Items of Interest

Venice, Illinois, a once-thriving industrial town, has struggled for decades with job losses, population decline, and the closure of its only school and grocery store. Now, local leader Ed Hightower is leading a revitalization effort that includes building a new school, grocery store, medical clinic, and affordable housing—supported by state...Continue Reading

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASEMARION, ILLINOIS – June 26, 2025 – The City of Marion is pleased to announce a significant new residential development that will bring high-quality, affordable housing to the community. Freedom Development, LLC, with the help of the Illinois Housing Development Authority (IHDA), JPMG, and RBC, is set to...Continue Reading

It was a long time in the making. Utica officials first dreamed of an outdoor retail plaza in autumn 2021 and there were anxious times worrying the state wouldn’t come through with the seven-figure grant to fund it.Click here to view the complete article.Continue Reading