Art Theater building owner serves notice to regain possession

It is my goal to obtain possession of the theater and all of its assets as soon as possible, in order to secure a future for the space,” said David Kraft, owner of the structure at 126 W. Church St., which has also housed apartments.

“Though the Art Film Foundation quit on the theater and the community, I am honoring the terms of the lease, and have served the foundation with a 10-day notice demanding that they cure their default,” Kraft said.

(Paul Wood / News-Gazette)


How A Plan To Help Illinois’ Teacher Shortage Made The Paraprofessional Shortage Worse

An interesting read for those who have been following what’s been happening in Decatur over the past few weeks.

(Peter Medlin / Illinois Public Media)


Shimkus reaffirms decision to retire after reconsidering over offer of leadership post

Just make up your mind, damn.

(Tim Ditman / News-Gazette)


Fire And Police Pension Consolidation Bill Before Illinois State Lawmakers

(Sam Dunklau / Illinois Public Media)


Illini basketball starts today

And I, for one, can’t wait to start posting dunks. It’s the best time of the year. Dunk blog szn.

Here’s a great preview that Will Leitch (of Deadspin/New York Magazine/Sports Illustrated fame) wrote for Smile Politely.


Work underway at new Prosperity Gardens project in Beardsley Park

(Chantal Vaca / C-U Citizen Access)


Big Ten Championship, here we come


Consecutive losing seasons have Illini ready to turn corner in Year 3 of Fahey era

Illini women’s basketball has been pretty grim in recent memory, but with the best recruiting class in a while, they have potential to turn a corner this year. Worth keeping an eye on, definitely.

(Joe Vozzelli / News-Gazette)