Topic: Decatur

Opinion: Christmas shopping: A pink kitchen set and the 'buying local' dilemma

I wasted hours looking for a cheaper version online, when my dad was willing to pay more at the local store. He made me realize that I was all about 'buying local' until I had to shell out more money. I've learned: I can’t always pay more, but I don’t always have to pay less.

Cover Story
What Americans want from the next president

On the eve of a historically tight election, a writer drives through swing states and listens to the voices of America, hearing one overriding plea: 'Washington, stop bickering. Get something done!'

As strike goes on, parent support wavers for Chicago teachers

Signs are mounting that parent support for striking Chicago teachers, which has been strong, is eroding the longer the strike lasts. Union will decide later Tuesday whether to accept the contract that would end the strike.

ACs out from 'derecho' storm, Washington preps for swelter (+video)

A powerful line of thunderstorms knocked out power to nearly 2 million homes – and perhaps as many air conditioners – in the middle of a historic June heat wave across the Eastern Seaboard.

The public library as community center: books, latte, yoga

The public library branches out with new ways to bring bodies to the stacks.  Nationwide librarians are developing a community center model where visitors can do everything from drink their latte and do yoga, to speed dating and tax preparation – all while getting closer to books.

FDIC closes four banks. Annual total: 84 so far.

FDIC seizes banks in Georgia, Florida, and Colorado. At this point last year, the FDIC had shuttered 139 banks.

Home sales down. But six cities defy housing gloom.

Home sales plunged in July and housing prices may dip again. But in six metropolitan areas, the housing picture is far brighter: Home values are rising and median prices are already well ahead of their peak during the housing bubble. Is your city on the list?

The New Economy
Krispy Kreme Cheeseburger: Today, state fairs. Tomorrow?

Krispy Kreme Cheeseburger sounds atrocious, but many who've tried it become fans. Will a restaurant chain pick it up?

Guilty plea in $15 million Illinois Ponzi scheme that scammed 300 investors

William Huber pleaded guilty Tuesday to operating a multimillion Ponzi scheme in the latest example of investment advisers bilking their clients.

'Coffee party' movement: Not far from the 'tea party' message?

The coffee party movement held its political kickoff Saturday at 370 locations across the US. At one Georgia meeting, the message didn't seem that different from the rival 'tea party' message.

Community supported agriculture takes root in Illinois

Sample locally grown produce and support farmers in your community by participating in a CSA program.

Dig the coal, bury the carbon

New coal-fired power plants will capture CO2 and inject it into the earth.

Who's failing – the student or the test?

Refugee Bill Clinton Hadam’s tears of frustration in school have ended – and he relishes challenge. But his progress is not considered adequate by federal government standards.

Food prices ease, but thriftier shopping habits remain

The slow economy has sustained a trend to home-cooked comfort food.

Chapter & Verse
A rollercoaster ride in the world of book sales

After school – special

Amid the afternoon carpool rush, a photographer captures a quiet moment of friendship.

Cuba's artistic output finds its place on the world stage

The island nation's deep pool of well-trained artists, along with anticipation of political and social changes, have pushed Cuban art to the fore.

Sticker shock at the supermarket

U.S. families use ingenuity and belt-tightening to save on mounting grocery bills.

As food prices shoot up, so do backyard gardens

Gasoline and food price spikes have had what could be called a 'Miracle-Gro' effect on the backyard garden movement.

South's ill-timed drought may further crimp U.S. economy

The region's booming growth has counterbalanced trouble elsewhere. But the long dry spell is taking a toll.