Column: The streets of downtown Sycamore will be filled with the aroma of smoky barbecue, the sound of live music and the energy of the community when the Ribs, Rhythm & Brews Fest returns on Saturday, Aug. 23, writes Shelby Crackel of the Sycamore Chamber of Commerce.

Legislation billed as protective often amounts to enhancing penalties in hopes of protective or preventive effects. SB 1550 is different in that it does (subject to appropriations) create an actual pathway for physical protection of people and public property.

Like every Democratic governor, Gov. JB Pritzker needs his party to win back the U.S. House next year to prevent further fiscal damage to his state (among many, many other things). Hence, his intense attention to Texas attempting to pick up five seats with an intercensus remap.

Despite the 78-40 Democratic control in the House and 40-19 Senate edge, it’s difficult to envision a scenario where the Bears cut in front of the Regional Transit Authority to access the same money pool. That’s true aside from other current and potential funding priorities.

Though their service is often forgotten today, eight players from Major League Baseball died during World War I. One had been traded by the White Sox for the legendary “Shoeless” Joe Jackson.

After reading this back, Lovina understands why she is tired at the end of the day.

“We want to protect our parks with action and investment,” said Jenny Vaughn, the Illinois Conservation Foundation executive director. “We believe parks are for the people, not for profit.”

While reserving the right to modify judgment once the program fully develops, at this early stage, it seems like another task piled on an already burdened infrastructure, especially if any of the onus goes beyond school nurses and psychologists or social workers.

Column: National Farmers Market Week is here, and there’s no better place to celebrate than the DeKalb farmers market! Join us from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Thursday in downtown DeKalb for a day full of fresh finds and fun, writes Virginia Filicetti.