From hiring retired educators to adjusting class offerings, Illinois schools are relying on a variety of short-term, innovative measures to cope with a prolonged and critical statewide teacher shortage. The most recent survey of education leaders from the Illinois Association of Regional Superintendents of Schools, or IARSS, shows overall shortage percentages similar to pre-pandemic levels, […]
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Helping kids who struggle with reading
An estimated one in five children in Illinois struggle to read due to the learning disorder dyslexia. Forty to 60% of children with dyslexia have a parent with the same disorder. Two local sisters are dedicated to supporting children with dyslexia by offering diagnostic testing and one-on-one instruction, then training and hiring teachers to do […]
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A demolition, planned renovation for Adams Street
Another of the fire-damaged buildings in the 400 block of East Adams Street in downtown Springfield is being demolished, but historic preservation advocates are pleased that the adjacent one will now be saved. The buildings at 417-421 E. Adams St., just east of where the June 19 fire occurred, are owned by a limited liability […]
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Historic Bunn Farm gifted to Refuge Ranch
Introducing horse care and riding to traumatized children has been proven to be effective therapy. The Refuge Ranch in Rochester utilizes that strategy and will now be able to expand its work due to a generous donation from Glennon and Jan Paul of a seven-plus acre historic farm in Springfield. Refuge Ranch, started by Stephan […]
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The future of electric vehicles
Electrons are gradually replacing hydrocarbons as the propulsive power of choice for many Americans as electric-powered vehicles continue to make inroads with the motoring public. According to Kelly Blue Book, electric vehicle (EV) car and pickup truck sales reached 1.3 million in 2024, which is a 7.3% increase from 2023. EVs made up 8.7% of […]
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DOGE cuts come to Springfield
Springfield business owner John Chiang received a letter March 10 that landlords dread: a tenant is breaking its lease. The tenant is the U.S. government’s Department of Labor, which rents office space on the second floor of the building at 3161 W. White Oaks Drive. The building is owned by Chiang, 82, who also owns […]
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Legislation aims to help first-time homebuyers
As the cost of housing continues to rise, Illinois realtors are pushing legislation to make it easier for first-time homebuyers to save for a down payment. Senate Bill 148 would enable Illinois residents to open a special kind of savings account that could only be used to pay eligible costs for the purchase of a single-family […]
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Trump to implement new tariffs on Illinois’ largest trading partners
As the Governor’s Office of Management and Budget Director Alexis Sturm warned a House committee that uncertainty about President Donald Trump’s economic and administrative policies could affect Illinois revenue, the president announced new tariffs will take effect next week on imports from some of Illinois’ top trading partners. After initially pausing implementing 25% tariffs on […]
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New vendors coming to The Railyard
The Railyard will be reopening this spring with new management and new participants. Tim and Emily Lewis, owners of Three Twigs Co., announced Feb. 15 they had signed a lease for The Railyard, an outdoor food venue based around shipping containers. It closed for the season in September and the Lewises permanently closed Three Twigs […]
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Attend the Chamber Spring Job Fair on Tuesday, March 3
The Greater Springfield Chamber of Commerce will hold its annual Spring Job Fair on Tuesday, March 3, at the Crowne Plaza – Springfield Convention Center. This year’s fair will include both a Youth Job Fair from 12–2 p.m. and the traditional Job Fair from 4–6 p.m. The Youth Job Fair provides a resource for employers […]
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Q&A With Kathy Nichelson
Kathy Nichelson has worked for Capital Area Realtors for the past 30 years, serving as the CEO for the last six years. She obtained her Realtor Certified Executive designation 10 years ago. Nichelson and her spouse live in rural Girard, and she has two adult sons and three young grandchildren. In her free time, she […]
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A more balanced housing market in 2025
The National Association of Realtors held its annual economic and real estate summit in December to provide a forecast of the national economy and its impact on the real estate market in 2025. It was hosted by Lawrence Yun, chief economist and senior vice president of research for NAR, and moderated by Jessica Lautz, deputy […]