There have been many studies on motivation, and the science is clear: People are far more successful when they regularly track progress. Recognize how far you’ve come.

Illinois is uniquely violating the Constitution.

Column: When it comes to running government programs, accuracy and oversight aren’t optional. Yet under Gov. JB Pritzker, Illinois’ management of the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program has been anything but accurate or accountable.

It’s always been difficult to see how either Pritzker or Trump could negotiate in this environment. They both clearly want capitulation and they both say they believe that they are the true patriots.

Public statements flowed forth Sunday evening, almost all of them glowing tributes to a dedicated public servant or, at the very least, sincere respect for someone who could cling to their principles without crossing the lines of decency and fair play.

Columnist: The picnic at Henry School was a festive evening and the school was all dressed up in fall by Ted and Joanne. They had cleaned and decorated for the event so the school was sparkling.

Dog n Suds was a popular choice for fast food in the 1960s and 1970s, and remains a recognized root beer brand today. A co-founder of the chain was formerly a high school music teacher in Illinois.

Dickson: The United States is not a democracy, although it appears Mr. Harris would prefer mob rule over rule by law.

IBV Energy Partners, in concert with its subsidiary, Kyte River Solar, is in the process of developing a 150-megawatt solar farm near the intersection of South Meridian Road and Lincoln Highway. The land use permit is expected to be submitted at the end of this year.

I’ve always wanted to get back into writing. It seems that every time I write, I quit after 20 pages in, and that makes 20 pages of unfinished stories.

Harris: As I receive responses to my articles, I feel like I’m shaking my wife lying lifeless in our bed, screaming for her to wake up.

In this week's column, Dennis Marek reflects on a trip to New Orleans in the wake of Hurricane Katrina.

'The question is, why is IDOC now saying it’s an emergency, right? What has changed?'

Column: With autumn on the horizon, the St. Charles Park District encourages families to explore a number of new programs and returning favorites. Kids can channel their inner artist with several courses led by All Things Art Studio.

Column: The St. Charles Park District's Adult Activity Center was designed for adults 50 and older, with a full calendar of engaging and entertaining events.

A healthy democracy leads to healthy communities.  A high voter turnout encourages elected officials to be more accountable. 

TIDEMAN: Several strategies can slow erosion and get food and farm systems back on a sustainable track. By keeping roots in ground year-round, cover crops help keep soil in place and maximize water-holding ability, making it more resistant to floods and droughts.

In this week’s “A Taylor-Made Life,” Taylor Leddin-McMaster reflects on a recent brush with jury duty. 

The elephant in the room is Williams’ work ethic. There have been far too many reports that the second-year quarterback still doesn’t understand what it takes to become truly great, Marc Silverman writes

In this week's column, Toby Moore writes about how having a Plan B affects your life's Plan A.

There’s always reason to be wary of bureaucrats seeking credit for the successes of private entities. But outcomes like this rely at least in some part on public investment.

Column: The DeKalb Chamber Foundation has a new program for residents to learn about running for office. The goal is to provide a realistic and encouraging look at public service, equipping residents with the knowledge and confidence to step up as local leaders, writes Matt Duffy

It takes an awful lot of screen taps to get to that information from your average Instagram story slide, and that’s only if there’s a link in the first place.

A lawsuit filed by House and Senate Republicans was recently tossed out by Sangamon County Circuit Court Judge Jack Davis, II. The suit sought to strike down a new law backed by trial lawyers (Senate Bill 328). The Republicans say they will appeal.

OBENDORF: We seem to have an early fall and the migration of the birds has begun.

The threats of the Trump administration to send National Guard troops into Chicago have drawn sharp rebukes from Gov. JB Pritzker. In an earlier era, troops were shipped to Chicago to restore order after the epic Chicago Fire, and the governor from Illinois was never consulted.

Column: Ah, September. As the crisp air rolls in and the leaves begin to turn, there’s a collective sense of new beginnings, writes Johanna Patterson of the Geneva Chamber of Commerce.

"Illinois has taken a major step to protect individuals and families from the financial shock that too often follows a medical emergency," writes Kim Godden of the Illinois State Ambulance Association

Lovina's family celebrated her youngest child's 20th birthday with an outdoor supper of broasted chicken and french fries.

In this week's column, Dennis Marek, a member of the Central High Class of 1960, recounts his 65th class reunion.

Farming accounts for $1 in every $7 in the Alexander County economy. The school district enrolls about 300, fewer than the middle school I can see from my front porch.

Column: Meditation can be quite a strenuous workout. Most people don’t realize they can control their personal mind chatter, writes Joan Budilovsky.

Nerheim’s quote is directed at lawyers and detectives. Fair, given his background, but the lesson applies to everyone: presented reality is not always the truth.

In this weekend’s “A Taylor-Made Life,” Taylor Leddin-McMaster recounts a recent visit to Oak Park with her coworkers turned friends.

Marc Silverman: This will be my 31st season covering the Bears as a reporter, talk show host, or columnist after growing up a diehard fan. I’d like to think I’ve seen it all and have refined the way I predict a season

Record stories that captured people's attention in years passed.

In this week's column, Toby Moore writes about working to avoid the creation of deep groves in our "anger pathway" of our brain.

Whether the subject is data centers or just about anything else outside of personal privacy concerns, NDAs where one party is funded by tax dollars seem to run directly counter to the ideal of government transparency.

Dr. Linda Hellmich: Fritts "could have used this moment to bridge differences and mediate a common ground. Unfortunately, his one-sided words and actions attacked a vibrant community organization’s credibility and viability."

The founders of our republic made a fateful decision on July 16, 1787, when they decided that the Senate would represent the states, instead of the people.

The breadth of invited attendees at the event organized last week by Gov. JB Pritzker really stood out.

A more valuable solution would be a nationwide approach to dictating Congressional district boundaries, as it has become untenable for so many states to operate under different conditions.

Column: Deborah grew up with a small cherry orchard in her backyard in Lombard. Her job was to pick and pit the cherries and then her mom made the best cherry pies, writes Janet Lagerloef.

Local media serves as a community’s connective tissue, especially in small towns like Rochelle, where residents look to trusted neighborhood outlets for timely, relevant information.

A recent Senate subject-matter hearing on energy made one thing crystal clear: Illinois families and job creators are paying the price for shortsighted, politically driven policies.

We gathered at daughter Loretta and Dustin’s house by 2 a.m. to start grilling a thousand pounds of leg quarters

In this week's column, Dennis Marek writes about a stop near Peotone once purported to be a hideout for infamous gangster, Al Capone.

Opinion from Scott Holland: Hopefully I look back at those paragraphs in a year – or a month! – and see only unfounded hyperbole

From Shaw Media CEO John Rung: We look forward to working with readers, advertisers, and community leaders in Rochelle, Ogle County, and Mendota. We plan to be here for the long haul - as stewards of these publications and partners in your communities

The Good Place. Within a day’s drive of Ogle County, you can visit five different examples of utopian communities, all established between 1839 and 1857.