In this week's column, Toby Moore writes that New Year's Day resolution may not always be followed, but they do serve a purpose.

Turning bills into laws is only one step in a lengthy process. Money is usually required, and simply getting people talking about an issue is no guarantee those conversations will lead to action.

The big news coming out of the IHSA was an expansion of the football playoffs from 256 qualifying teams to 384.

As I prepare to close an 8-year chapter serving as city manager of Rochelle, I want to take a moment to sincerely thank the residents, businesses and community partners who have supported our organization and our shared vision for this community.

"First and foremost, Illinois must restore a sense of fiscal responsibility," state Sen. Craig Wilcox of McHenry writes of his wish list for 2026.

That we’re still on the improvement path seven years later isn’t the most encouraging, but it does show a commitment to actually addressing problems.

We can learn a lot by looking at ourselves through the eyes of others. A Chinese scholar gave us that opportunity in his book, “America against America.”

Some districts will seize these new opportunities. But not every Illinois school is equipped to offer such options.

Dec. 31 marks the 250th anniversary of the death of Richard Montgomery, who was killed in the frontal assault on Quebec City on New Year’s Eve 1775.

What a joy it is to me when we can be with our loved ones. Let us remember the reason for the season.

One more time looking back at the sports stories and people from 2025 through the eyes of your local sports editor, looking back at feel-good moments and sorrow, best quotes and interviews, favorite story and favorite game and those we've lost

During World War II and into the post-war period, two religions had chaplains: Christian (Protestant and Roman Catholic) and Jewish. There are now five religions with chaplains: Christian, Jewish, Muslim, Buddhist and Hindu.

In this week's column, Dennis Marek writes that as the end of the year rapidly approaches that there is hope in the coming year for America.

As Christmas gatherings take place, enjoy being with your friends and family. This is what the holiday season is all about.

Merry Christmas, Bears fans. For the first time in a while, it is a merry football season and a happy playoff year. How many people did you hug last Saturday night? Joyous, glorious hugs even from strangers because of what we witnessed.

In recent years, Christmas decorations have been coming out immediately after Halloween, and by Thanksgiving we’re bombarded with demands that we buy this or that gift. Unfortunately, I suspect some of my ancestors might be responsible for this holiday excess.

December is almost over. We participated in the annual Christmas Walk parade. Our float was decorated with Christmas lights, a Snoopy doghouse and the Peanuts characters.

Toby Moore shares his thoughts on Christmas, how they've changed over the years and what he looks forward to when the holiday season rolls around.

In fiscal 2025 the state’s public K-12 spending was just shy of $11 billion. In fiscal 2026, it’s nearly $11.2 billion. Each figure constitutes roughly 20% of the General Revenue Fund.

'Giving public money to a professional sports franchise doesn’t crack the top 100 things the people of Illinois are asking for, expecting, or willing to tolerate right now.'

A recent study published by three state agencies warns that electricity shortages are coming to Illinois.

More than 250 new laws take effect in Illinois Jan. 1. As has become custom around here I like to use the last few columns of December to review legislation that might not have gotten proper attention earlier in the year.

DeWalt: Heavy alcohol use can cause genetic mutations, impair tumor suppression, and limit the body’s ability to absorb nutrients from food that help protect against cancer.

Christmas in the White House in the 1860s was a far cry from the ornate displays of decor familiar to Americans today. During the Lincoln administration, the holiday was observed in a low-key manner.

There is one possible solution to this lack of lawyers and overworked lawyer problem being considered that has many concerned.

Daniel and I are going to bake and decorate Christmas cookies. Or at least we are going to attempt to. I can’t imagine what his will look like, but I’ll give him an A for effort.

Rochelle historian Tom McDermott tells the story of German immigrants Rudolf and Else Metzger and their journey to Rochelle.

Meier: If you hold a professional license, a great deal of detailed information about you and your work is public information, likely published online by regulatory authorities. This increases the chance of a targeted scam attempt against you.

In a testament to how spiritual values have changed, a Sunday conclusion to the prestigious Dvorak wrestling tournament did not merit much, if any consternation.

As with facial scans and voice recognition, technology falling under the blanket descriptor of “artificial intelligence” is advancing far more rapidly that any legislation could hope to match.

In this week’s “A Taylor-Made Life,” Taylor Leddin-McMaster shares a list of gift ideas under the category of: it doesn’t have to cost much to mean much. 

Welcome to the biggest regular-season game at Soldier Field since the Bears faced Green Bay in the 2013 finale, where the winner took the division title, Marc Silverman writes. His prediction? Bears 27, Packers 23

What do we really want from our leaders? Maybe we just don’t care what they say or do as long as we agree with them in some way.

Holmes argued there are 'over 20 guardrails in place' against coercion, abuse and forgery, including potential felony charges. No doctors, providers or pharmacists would be required to participate; some health systems have already announced they’ll abstain.

Dick Van Dyke – one of the most joyful performers in American television and film – has spent a lifetime making gravity look negotiable.

Column: Elevate, DeKalb County's young professionals program, is getting a reboot, writes Jessi Haish LaRue. The group helps young people feel connected where they live and work – because when people are engaged and invested, they’re more likely to stay and build their lives here

The two most intense state legislative pressure campaigns I’ve witnessed both ended in failure.

'What they have today is a joke compared to what we had in earlier years… and what we had was non-polluting.'

Column: It’s important to reclaim a pocket of silence every now and then. In a way it’s an act of resistance to the bombardment of sensory stimuli all around us, particularly at the holidays, writes Joan Budilovsky.

Some say it just isn’t Christmas without the poinsettia, a colorful addition to the holiday season. Outside of his native state, the flower’s namesake has been lost to history.

My mind keeps drifting back to five years ago today ... a day that changed our lives.

"To say 'the most beautiful artificial tree' of any genus is like saying 'the most beautiful impression at Madame Tussaud’s wax emporium,'” Rick Holinger writes.

At some point, Democrats need to explain why their policies keep making life more expensive for the very people they claim to help.

HB 3146 remains idled in the House Rules Committee, but Kennelly’s opinion ought to be a major wakeup call.

In this week's column, Dennis Marek writes there are concerns with the cash bail system as well as the much-debated SAFE-T Act, but these issues should rest with judges and their ability to make the best decisions.

I decided to head east on the back roads and visit one of the few towns in northwest Illinois I hadn’t been to – Tampico.

Column: With only a few short days to prepare for the championship games, which were rescheduled for Wednesday, Dec. 3, the DeKalb County Convention and Visitors Bureau team stepped up to assist

In this week’s “A Taylor-Made Life,” Taylor Leddin-McMaster writes about the upcoming event at the B. Harley Bradley House featuring WVLI radio talent Mike Tomano and Rob West. The Dec. 19 event will be a fundraiser for the historic Kankakee landmark.

State officials have long discussed a KRM commuter rail line (Kenosha-Racine-Milwaukee) but the new focus is on the MARK Rail project (Milwaukee Area-Racine Kenosha Passenger Rail).

Mark this down now. The Bears will get the Packers. They will do it soon and do it often, Marc Silverman writes