I’ve added something to my morning coffee wake-up. A daily ritual.

In high-pressure moments, when everything is on the line, leaders must be able to make the right call.

The state imposes an additional sales tax in the Regional Transit Authority’s jurisdiction. Last week’s study found that expanding those specific RTA sales taxes to services could generate an additional $315 million a year.

It was a lightning moment, sparked by a few words. A simple sentence. I cannot recall all those specifics, but I remember the words, who said them, and the overwhelming feeling that washed over me.

Commitments – romantic or regulatory – are hard to come by these days. Just ask the Department of Homeland Security, which is charged with overseeing our nation’s Real ID program.

Right now I’m fighting an urge to pull out some old LPs or maybe my 45s. But I will put that off for now ... so I can tell you why.

State Rep. Marty Moylan, D-Des Plaines, chair of the House Transportation: Rail Systems, Roads & Bridges Committee, is heading into the transit funding discussions armed with an inch-and-a-half-thick binder filled with CTA salary data.

OK. I must tell you about my fingernail. The right hand, thumbnail to be exact.

Roger Cannon was a humble, quiet leader and scoring machine for the Neponset Zephyrs in the mid-60s. He went on to a highly successful coaching career at Marengo High School. Cannon, who passed away on March 6, will be posthumously inducted into the IBCA Hall of Fame on May 3.