We can't deny that Gov. Rod Blagojevich has some good ideas when it comes to curtailing “pay-to-play” politics in Illinois. But in tacking them all onto an ethics bill that was years in the making — and that the General Assembly passed without a single no vote — Blagojevich has taken the wrong approach to making them law.

Chris Britt's editorial cartoon for Thursday, Aug. 28.

This has been an adventurous summer for La Grange’s Lynn Benz, her family (including her five kids) and friends. A self-proclaimed outdoors person, Benz rides the bike trails every day.

A unique musical program will be offered at 2 p.m. Saturday, Aug. 30, headed by Toria Burrell-Hrencecin of Riverside in the ballroom of the Oak Park Arms, 150 N. Oak Park Ave. The program will feature students and teachers of the Language and Music School, founded in 1994 by Argentinian Maria Fermi, who serves as director of the school.

Exactly what is controversial about Michelle Obama?  It has become accepted that the wife of the Democratic nominee for president, Barack Obama, is controversial. Pundits referred to her as such during coverage of the Democratic National Convention's first night.

What does it feel like to be transformed into an action figure? You can’t ask Batman, Superman or Spider-Man — but you can ask Hillsboro native Sgt. 1st Class John Adams.

Cori Snyder is having a hard time convincing the IRS that she is Cori Snyder. Mind you, that's not always the case. Most of the time, the IRS willingly acknowledges that Cori Snyder is Cori Synder.

The recent trips that astronaut Dan Tani has made to his hometown of Lombard serve as a reminder of how much inspiration we continue to find in individuals who make incredible journeys.

Sometimes, you try to step up and do the right thing. Other times, you wonder if you screwed things up worse.

I wondered how much of the “disgruntled Hillary supporters” story being hyped in the news is real and how much is made up by pack journalists who have to fill 24 hours of cable TV “news” shows with manufactured controversies they can call “BREAKING NEWS!!!!!!!

A couple of different theories have been expressed regarding soon-to-be Democratic presidential nominee Barack Obama's choice of Joe Biden to join him on the ballot, their owners largely determined by their respective political persuasions.

The torch has gone out in Beijing, but in many ways it has just been lit on China’s ambitions and influence in the world.

 

A bonus Chris Britt editorial cartoon.

Chris Britt's editorial cartoon for Tuesday, Aug. 26.

With her father about to undergo angioplasty in Arkansas, Sandy Sopin bought a ticket to fly from Seattle to Springfield, Mo., where she was to rent a car and drive to her parents’ home.