Almost 300 new laws take effect in Illinois Jan. 1, and 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.

We’re less than nine months from when candidates can begin circulating petitions for the 2026 election, so we’re rapidly approaching the time when major figures will need to decide whether to run or not.

Reading “‘Twas the Night Before Christmas” has become a ritual for millions. Who actually wrote the poem, however, is the question.