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?

"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.

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.

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.