In many ways, 2025 has been a year of sharp, jagged stab wounds.

Police departments faced many challenges in 2025 and policing will be even more demanding in the coming year, Tom Weitzel writes

Some districts will seize these new opportunities. But not every Illinois school is equipped to offer such options.

Dec. 31 marks the 250th anniversary of the death of Richard Montgomery, who was killed in the frontal assault on Quebec City on New Year’s Eve 1775.

What a joy it is to me when we can be with our loved ones. Let us remember the reason for the season.

My brain has changed my daily routine. The most significant impact has been on those precious moments in the morning when I am on the edge of waking up.

At this time of year, whether we celebrate Kwanzaa, Hanukkah, or Christmas, the message is clear: love one another.

In recent years, Christmas decorations have been coming out immediately after Halloween, and by Thanksgiving we’re bombarded with demands that we buy this or that gift. Unfortunately, I suspect some of my ancestors might be responsible for this holiday excess.

Column: As we close out the year, we look forward to continuing our mission of guiding, inspiring and promoting our member businesses, writes Shirley Mott of the Batavia Chamber of Commerce.