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Solar power may get chance to shine in Illinois
Gerry Smith reports on Exelon Solar City, the nation’s largest urban solar plant.
Recent stories
Rising rivers forcing a decision on whether to save Cairo
A legal battle has erupted between officials in Illinois and Missouri over a plan to rescue Cairo by blasting a 2-mile breach in a Mississippi River levee and flooding Missouri farmland.
Features
Horse racing’s last stretch in Illinois?
An increasing number of horse owners are considering racing in other states where winnings are greater because they are supported by slot machines.
Selling trees so they can have a Christmas
Several men from central Wisconsin follow the flow of evergreens to Chicago this time of year, selling Christmas trees in parking lots to make ends meet.
Software helps Ebert find his own voice again
A Scottish company used audio recordings of Roger Ebert to create a synthetic voice for the iconic film critic.
Environmental
Support your local farmer
Eating locally grown food, an idea once limited to hard-core environmentalists, is gaining traction among mainstream consumers
Investigative
Courts give a pass to dangerous drivers
Court supervision helps keep insurance rates low for triple-digit speeders while stopping officials from using the tickets to suspend their licenses.
Making a difference
Grateful dad back on his feet
Sergio Lopez remains unemployed, but has found a new beginning in a home purchased with help from Tribune readers.
D.C. stories
New Army Uniform Faces Criticism
Some soldiers have raised concerns about the durability, fire resistance and camouflage of the Army’s new uniforms.
Kenya stories
In Kenya, aloe is balm for scorched economy
In Kenya’s parched, semi-arid northern Rift Valley, aloe farming is soothing economic burns caused by a killer drought.
Welcome to the Homepage of Gerry Smith
Gerry Smith is a reporter at the Chicago Tribune.
Contact him at gerryfsmith@gmail.com or follow him on Twitter @gerryfsmith.