Frances Willard devoted her life to stamping out alcohol as the face of the temperance movement in the late 19th century.

A week filled with family visits, home cooking and simple joys reminds Lovina how quickly time passes as children and grandchildren gather together.

The more power the state gives local governments to generate their own revenue, the less the municipalities would need to rely on getting a cut of income taxes.

I do not have a sense of living through distinct eras. Most of it is a rapid, constant flipping of the calendar, month after month and year after year.

From our Editorial Board: Sycamore officials issued a statement on fire department planning, but it didn’t address questions about Fire Chief Bart Gilmore. Shaw Local has filed Freedom of Information Act requests seeking answers.

For generations, Americans have believed in a simple principle that our elections should be honest, secure, and decided by the citizens of this country.

Now Trump has made another promise that will be almost impossible to keep – demolishing Iran’s tyrannical theocracy and replacing it with a stable, popularly chosen government.

Born on May 1, 1851, The Telegraph is one of the oldest institutions in the city and throughout northern Illinois.

From our editorial board: Local government depends on trust. That trust is built not through carefully worded non-answers, but through clarity about how public institutions operate.

More than 100 vendors will be present, many offering free samples of their locally produced food and beverages. Tickets are just $5, but admission is free for kids 10 and younger, as well as veterans and active-duty military members, teachers, and first responders.

It has been 41 years since the Bears won at least one playoff game in consecutive seasons, Marc Silverman writes, which is why Bears GM Ryan Poles should trade for Maxx Crosby

The first minutes of any school threat are not the time for public updates. They are the time for action, argues former police chief Tom Weitzel

If there's a battle between generations, chances are pretty good Generation X isn't involved. After all members of this generation are used to flying under the radar.

In this week's column, Toby Moore writes despite any concepts to the contrary, we are all connected.

'Affordable housing' is somewhat of a nebulous concept for people who aren’t in the market as buyers or sellers.

As we move closer to spring here in Rochelle, the temperatures are finally beginning to feel far more comfortable than the below-zero stretch we experienced not long ago.

It’s said that March 4 is the only day on the calendar that tells you what to do. That factoid, together with the warming trend in the weather, reminds me how important it is to get outside every day during daylight hours.

Medication is only one piece of the health care puzzle. There are people who choose between an X-ray and new shoes for the kids. Or those who go to work sick because they can’t make ends meet without every last hour on the time card.

Pritzker’s contribution to Margaret Croke’s comptroller campaign has ignited a debate among Democratic candidates over independence, loyalty and the proper relationship between the state’s fiscal watchdog and the governor’s office.

Today, the presidential inauguration is held on Jan. 20, but the transfer of power wasn’t always on that day.

The city of Rochelle wants the Prairie State power plant in Marissa, Illinois, to remain open after 2035, until all bonds reach maturity in 2041. Gov. JB Pritzker does not.

The hamburger was ground, steaks sliced and beef chunks cut up and packaged. Some of the meat we canned as well. By late afternoon, we were all done.

On one level, this entire debacle sheds useful light on the legislative process to taxpayers and voters who rarely spare a thought for Springfield.

My surgeon expects my leg to recover after some physical therapy, yet to come. He did some scraping to give the nerve more room to heal and do its job.

On Wednesday, March 4, our publications in Oregon, Polo, Mt. Morris and Forreston will be merged into our Ogle County Life publication, which instead of publishing on Mondays, will be published on Wednesdays going forward.

One of the most serious threats to press freedom has been playing out in a low-level federal court in Virginia, and it was already weakening the ability of journalists to hold this president accountable for his actions.

Are you willing to lose out on restaurant loyalty rewards tied to your phone number or email address? Would you get a test your doctor recommended if you thought that might make your grandkids ineligible for basic medical coverage?

The thing I was asked the most about by a landslide was the Bears stadium situation, Marc Silverman writes. I still believe there’s a better chance than not that the Bears find their way to Arlington Heights

Another Winter Olympics is in the books. However, the story lines and life lessons are sure to stay with us for years to come. Also, a follow-up on the anxiety-producing event of last week.

Kudos to all involved, including teacher Paul Ritter, and here’s hoping more students and lawmakers have productive conversations about a better future for everyone in Illinois.

In this week's column, Toby Moore writes the only way to change is to think of tomorrow, rather than yesterday.

Column: Deepen your self-love, not in phony egotistical ways, but in ways that are less judgmental. Judge yourself less, both the good and the bad. Sprinkle some kindness onto your wounds, writes Joan Budilovsky.

The teachers unions decried the state for not living up to its Evidence Based Funding law, which was supposed to bring all schools up to 90% “adequate” funding levels by next year.

Kidnapping, like a house fire, is a horror we rarely think about until it happens; then we realize how vulnerable we were all along.

It beggars belief how any lawmaker could sign off on transportation projects only necessary in the name of a private development in one tiny part of Illinois while broader efforts like the School Construction Grant Program have simply gone unfunded since fiscal 2004.

OPINION: In late 2025, Amazon agreed to pay $1.5 billion to Amazon subscribers in a settlement with the Federal Trade Commission.

As winter fades, Sterling residents can look forward to the seasonal transition happening across local parks and recreation areas. Park district staff are preparing facilities and green spaces for increased activity as warmer weather approaches.

Motorists have rights when pulled over by police and knowing them is important, columnist Tom Weitzel

The controversial Dred Scott case of 1857 is considered a landmark in the debate over slavery in the United States. Few realize that Scott once lived in Illinois.

An early taste of spring brings muddy chores, family gatherings, a joyful baptism service, and gratitude for blessings both big and small, from healing and birthdays to thoughtful gifts.

This past week, we observed Ash Wednesday, which began the sacred season of Lent.

Where the government actively drives up prices, it’s possible (but not guaranteed) that changing a rule actually changes consumer costs. But in far too many cases, the underlying economic truth is that people struggle to afford things when incomes lag behind rising costs.

I kept thinking about that moment when new life, soon to be crawling and climbing, meets a life that is shuffling down a slope in time.

Wadsworth: This is part two of the story about the 1904 battle between Dixon’s ministerial association and Thomas Young, the owner of the Nachusa House.

OPINION: Another year, another bloated, tone-deaf budget from Gov. JB Pritzker. And once again, working families are expected to foot the bill.

Democrats warn that Donald Trump and his allies are threatening the integrity of the 2026 elections, setting up a high-stakes fight over the future of American democracy.

All these years later, I recall the lack of pretension or appearance of celebrity. That was just the work of Jesse Jackson’s life, the same as it was in Peru in 2021 or in Decatur in 1999.

Now that the Bears are good, the payroll decisions only become more of a puzzle, and shedding DJ Moore's salary could impact the defense more than his skillset affects the 2026 team and beyond, Marc Silverman writes

Years of collective work, vineyard refinement and expanded production capacity have elevated Stoller Family Estate's wines to their clearest expressions yet.

After two battles with breast cancer, each annual mammogram brings a level of fear and trepidation. Still, it's worth it to be able to catch things early.