AI is a branch of computer science that enables machines to simulate human intelligence, to include reasoning, problem-solving and creativity.

Lovina reflects on her family's move from Indiana to Michigan 22 years ago, sharing memories of early spring 2004 when they loaded hay, unloaded lumber, and nearly lost their barn to a grassfire in their first weeks as neighbors.

Betty Obendorf of the Polo Historical Society remembers the Polo High Class of 1950 and baseball and teaching.

I think it’s pretty universal that people are cautious about trusting other people. So is mistrust a human nature thing? Is it instinct? Well, maybe. But perhaps mistrust is something we are taught at an early age.

The resistance itself is evidence of the larger problem: a government structure and political culture in which our public institutions are rivals instead of partners

Column: What's Happening in Batavia? A scam warning, tree trimming and parkway tree programs and what to do if your sewer backs up, writes Lori Botterman.

The political “instant replay” has no single author or starting date, but its overuse has produced few resolutions of the major problems confronting the country.

The restrictive Pentagon rules are part of a wide-ranging effort by Trump and his staff to undermine press scrutiny in the name of national security.

The Bulls and Blackhawks would stay put (and so would the stadium), they’d just be in a vastly improved area instead of surrounded by literally acres of parking lots.

For the last 24 years, Habitat for Humanity of Ogle County volunteers have worked tirelessly to bring critical housing solutions to residents of Ogle County.

Almost six years to the day that Illinois went into lockdown at the beginning of the COVID-19 pandemic, the virus finally caught up with the Olivers. As expected, it wasn't worth the wait.

Why the people around you respond better to desire than demands – and what that means for your morning.

It’s good to convey pragmatism rather than approaching the challenges with a bulldozer and trusting someone else to sort out the rubble.

Jewish children in America these days are being told to remain inside, get home fast, or stay away from their temples altogether, lest they be screamed at, shot at, or become the target of some enraged hater behind the wheel.

It’s hard to make arguments against Illinois food feeding Illinois people and keeping those dollars churning close to home.

As billionaire Gov. JB Pritzker told me in a post-election interview, “a whole bunch of money does not a good candidate make.”

Betty Obendorf of the Polo Historical Society takes another trip back to 1950 at Polo Community High School.

Lottie Holman O’Neill broke barriers as Illinois’ first female legislator, paving the way for women in state politics while building a four-decade career marked by strong convictions and historic influence.

As many of us grew up, we heard from the world around us that whatever we were doing, it wasn’t enough. We could always do more.

Despite spring's late arrival, Lovina finds reasons to be grateful – from home organizing to helping her son reclaim mobility.

To be fair, Harriss' spot in the minority party means she could put the ideal plan on the table and still not garner meaningful support.

The old adage, “You snooze, you lose,” still stands as wise advice, whether you’re talking about the last cookie in the jar or that job opening you’ve always dreamed about.

PASCHAL: Anyone who has watched cartoons as much as Gen X did as kids has been preparing their whole life for the inevitable sinking into quicksand.

CHESNEY: Some of my responsibilities as a state senator include standing up for my district and defending the values that make our communities strong. One responsibility that doesn't get talked about enough is preparing the next generation to carry those principles forward.

Column: Planning a party? Consider a venue that is not only fun but really sets a special occasion apart. That’s just what’s on offer with a private charter of a paddlewheel riverboat, writes Patricia MacMillan for the St. Charles Park District.

COLUMN: The story of B. F. Shaw reveals his remarkable role in Illinois’ opposition to slavery, the history of the Republican party, and Dixon’s relationship with Abraham Lincoln.

I’m not in the predictions game, but if 2026 turnout matches 2022, Bailey can only prevail by convincing a lot of folks to switch sides.

Yes, the Bears won 11 games last season, but asking for more isn’t being a hater, Marc Silverman writes

Protecting children from sexual exploitation is a layered approach that involves law enforcement, parents and informed children, columnist Tom Weitzel mainatains

How reliant are we on electricity? Well, the Oliver homestead found out when half the power in the house went out on a Friday night.

In this week's column, Toby Moore wonders what the true limits may be for the human mind.

Illinois is very much a “what’s in it for me?” state, and forcing taxpayers to cough up (only?) nine figures of infrastructure spending to grant a valuable private business entity’s real estate wishes won’t benefit lawmakers.

COLUMN: Regular maintenance and thoughtful planning ensure that parks remain both functional and sustainable. Stewardship is a shared responsibility between park staff and residents.

To temper the potential impact to your cholesterol levels, consider sticking with filtered coffee, limiting the sugar, and switching to low-fat milk or a plant-based milk like oat, almond, cashew or soy to reduce the saturated fat.

The business of running the state has far more impact on readers’ lives than the political machinations of election season, but it’s important to understand how campaign considerations can affect legislation and other Springfield decisions.

Total spending, including the race for the open state comptroller position, was at $5.5 million for the calendar year.

Illinois families are used to hearing the same explanation whenever something goes wrong in state government: we just need more money.

It’s another season in the books for boys IHSA basketball after four champs were crowned at Champaign last weekend. What did we learn?

For decades, female journalists were relegated to soft news and local coverage, rarely allowed to cover the biggest, hard-hitting stories. Louise Hutchinson, however, broke that mold, along with numerous gender barriers.

Wise: Since its invention, the locomotive has been a backbone of the American economy. It has also been one of the most talked about machines in our native folklore.

Betty Obendorf of the Polo Historical Society recaps the year 1949 in Polo.

Lovina shares how she spent a busy weekend spoiling grandchildren, cooking family meals, and making memories with loved ones.

Surely some very smart people have handy explanations for these calculations being so significant in the average Illinoisan’s property tax obligation.

I was given this job in July 1948. You’d think I would understand the basic duties by now, right? This living life thing should be easy.

Column: Primary elections sometimes raise questions for voters, so I wanted to take a moment to walk through a few of the most common questions and share some helpful information for voters in DeKalb County, writes Clerk and Recorder Tasha Sims.

You can train yourself to avoid fraud. First, recognize the characteristics of most scams. Then tell yourself, if this happens to me, I will always talk to someone I trust to ask for help. Who do you trust? Write down their name and number.

Column: Today, March 12, is the final day to request a mail-in ballot for the primary election on Tuesday, March 17. That and other tips you should know before you head to the polls, writes Christi Slavenas of the League of Women Voters of DeKalb County.

That’s not to say slower is inherently safer, or even logical, but speed limits are set through municipal ordinance, and that’s precisely the type of topic that draws residents to meetings.

Column: Primrose Farm offers unique experiences with a wide range of classes and programs, including upcoming classes featuring cooking, baking and soap-making specially geared to adults 50 and older, writes Patricia MacMillan for the St. Charles Park District.

You don’t have to win free agency in order to win games, but the pressure is on Bears GM Ryan Poles to find guys who can pressure the quarterback in next month’s draft, Marc Silverman writes