The government spends millions to open grocery stores in food deserts. The real test is their survival. The government spends millions to open grocery stores in food deserts. The real test is their survival. Cairo, once a food desert, welcomed its new market last year with balloons and cheers. But the store is struggling — exposing problems with the programs set up to help.
Illinois made a bold promise to end poverty. In Alexander County, it’s hard to tell. Illinois made a bold promise to end poverty. In Alexander County, it’s hard to tell. In 2020, the state made a goal of cutting deep and persistent poverty in half by 2026 and ending it entirely by 2036. In Alexander County, it’s hard to tell.
Capitol Briefs: State money to address food deserts; unemployment at 4.2%; tax season opens Capitol Briefs: State money to address food deserts; unemployment at 4.2%; tax season opens Grant funding is now available for Illinois grocery stores, the unemployment rate saw a slight bump and tax filing season is open.