Cairo has lost more than half of its population in recent decades. Today, there are just under 3,000 people left.

Alexander County is not only the poorest county in Illinois; it's also one of the fastest depopulating counties in the U.S.

Cairo may be close to getting a grocery store back but it's hard to recruit companies, let alone new residents, when a lot of neighborhoods look abandoned.

Cairo Mayor Tyrone Coleman says his town is well positioned strategically and geographically to attract business. But it's been a struggle.

Outside Bennett Elementary School in Cairo, a sign reads "Goodbye Bennett. We will miss you." Two schools in town recently closed.

State demolition funds to clean up abandoned and decaying properties in Cairo ran out, even as the need remains high.