Sunshine Week has arrived, as always dedicated to the importance of having open, transparent government. Unfortunately, this often comes across as a crusade by the press, for the press. But in an Illinois and a nation that are both looking at massive overspending, mammoth budget deficits and even bigger trust deficits for our elected officials, keeping an eye on public bodies matters to everyone.

Kena and Mark Gasper's decision to live in a rural subdivision near Delavan, Ill., led to a long list of benefits for their two girls: open spaces to run and ride bikes in, a quiet neighborhood and a good, safe school. They also list one drawback: the effect of their environment on their daughter’s asthma.

Chris Britt's editorial cartoon on Republicans' pre-existing health care conditions.

The Illini lost their last three games in Assembly Hall, including a two-pointer to Minnesota that probably cost Illinois a spot in the NCAA tournament. When the top-seeded Illini (20-14) host fourth-seeded Kent State (24-9) in the second round of the NIT on Monday (7 p.m., ESPNU), Illinois coach Bruce Weber will remind his team about the 69-63 overtime victory over Kent State last season in the South Padre Invitational semifinals.

Without dissent, the Illinois Senate today approved legislation aimed at putting more oversight on state building leases.

The Illinois House has overwhelmingly backed a measure that would ban a marijuana substitute known as K2.

Northern Illinois University has released a chilling 322-page report about the day a former student opened fire in a lecture hall, killing five students before turning the gun on himself.

The Senate voted 19-32 for Senate Bill 2535, which would require anyone under 18 who rides on a motorcycle to wear a helmet. The measure needed 30 “yes” votes to pass.

Nothing kills the mood before a show like a clunky cell phone announcement or fundraising pitch from the stage.

Chris Britt's editorial cartoon on Benjamin Netanyahu's "piece" plan.

STONY BROOK, N.Y. — Illinois probably isn’t over the NCAA tournament snub, but their 76-66 victory over Stony Brook in the NIT Wednesday was the first step in grabbing a dose of redemption.

The theme of the 52nd Annual Illinois Mennonite Relief Sale, “New Hope in the Name of Christ,” will help to provide just that for people devastated by the earthquake that rocked Haiti two months ago.

Gov. Pat Quinn all but pulled the plug today on the Department on Aging moving into costly new office space in Springfield.

Primary elections will be moved to back to the third week in March after a two-year experiment with an early February primary.

Nathan Vasher, Chicago’s only Pro Bowl cornerback in the past 15 years, was released Wednesday by the Bears.