of state lawmakers voted last week to keep the state’s “supermax” prison open, but the costly facility’s ultimate fate rests with the governor.

News | Thursday, May 10,2012

Coal curriculum

What is the state teaching children about coal?

By Patrick Yeagle

Illinois is a coal state – the eighth-largest producer of coal in the nation at 33.2 million tons in 2010, according to the U.S. Department of Energy. The Illinois Geological Survey estimates Il

News | Thursday, May 3,2012

No mandate? No problem.

Group pushes for health insurance exchange even if federal reform is struck down

By Patrick Yeagle

As the U.S. Supreme Court considers the fate of controversial federal health insurance reforms, advocates in Illinois are urging the state to implement the federal law even if it’s struck down.A

News | Thursday, May 3,2012

Not too young to know

Targeting STDs, teen pregnancy through better sex ed

By Patrick Yeagle

At least 21 children between the ages of 12 and 14 had the sexually transmitted disease chlamydia in 2006, according to the Sangamon County Department of Public Health.That startling fact illustrates