Sen. Dick Durbin needs to step up his game if he wants a get-out-of-jail-free card for George Ryan.

It seemed to be just another obituary, one of many. There didn’t appear anything special about it. But last weekend, The New York Times took notice. So did The Times of London. So did people across America and in Europe — people who loved the game of checkers.

There was no reason for Lowden State Park, Castle Rock State Park and five other Illinois parks to close last weekend. The state had enough money, but the governor chose not to allow the Illinois Department of Natural Resources to use the money.

Relations between the United States and Libya have been inching toward normalcy for the last five years, but events in the past few weeks have moved them to a point of prominence in this nation's foreign affairs. It's an unusual spot for a country that's been viewed for many years as a rogue state that harbored and supported terrorists.

A local legislator has been selected for a major post in the Illinois General Assembly. State Sen. Christine Radogno, R-41st District, of Lemont is Republican leader of the Senate. She was chosen by her peers over state Sen. Kirk Dillard, R-24th District, of Hinsdale.

In selecting a town to host the state’s newest casino, officials are using too narrow a goal.

Hermon Lowery is a humble gent. That's why his pals were tickled to surprise and honor the 84-year-old World War II vet. And that's why they're now anguished that vandals ruined their tribute.

What do Springfield’s readers have against George Meredith? George, who died 99 years ago, was quite the big deal in his day. A prolific author and poet, he was mentioned in the same breath as Tennyson.

The Christmas season brings out the best in many folks. Others, well, not so much.

President-elect Barack Obama’s national security team shows a person who is tolerant of strong personalities and has kept his promise to appoint a bipartisan team of rivals.

Black Friday? More like Bleak Friday. Doesn't have to be that way. Doesn't have to be a frantic free-for-all. Doesn't have to be a miserable mob scene.

There’s something special about the time between Thanksgiving and Christmas that brings out the underlying spirit of good cheer in everyone, even the most hardened politicians.

This past week's announcement by Sen. Dick Durbin that he intends to seek reappointment for U.S. Attorney Patrick Fitzgerald thankfully puts an end to all the speculation that Illinois' latter-day Eliot Ness will be sent packing or get kicked upstairs where he can't stop the damage business as usual does in this state.

The number of prominent politicians who think former Gov. George Ryan should be shown leniency has grown.

The term “Black Friday,” in its traditional American usage, is somewhat of a misnomer. The term carries a sense of foreboding that is at odds with what many people regard as the start of the commercial portion of a season of joy.