Ambiguity might decrease if lawmakers were more explicitly prescriptive when establishing policy, but that’s often politically unpleasant compared to taking credit for at least passing something and then waiting it out for years while jurists finalize checks and balances.

'For transit to be useful, it has to be within walking distance of the places people are actually going. And the destinations where people are actually going are not in the middle of the freeway.'

Former Illinois House Speaker Michael Madigan should’ve known better than to have ever worked with then-Chicago Alderman Danny Solis. He brought all this on himself.

During the civil rights struggles of the 1960s, many of the largest – and bloodiest – demonstrations were in the South. A series of violent clashes in Illinois in 1966, however, surprised even Martin Luther King Jr. himself.

Rather than cover the expected funding gap, the RTA said doing things right actually would cost twice as much: $1.5 billion. Further, the report calls for "a strengthened RTA to oversee region-wide minimum service standards."

If you’re not subscribed to your officials’ newsletters, do so now! I’m interested in hearing who has the best strategy and how we can improve communication for all.

"The new year brings an abundance of opportunities for those in our county to access needed services," writes guest columnist Leonetta Rizzi of the McHenry County Mental Health Board.

An unexpected trip to the hospital was a stark reminder of why it's important to make important decisions about one's health care or know the wishes of one's care recipient in advance of an emergency.

'When people asked me for help, if possible, I tried to help them,' Madigan said last week, surprisingly testifying in his own defense.

The good news is the website randomizes the list of options with each visit. The bad news is everything else.

Every now and then you get a story that helps explain the Statehouse power dynamic. The saga of the “intoxicating hemp” regulation bill is one of those stories.

Winter in Illinois can bring fast, sharp drops in temperature. None, though, were ever like the “sudden change” of 1836.

Impactful legislation rarely materializes fully formed. Current debate on both topics echoes an ongoing discussion. Are these ideas now fully baked?

Despite the Senate approval and Gov. JB Pritzker’s endorsement, the issue more or less imploded during the waning hours of this week’s lame duck session.

Staying out of debt requires more than knowing the principle. One needs to live by it.