Columns
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Exploring the ‘realm of nearly’ on the road to NovemberMar 19, 2026 12:50 pm - Columnist Jim Slusher: I hope you will reflect on what the primary elections have shown us about the role of political messaging and the means of its delivery in the selection of candidates. On that theme, I have some preliminary observations.
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The facts show that Illinois indeed has a revenue problemMar 13, 2026 4:00 am - Guest columnist Ralph Martire:
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Unexpected lessons we can learn from election coverageMar 12, 2026 4:00 am - Columnist Jim Slusher: The most important goal of election coverage, of course, is to help you understand the candidates and what they stand for. But as you follow the stories, you may be surprised at how much you are learning about our system and human nature itself.
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Japan’s historic new leaderMar 12, 2026 4:00 am - Sanae Takaichi made history last fall when she became the first female prime minister in the history of Japan. Her professional mentors have included the late, powerful f...
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Getting beyond the hair’s breadth in political distortionMar 05, 2026 4:00 am - Columnist Jim Slusher: As a rule, I discourage outright cynicism when analyzing the news, but there is one venue where that approach may necessary. Political advertising.
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Legalized gambling is great investment for Illinois, for nowFeb 26, 2026 4:00 am - Guest columnist Sheldon H. Jacobson: Illinois is gaining in the short term from gambing, but the extent of future societal costs remains to be seen.
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On auspicious anniversary, an uneasy closeness to Ukraine warFeb 23, 2026 4:00 am - Guest columnist Dan Franch: Today marks the fourth year of the war in Ukraine, a conflict that might feel distant for many, but for me, feels much closer.
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Remembrances of Jesse Jackson’s life, ministryFeb 23, 2026 4:00 am - Guest columnist John A. Boryk : I am thankful for the life, ministry and leadership of the Rev. Jesse L. Jackson who demonstrated what justice work looks like.
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A letter of apology to the Founding Fathers.Feb 16, 2026 4:00 am - Guest columnist Javeed Akhter: Dear Founding Fathers: You don’t know me, but I know you all through your writings and many books written about you. I know you the most through the constitution that you crafted.
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A process for helping you vote better, whatever your choiceFeb 12, 2026 4:00 am - This Sunday, the Daily Herald will begin another cycle in an activity that has long been a staple of the newspaper’s election efforts, endorsements in contested elections...