While the trials and tribulations of the Big Three auto makers got most of the attention in 2008, electric cars are expected to make news in 2009. "All of the auto makers are working on electric vehicles in some form," said Jennifer Watts, spokeswoman for the Washington, D.C.-based Electric Drive Transportation Association.

Potatoes and cheese. Apples and pork. Chocolate and mint. Some flavors are commonly paired in recipes because they have a natural affinity. But what is the next tomato and basil?

As the economy tightens its grip on Americans’ wallets, businesses look for alternate ways to be good neighbors to nonprofits. Tom Muldowney’s clients are giving less to charity this year. It’s not because they want to give less, but because they have less to give. His advice? Get creative.

Dave White was reminded during construction why a hilltop just off Interstate 55 south of Springfield was selected as the site for a wind turbine that is expected to begin churning out electricity this week.

Despite the impending transition to digital television, consumers nationwide are suppressing the urge to buy shiny new flat-screen TVs. But not in the Rock River Valley. Local sales have been largely strong thanks to the digital changeover and falling prices for high-definition TVs.

Single mother Janessa James’ full-time job is her job search, and the computer lab on the second floor of the Rockford Public Library’s main campus is her office. James, a former legal aide, is among the many Rock River Valley residents leaning on their local public libraries while money is tight at home.

Melihate Sertolli and Vlora Sylejmani are thankful for their closing weeks of 2008. Both mothers and natives of Kosovo, the pair traveled roughly 5,000 miles to central Illinois hoping for a medical fix for the weak hearts of their infant sons - 20-month-old Mendim Muqaj and 15-month-old Ardonis Sylejmani.

Put another log on the fire. But make sure it’s EAB free — as in emerald ash borer.

Five years after learning that young athletes he was coaching had eating disorders, state Rep. Fred Crespo says he hopes a new law he helped pass makes it easier for families to get treatments for those disorders covered by health insurance.

The Illinois House could vote as early as next week on impeaching Gov. Rod Blagojevich. House Speaker Michael Madigan, D-Chicago, has summoned all House members to be in Springfield starting Wednesday with plans to meet every day, including weekends, through Jan. 13. A new General Assembly will be sworn in Jan. 14.

With a new ethics-reform law on the books and Gov. Rod Blagojevich in hot water over alleged corruption, Illinois lawmakers say the atmosphere is right for pushing further measures aimed at cleaning up state government.

News from around the state.

During a Springfield winter, the character of The Lincoln Home National Historic Site changes considerably. The 1860's period Midwest vernacular architecture of the neighborhood stands out more starkly against a fresh snowfall. A neighborhood of white-washed picket fences and wide, pedestrian-only boulevards lies mostly silent. Small groups of tourists, some in clothes more suitable for summer than the bone-numbing Winter chill of Illinois, scurry behind Park Service employees sporting sensible winterized ranger hats. At this time of year, a visit to Springfield's past can bring rewards to those wishing to pause from the speed of daily life. -- State Journal-Register

Four winners have been chosen in the Illinois Abraham Lincoln Bicentennial Commission’s envelope design contest.

There are no winners in a war. Resorting to armed conflict is a failure on all fronts, but sometimes it can be an understandable failure.