If you were governor of Illinois, you might assume your primary job would be to govern Illinois.

Many Latinos backed Trump because they were disillusioned with the Democrats’ failure to restrain prices, and they’re now abandoning Republicans for exactly the same reason.

The argument is that using personal data is more invasive. But the business’s motives are the same: increasing profit margins based on factors aside from their costs.

In this week’s “A Taylor-Made Life,” Taylor Leddin-McMaster reflects on the comedic genius of Catherine O'Hara, who passed away recently at the age of 71.

Downstate lawmakers haven’t moved an inch for a variety of reasons, none of which is good enough to not get this done immediately. And because of this, Illinois has allowed the state of Indiana to enter the game as a real player for the Bears stadium, Marc Silverman writes

Chances are good you know the name of Illinois Comptroller Susana Mendoza, who has held the office since December 2016. Can you name her immediate predecessor? Or her 2018 or 2022 general election opponents?

In this week's column, Toby Moore explains there are different type of praise and trust, but while some are genuine, others come with strings attached.

Last December marked the 10th anniversary of my monthly column in the Ogle County Life. Thanks to those who have read it, and to the Ogle County Life for faithfully publishing it during that time.

Column: "Reading Wendell Berry this morning made me feel guilty I wasn’t doing more for my community, my state, my world," Rick Holinger writes.

With the calendar turning to February, it’s crunch time for basketball and wrestling. The wrestlers will be in the midst of it Friday, Feb. 13, at Byron for the individual sectional, always one of the top sporting events of the school year.

U.S. Rep. Raja Krishnamoorthi has so far raised and spent the most money. And while he has a substantial lead in the polls, it’s unclear yet if his wide support is paper-thin, meaning he could be taken out with some strong attacks.

The bill would amend the Illinois Insurance Code by requiring certain health care plans to fully cover an annual PET scan for clients age 35 or older, regardless of symptoms or a doctor’s order.

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

Punxsutawney Phil may be the most famous groundhog of all. But he’s got plenty of cousins in the Land of Lincoln.

I am in third grade at school. I like math best. My favorite time of school is recess. I like playing with my friends.

As January’s chill has had a tight grip throughout the month, I reflect on the city’s recent efforts and activities, and share some of the highlights within this monthly update.

PFLAG Sauk Valley president: Ending conversion therapy begins by recognizing that coercion has no place in care, faith, or family – and that compassion and affirmation are the only paths that protect life and dignity.

Those pushing Pritzker to opt in make the logical argument that federal tax credits don’t affect the Illinois budget. Opponents who have always stood against tax dollars funding private education challenge the new federal program on the same grounds.

Roberts: There seems to be a big fuss lately about fraud in state governments, as evidenced by the misuse of federal funds in Minnesota.

In this week's column, Dennis Marek wonders at what cost will someone pay for the code-breaking solution?

Please think of the trees before choosing to print something like Chapter 6: System Reliability Investments (243 pages), but there is good information available for those willing to spend the time.

In this week’s “A Taylor-Made Life,” Taylor Leddin-McMaster reflects on memories of her peers from her past while celebrating their accomplishments as they have all grown together.

I’m all for Poles taking multiple swings at the defensive line through the draft and repeating what he accomplished on offense last year, Marc Silverman writes

Counting all four-year public schools and nearly 50 community colleges, the state has a physical infrastructure presence geographically proximate to virtually its entire population.

In this week's column, Toby Moore weighs the question: Is it better to miss an opportunity rather than joining with the wrong person?

Oil production has been at the forefront of many news stories lately, so let’s look at oil production in the world and see if we can make some sense of it.

In Kevin Hieronymus' first school year at the BCR, he witnessed Angie Noble put on the finishing touches on a record-setting career for the Princeton High School girls basketball team. 40 years later, he's watched Keighley Davis take over as the PHS girls scoring leader

"The back of the Will County property tax bills will include a warning to get ‘same day’ or ‘manual’ postmarks if sending payments on or near the due dates. I’m predicting more than usual payments considered ‘late’ due to the change."

Politically, it’s imperative that the state not be seen as giving the billionaire Bears ownership a taxpayer-funded stadium. If they can give themselves enough cover, then maybe (maybe) they might possibly find enough votes for this.

In a closely contested girls basketball game between Byron and Dixon, it was the Tigers emerging on top in overtime. From the opening tip-off until the final score of 46-43, it was tight all the way between the pair of state-ranked teams.

McDermott: You do not need to like what happened, but you owe it to the future to remember the good and the bad. This story is about the bad. 

Many of its words were improvised, and some were not even original. But Martin Luther King’s “I Have a Dream” speech summarized the struggles of millions and inspired people of all backgrounds, then and now.

As a child, I saw people in wheelchairs, power chairs, mobility scooters and many other pieces of equipment. I never once thought I would need to rely on any of those.

Anyone running for governor now has about four weeks to craft their own budget proposal for the next fiscal year and can do so in the context of Thursday’s memo. That means going deep into details.

In this week's column, Dennis Marek writes that while the Chicago Bears ultimately came up short last week, the football game gave proof for the reasons we watch - and enjoy.

Cayden Hansen, 20, and Kenny Wilcoxen, 68, who had a 37-year Hall of Fame career at Walnut/Bureau Valley, have made for a perfect match coaching the Princeton Logan eighth grade basketball team together this season.

Sometimes one individual can make a difference. In the case of Sarah Raymond Fitzwilliam, she took on segregation in the schools of one of Illinois’ most important cities – and won.

As the session continues, I suspect we’ll find McCombie correct. Not just on the push to increase revenue, a bit like guessing the sun will rise in the East, but in her other prediction: the toughest votes will wait until January’s lame duck session.

In this weekend’s “A Taylor-Made Life,” Taylor Leddin-McMaster talks about spending time with her nieces by gifting experiences rather than tangible items.

For me, the 2025 Bears season will be remembered for restoring my faith in an organization that I’ve loved since I was a young child, Marc Silverman writes

If you happen to catch a bug, how do you decide whether it’s best to get some activity or get some rest? You can base it on your symptoms.

With the caveat that our state’s ballot access laws allow for changes before the November election, here’s a look at the current electoral math.

In this week's column, Toby Moore writes that the huge steps taken by Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. certainly should take away our own excuses to change our reality.

Column: Winter doesn’t mean life on the farm comes to a halt. Quite the opposite, especially these days with the addition of the Primrose Farm Agricultural Education Center, writes Patricia MacMillan for the St. Charles Park District.

Those experienced with returning ballots are likely familiar with their county’s drop boxes, handing a sealed ballot to someone at the election official’s office and tracking their ballots online or through phone calls.

The Illinois Constitution does allow the General Assembly to set up a replacement procedure, so it could act if it wanted to.

Column: This winter, teens can trade the cold outdoors for unforgettable indoor adventures at the STC Underground Teen Center, writes Erika Combs with the St. Charles Park District.

Lovina reflects on a quiet January day filled with faith, household work, family visits, shared meals, and gratitude for the simple blessings that shape daily life at the Eichers’ home.

As noted in October following oral arguments, the opinion in Bost’s favor says nothing about the merits of his case but effectively sends us back three years and enables a federal judge to rule on the underlying constitutional question.

In this week's column, Dennis Marek write that despite the appearance of doom and gloom wherever one turns, all it not lost.