Law firms certainly don’t go broke doing this business. Property tax lawyers go to the mat for private clients against Chicago City Hall and taxing bodies across the state.

For a kid who grew up just blocks from “White Sox park” in Chicago, baseball terms have a way of sneaking into my thoughts, especially when I reflect on life.

I understand the concept of “haters gonna hate” but I don’t always understand the reason. Most times it just comes off as sour grapes.

In politics, desert has become a useful noun, while adjectives help tell the story.

Titled “2024 Illinois’ National Rankings,” the 70-page document compares our state to the rest of the country in 23 categories covering tax rates and revenues, government spending and employment trends.

Once while waiting for a train in the quaint Princeton depot, I noticed a large, middle-aged man knitting a maroon sock of fine wool, needles gently clicking. 

These aren’t forfeitures of items used in alleged crimes – an issue with its own tangled past – which means state police aren’t informed. Lawyers and judges presume the deals are on the level.

My friend Joan was lamenting the speed of life.

The blessed virgin Mary is an intricate part of my life.